Solar Energy Codes, Permitting and Zoning from Coursera

This course equips learners to identify national code and zoning rules specific to photovoltaic (PV) systems, as well as key design elements and points for inspection. Curriculum includes zoning variances, critical elements of the permitting process, planning documents necessary for PV system installation and recommendations for permitting offices to streamline the permit process. Learners gain a code inspector’s perspective in relation to building and electrical code requirements.

This course is for anyone interested in entering the solar power sector, and is especially appropriate for building and code inspectors, engineers, HVAC installers and architects. It assumes that the learner has a basic grasp of electrical engineering and mathematical concepts. Those who are unfamiliar with how PV works, the elements of a PV system, and/or solar power ROI should take the first course of the specialization, Solar Energy Systems Overview. Learners seeking a greater understanding of the anatomy and function of PV systems should take the second course, Solar Energy and Electrical System Design.

Material includes online lectures, videos, demos, hands-on exercises, project work, readings and discussions. This is the third course in the Solar PV for Engineers, Architects and Code Inspectors specialization. To learn more about the specialization, check out a video overview at https://youtu.be/XjkKzbXqA6s.

What's inside

Syllabus

Code and Inspection Requirements

Students will gain an understanding of the many codes impacting solar system design, installation and operation.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Meant for people in the solar power sector or those intending to join

Targeting code inspectors and people in relevant fields, like engineers and architects

In-depth coverage of code requirements and factors to consider in PV design

Facilitates an understanding of inspection methods and how to obtain relevant permits

Reviews summary

Solar pv regulatory landscape for professionals

According to learners, this course offers a highly practical and essential understanding of the regulatory environment for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. Students highlight its comprehensive coverage of national codes (like NEC) and zoning rules, finding it particularly useful for building inspectors, engineers, and project managers. The course provides a clear breakdown of the complex permitting process and offers a valuable inspector’s perspective on design elements and inspection points. While generally very well-received for its professional relevance, some experienced learners found initial sections to be somewhat basic, and a few noted a desire for more hands-on permit application examples or more emphasis on local jurisdictional differences.

Knowledgeable instructor clarifies complex regulatory topics.

"I especially appreciated the real-world case studies and the instructor's clear explanations of complex legal jargon."

"Excellent course! The instructor's expertise shines through, making even dry topics like zoning variances engaging."

"The instructor is very knowledgeable. The lectures were clear and the readings provided good supplementary detail."

In-depth look at national codes and permitting processes.

"The deep dive into NEC codes, zoning regulations, and the entire permitting process was extremely practical."

"A solid overview of solar codes and permitting. The information on National Electrical Code (NEC) and the inspection process was very helpful."

"The course breaks down the often-confusing world of solar PV regulations. The section on key design elements for inspection was particularly useful."

"This course helped me connect the dots between solar design and the practicalities of getting projects approved."

Essential for professionals navigating solar PV regulations.

"This course is invaluable for anyone working in solar PV installation or inspection. It helped me significantly in my work as a solar project manager."

"As a new building inspector, I found this course absolutely essential. I feel much more confident reviewing solar plans now."

"Absolutely essential for aspiring solar professionals. It provides an indispensable understanding of the regulatory environment."

"I learned how to connect the dots between solar design and the practicalities of getting projects approved."

Desire for more hands-on examples of permit processes.

"I was hoping for more hands-on examples of filling out permit applications or navigating real zoning hearings."

"It's a good foundation, but be prepared to do further practical research yourself."

"My only minor critique is that it's heavily focused on national codes, and while that's important, more examples of how local jurisdictions implement or modify these could have added value."

Best for those newer to codes or less experienced with PV.

"I found some of the initial sections a bit slow as I already had a good grasp of basic PV systems."

"I'm an experienced electrical engineer, and I found much of this course to be too basic. It felt like a rehash of information I already knew."

"Perhaps better for those newer to the field or less experienced with code."

"While it did cover some specific PV nuances, it wasn't enough to justify the time for someone like me."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Solar Energy Codes, Permitting and Zoning with these activities:

Review the National Electrical Code (NEC)

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Reviewing the National Electrical Code will provide you with a strong foundation for understanding the electrical requirements for PV systems.

View NFPA 54 , National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of the National Electrical Code
Read the sections relevant to PV systems
Take notes and highlight important information
Review your notes regularly

Join a study group or discussion forum

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Joining a study group or discussion forum will allow you to connect with other students and discuss the course material.

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Search for study groups or discussion forums related to PV systems
Join the group or forum
Participate in discussions and ask questions

Show all two activities

Career center

Learners who complete Solar Energy Codes, Permitting and Zoning will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Electrical Inspector

Inspecting and enforcing electrical codes is an important part of ensuring the safety of buildings and their occupants. Building and construction codes are constantly updated, so continuing education is necessary for electrical inspectors. This course helps electricians stay up to date on the specific codes and standards that impact solar energy systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Inspector

Construction Manager

Construction managers oversee the construction process and ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget. They may also be responsible for ensuring that projects meet all applicable building and safety codes. This course can help construction managers who work with or plan to work with solar projects by giving them an in-depth understanding of the specific codes and regulations that impact solar energy systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Construction Manager

Solar Installer

Solar installers design, install, and maintain solar energy systems. They must be familiar with the latest codes and regulations that impact solar energy systems. This course provides solar installers with a comprehensive overview of the code and inspection process for solar energy systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solar Installer

Solar Contractor

Solar contractors are responsible for the overall management of solar energy projects. They must be familiar with all aspects of solar energy system design, installation, and maintenance, including the code and inspection process. This course can help solar contractors gain a comprehensive understanding of the code and inspection process for solar energy systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solar Contractor

Electrical Engineer

Electrical engineers are responsible for the design, installation, and maintenance of electrical systems. They must be familiar with all aspects of electrical engineering, including the code and inspection process. This course can help electrical engineers gain a comprehensive understanding of the code and inspection process for solar energy systems.

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Building Inspector

Building inspectors ensure that buildings are safe for occupancy. This includes inspecting electrical systems, which may include solar energy systems. This course provides building inspectors with a comprehensive overview of the code and inspection process for solar energy systems.

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Architect

Architects design buildings. They must be familiar with all aspects of building design, including the code and inspection process. This course can help architects gain a comprehensive understanding of the code and inspection process for solar energy systems.

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Project Manager

Project managers oversee the planning, execution, and completion of projects. They must be familiar with all aspects of project management, including the code and inspection process. This course can help project managers gain a comprehensive understanding of the code and inspection process for solar energy systems.

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Sustainability Manager

Sustainability managers develop and implement sustainability programs for businesses and organizations. They may be responsible for managing solar energy projects. This course can help sustainability managers gain a comprehensive understanding of the code and inspection process for solar energy systems.

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Code Enforcement Officer

Code enforcement officers enforce building codes and regulations. They may be responsible for enforcing the code for solar energy systems. This course can help code enforcement officers gain a comprehensive understanding of the code and inspection process for solar energy systems.

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Planning Director

Planning directors oversee the planning and development of communities. They may be responsible for approving solar energy projects. This course can help planning directors gain a comprehensive understanding of the code and inspection process for solar energy systems.

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Environmental Engineer

Environmental engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems. They may be responsible for designing and implementing solar energy systems. This course can help environmental engineers gain a comprehensive understanding of the code and inspection process for solar energy systems.

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Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical engineers design and build mechanical systems. They may be responsible for designing and building solar energy systems. This course can help mechanical engineers gain a comprehensive understanding of the code and inspection process for solar energy systems.

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Civil Engineer

Civil engineers design and build infrastructure. They may be responsible for designing and building solar energy systems. This course can help civil engineers gain a comprehensive understanding of the code and inspection process for solar energy systems.

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Zoning Administrator

Zoning administrators enforce zoning codes and regulations. They may be responsible for enforcing the zoning code for solar energy systems. This course can help zoning administrators gain a comprehensive understanding of the code and inspection process for solar energy systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Zoning Administrator