Solar PV System Design from Udemy

If you're an entry level engineer, student, or just want to go into solar energy systems consultancy, then this course is for you.

There are several courses on Udemy in this field, however, none of them touch on a few important topics in the solar energy space. This course fills in the void left by those other course and is positioned to be the best value for money and here is why:

You will learn to use remote sensing tools and geographic information systems to pinpoint ideal locations for solar plants. This is a very valuable skill to have in the energy transition.
No other course on Udemy touches on bifacial photovoltaics. Bifacial photovoltaic modules will account for 40% of the PV market by 2030.
You will learn how to determine the absolute best angle of tilt of solar modules at any given geographical coordinates without using any useless rule of thumb methods. This will be done completely by pinpoint parametric simulation in a fast and efficient way.
You will see what goes through the mind of a system design as we design a simple rooftop system for a client in Namibia.
Please feel free to point out any additions you will like to see in this course.

This course is for beginner to intermediate level and covers the popular software tools used in solar PV system design. You'll learn the basic concepts as well as:

Geographic information systems
System Modelling in SAM
System Modelling in PVsyst
Basics of QGIS
And several other practical topics

By the end of this course, you'll be able to successfully design a solar PV system that guarantees maximum power output.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Identify suitable sites for solar power plants with qgis
Model project site in sketchup and export to pvsyst
Design pv system with pvsyst
Determine optimal array tilt using parametric analysis in system advisor model

Wire sizing and selection
Estimate project cost as a consultant or business owner
Introduction to bifacial photovoltaics
Bifacial pv system design

Identify suitable sites for solar power plants with qgis
Model project site in sketchup and export to pvsyst
Design pv system with pvsyst
Determine optimal array tilt using parametric analysis in system advisor model
Wire sizing and selection
Estimate project cost as a consultant or business owner
Introduction to bifacial photovoltaics
Bifacial pv system design

Syllabus

Introduction

See What You'll Learn

Required Software

Overview of Solar PV Systems

Short quiz on base layers

Simple test on basic knowledge of PV systems

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Covers remote sensing tools and geographic information systems, which are valuable skills for energy transition professionals and consultants

Explores bifacial photovoltaics, which are expected to account for a significant portion of the PV market in the coming years

Uses parametric simulation to determine the optimal tilt angle of solar modules, which is more precise than rule-of-thumb methods

Requires learners to download software such as QGIS, SketchUp, SAM, and PVsyst, which may require specific operating systems or hardware

Includes system modeling using SAM and PVsyst, which are industry-standard tools for solar PV system design and analysis

Features a case study of a rooftop system design for a client in Namibia, offering practical insights into real-world applications

Reviews summary

Practical solar pv design software guide

According to learners, this course provides a highly practical guide to Solar PV system design, with a strong emphasis on using essential industry software like PVsyst, SAM, and QGIS. Students appreciate the step-by-step approach and the inclusion of a real-world project example that helps solidify concepts. The course is noted for covering relevant, cutting-edge topics such as bifacial photovoltaics and optimal array tilt analysis. While generally well-received and considered a good foundation for beginners or engineering students, some reviewers mention challenges with software installation and a desire for more technical depth or explanation of fundamentals in certain sections. Overall, it's valued for gaining job-relevant skills.

Provides a good foundation but may lack depth.

"It's a good starting point, but more experienced designers might find it too basic in parts."

"It gives a good overview but could go deeper into some advanced simulations."

"...don't expect a deep dive into the underlying physics or advanced engineering principles."

Includes relevant modern topics like bifacial PV.

"The section on bifacial PV was a great addition."

"The course content on bifacial modules and advanced tilt analysis is cutting-edge..."

"The bifacial PV section is a definite plus."

Learn by following a complete design example.

"The case study of the Namibia project was incredibly useful for understanding the workflow..."

"Walking through the design of a rooftop system for a client was extremely practical."

"The project example was helpful. overall, it met my goal of getting hands-on practice with the software."

Practical training in PVsyst, SAM, QGIS.

"It covered all the promised software tools, PVsyst, SAM, and QGIS, with practical examples."

"A very good introduction to solar PV system design using industry-standard software. The step-by-step guides for PVsyst and SAM were particularly helpful."

"Exactly what I was looking for. A practical guide to using PVsyst and SAM for solar design."

"Focused on the essential tools. The hands-on examples make it easy to follow along and practice."

Be prepared for potential software installation issues.

"...accessing and setting up the software took a bit of time."

"While it mentions useful software, the instructions for setting them up were not clear, and I struggled with compatibility issues."

"Getting the software installed and running took some effort."

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 PV System Design with these activities:

Review Electrical Circuit Basics

Show steps

Solidify your understanding of electrical circuit basics to better grasp the concepts of wire sizing and system design in solar PV systems.

Browse courses on Electrical Circuits

Show steps

Review fundamental concepts like voltage, current, and resistance.
Practice solving simple circuit problems.
Familiarize yourself with circuit diagrams and symbols.

Review 'Solar Engineering of Thermal Processes' by John A. Duffie and William A. Beckman

Show steps

Expand your knowledge of solar radiation and its impact on PV system performance.

View Solar Engineering of Thermal Processes,... on Amazon

Show steps

Focus on chapters related to solar radiation and shading.
Understand the concepts of solar angles and irradiance.

Read 'Understanding Photovoltaics' by Luis Castañer and Ignacio Pérez

Show steps

Gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental principles of photovoltaics to enhance your system design skills.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

Show steps

Read the chapters related to solar cell physics and module construction.
Take notes on key concepts and formulas.
Work through the example problems in the book.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Follow PVsyst Tutorials for Advanced Modeling

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Enhance your PVsyst modeling skills by following advanced tutorials on topics such as shading analysis and grid integration.

Show steps

Search for PVsyst tutorials on YouTube or the PVsyst website.
Follow the tutorials step-by-step, pausing as needed.
Experiment with different settings and parameters.

Design a Small-Scale Off-Grid PV System

Show steps

Apply the concepts learned in the course by designing a complete off-grid PV system for a specific application.

Show steps

Define the load requirements for the system.
Select appropriate PV modules and battery storage.
Size the inverter and charge controller.
Create a system diagram and bill of materials.

Create a PV System Design Report

Show steps

Document your PV system design process and results in a professional report, including system specifications, performance analysis, and cost estimates.

Show steps

Gather all relevant data and calculations.
Organize the report into sections such as introduction, methodology, results, and conclusion.
Use clear and concise language.
Include diagrams, charts, and tables to illustrate your findings.

Contribute to an Open-Source Solar Project

Show steps

Gain practical experience and contribute to the solar energy community by participating in an open-source project related to PV system design or analysis.

Show steps

Find an open-source project on platforms like GitHub.
Review the project's documentation and code.
Contribute by reporting bugs, suggesting improvements, or writing code.

Career center

Learners who complete Solar PV System Design will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Solar Energy Consultant

A solar energy consultant advises clients on the design, installation, and maintenance of solar energy systems. This includes assessing energy needs, evaluating site suitability, recommending system configurations, and providing cost estimates. This course helps build a foundation in identifying optimal locations for solar plants using geographic information systems, a crucial skill for any consultant. The course's coverage of system modeling in SAM and PVsyst, along with techniques for determining the best tilt angle for solar modules, offers an advantage to anyone wishing to advise others on solar energy systems design. The system design for a rooftop in Namibia also provides real world experience.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solar Energy Consultant

Solar PV System Designer

A solar photovoltaic system designer is responsible for creating detailed plans for solar energy installations, ensuring they meet specific energy requirements and safety standards. This role often involves using specialized software for system modeling and performance analysis. This course helps equip one with the skills to model systems in SAM and PVsyst, along with a deep understanding of geographic information systems for site suitability analysis. Furthermore, the course's emphasis on determining the optimal tilt angle and bifacial photovoltaics provides the knowledge needed to design high-performance solar PV systems. Going through the Namibia system design prepares one for real world challenges.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solar PV System Designer

Renewable Energy Engineer

A renewable energy engineer focuses on developing and implementing sustainable energy solutions, including solar, wind, and hydro power. They may be involved in research, design, installation, and maintenance of renewable energy systems. This course helps build proficiency in solar PV system design, covering essential tools like QGIS, SAM, and PVsyst. The course's detailed modules on site identification, system modeling, determining optimal tilt, and bifacial photovoltaics, equip the renewable energy engineer with specialized knowledge in solar energy. This knowledge can be applied to evaluating new technologies, optimizing system performance, and integrating solar power into larger energy grids.

See salaries and explore the career path for Renewable Energy Engineer

Geospatial Analyst

A geospatial analyst uses geographic information systems (GIS) to analyze spatial data and create maps for various applications. In the solar energy field, they can assess site suitability for solar farms, analyze solar irradiance patterns, and optimize system placement. This course helps become skilled in using QGIS for identifying suitable sites for solar power plants. The course's modules on downloading base layers, digitizing existing solar farms, clipping layers, and estimating distances to roads and powerlines will be useful for any geospatial analyst working in the renewable energy sector. This allows a geospatial analyst to contribute valuable insights to solar project development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geospatial Analyst

Electrical Engineer

An electrical engineer designs, develops, and tests electrical equipment and systems. In the solar energy industry, they focus on the electrical aspects of solar PV systems, including wiring, inverters, and grid connections. This course may provide an understanding of the fundamentals of solar PV system design. The modules on wire sizing and selection, along with system modeling in SAM and PVsyst, may enhance an electrical engineer's ability to design and optimize the electrical components of solar installations. Additionally, knowledge of bifacial photovoltaics provides a great advantage.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer

Sustainability Manager

A sustainability manager develops and implements strategies to reduce an organization's environmental impact. This often includes evaluating renewable energy options and overseeing the installation of solar PV systems. This course may give the sustainability manager a good understanding of solar PV system design. The course's modules on site identification, system modeling, and project cost estimation will enable a sustainability manager to make informed decisions about investing in solar energy. Furthermore, knowledge of bifacial photovoltaics might give the sustainability manager the edge when it comes to choosing modern solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Energy Efficiency Specialist

An energy efficiency specialist assesses energy usage in buildings and facilities and recommends ways to reduce consumption. This can include promoting the use of solar energy and improving the efficiency of solar PV systems. This course may provide valuable insights into maximizing the power output of solar PV systems. The course's focus on determining the optimal tilt angle and system modeling in SAM and PVsyst will allow the energy efficiency specialist to evaluate the performance of existing solar installations and recommend improvements. Learning how systems are designed for maximum power output will assist greatly.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Efficiency Specialist

Project Manager

A project manager oversees the planning, execution, and completion of projects, often in the construction or engineering industries. In the solar energy field, they manage the installation of solar PV systems, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget. This course may help project managers gain a comprehensive understanding of the technical aspects of solar PV system design. The course's modules on system modeling, cost estimation, and wire sizing will help project managers effectively coordinate the various stages of solar PV system installation. Understanding the technical aspects of the work makes overseeing a project a much easier task.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Environmental Consultant

An environmental consultant advises organizations on how to minimize their environmental impact and comply with environmental regulations. This includes assessing the feasibility of renewable energy projects, such as solar farms. This course may give the environmental consultant the ability to use geographic information systems to pinpoint ideal locations for solar plants. The course's modules on site identification, slope analysis, and distance estimation will improve an environmental consultant's ability to assess the environmental impact of solar projects and recommend sustainable solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Consultant

Construction Manager

A construction manager plans, directs, and coordinates construction projects. In the solar energy sector, they oversee the installation of solar PV systems, ensuring adherence to safety regulations. This course may provide the construction manager with insights into solar power systems. The modules on SketchUp modelling and PVsyst system design will help construction managers to understand the plans and anticipate the needs for each project. An introduction to bifacial photovoltaics is helpful as well.

See salaries and explore the career path for Construction Manager

Real Estate Developer

A real estate developer identifies and develops land for residential, commercial, or industrial purposes. Increasingly, developers are incorporating renewable energy solutions, like solar power, into their projects. This course may give a real estate developer an overview of solar PV systems and site selection. The modules on geographical information systems, base layers, and clipping layers will enable the real estate developer to identify suitable sites for solar installations, enhancing the value and sustainability of their developments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Real Estate Developer

Urban Planner

An urban planner develops plans and programs for the use of land, helping to create communities, accommodate population growth, and revitalize physical facilities in urban and metropolitan areas. As cities increasingly focus on sustainability, understanding renewable energy sources like solar power becomes essential. This course may provide urban planners with a foundational understanding of solar PV system design and site selection. The course's emphasis on geographic information systems, site analysis, and optimal tilt determination can aid an urban planner in integrating solar energy solutions into urban development projects, promoting energy efficiency and sustainability within the community. Exposure to Sketchup and solar location identification are important skills for the urban planner.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Sustainability Coordinator

A sustainability coordinator implements and manages sustainability programs within an organization. This includes developing initiatives to reduce energy consumption and promote the use of renewable energy sources. This course may help sustainability coordinators gain a base of knowledge in solar PV system design and implementation. The course's discussion of GIS, system modeling, and parametric analysis may give the sustainability coordinator the understanding needed to evaluate and promote the adoption of solar energy solutions within their organization. An introduction to bifacial photovoltaic modules is helpful as well.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Coordinator

Energy Analyst

An energy analyst collects and analyzes data related to energy usage, costs, and efficiency. They often work for energy companies, government agencies, or large industrial organizations. This course may give the energy analyst a grasp of solar PV systems. The course's modules on system modeling, cost estimation, and site suitability analysis can allow the energy analyst to evaluate the economic feasibility and performance of solar energy projects. They may also learn how to help organizations make informed decisions about investing in solar power.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Analyst

Sustainability Officer

A sustainability officer develops and implements sustainability strategies for an organization. This includes setting environmental targets, developing sustainability policies, and overseeing the implementation of sustainability initiatives. This course may provide the sustainability officer with an overview of solar PV systems. The course's modules on SAM and PVsyst may enhance the sustainability officer's ability to evaluate and promote the adoption of solar energy within their organization. An introduction to bifacial technology modules is helpful as well.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Officer

Solar PV System Design

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Practical solar pv design software guide

Activities

Career center

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