Exploring Renewable Energy Schemes from Coursera

What do you picture when you hear the term “renewable energy?” Do you imagine fields of solar panels, giant windmills, or huge hydroelectric dams? Those are all examples of large-scale, grid-tied systems. In this course, we’ll go much smaller and focus on off-grid, stand-alone systems.

We will explore the key components of photovoltaic, wind, and hydroelectric systems. We will examine photovoltaic, or PV, system components, and the scientific laws essential to understanding how renewable energy systems work. We will discuss wind energy and low-head hydroelectric systems, focusing on small-scale implementations. During our exploration of these systems, we will focus on safety and regulating bodies that guide proper system design. Throughout the course, you will be able to apply what you’re learning by conducting an energy audit to analyze power consumption, identifying essential system components of small-scale systems, building a budget for a small-scale system design, and creating a design for implementing a small-scale system.

What's inside

Syllabus

1: Everything Is Solar

In this module, we’ll get started by getting familiar with the course and our community expectations. Then, we'll explore the solar spectrum, the Stefan Boltzmann Law, and Wien’s Displacement Law. Each plays a significant role in helping us capture as much energy as we can from the sun. We’ll also explore direct beam and diffuse radiation and consider the implications for solar panel orientation.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides a strong overview of off-grid, stand-alone renewable energy systems for students exploring alternative energy sources

Emphasizes safety and regulatory compliance, ensuring students have the knowledge to design and implement systems responsibly

Offers hands-on learning opportunities through energy audits, component identification, budgeting, and system design exercises

Introduces a broad range of renewable energy technologies, including solar, wind, and hydroelectric systems, providing a comprehensive understanding of their applications

Covers the scientific principles underlying renewable energy systems, enabling students to develop a deeper understanding of their operation

Instructor Jorge Santiago-Aviles has extensive experience in the field of renewable energy, bringing valuable insights to the course

Reviews summary

Focus on small-scale renewable systems

According to learners, this course offers a positive introduction to small-scale, off-grid renewable energy systems, covering photovoltaics, wind, and low-head hydro. Students found the exploration of key components like charge controllers and inverters to be helpful. The practical emphasis, including exercises on energy audits, budgeting, and system design, is often highlighted as a major strength, enabling students to apply concepts effectively. While the course provides a solid foundation, some feedback suggests it might be warning introductory for those needing deeper technical detail or information on neutral grid-tied systems. Overall, it's seen as a valuable resource for understanding the fundamentals of stand-alone renewable power setups.

Focuses only on off-grid, not grid-tied systems

"Excellent if you only care about off-grid, but doesn't cover grid interaction."

"Be aware this course is strictly about stand-alone power systems."

"Wish it included some information on grid-tied installations too."

Covers essential parts of PV, wind, and hydro

"Got a good handle on solar charge controllers and inverters after this."

"The modules explaining the parts of PV and wind systems were clear."

"Learned about the basic elements needed for setting up these systems."

Concentrates on stand-alone renewable systems

"I appreciated the specific focus on small-scale, off-grid systems."

"It's great for understanding stand-alone setups, which is what I needed."

"Good overview specifically for residential or remote power applications."

Includes practical steps like budgeting and design

"Building the budget and doing the design project really helped solidify concepts."

"The energy audit and final design task were very useful applications."

"Applying what I learned in the system design module was a highlight for me."

Might not cover advanced topics in depth

"Felt it stayed pretty high-level on some of the technical details."

"Could use more depth if you're already familiar with the basics."

"Good for a beginner, but might not be enough if you need deep technical expertise."

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 Exploring Renewable Energy Schemes with these activities:

Watch the Zero to Mastery Course on Solar Energy

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the science and design of photovoltaic systems.

Browse courses on Solar Energy

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Create an account on Zero to Mastery
Enroll in the Solar Energy course
Watch the video lessons and complete the exercises

Solve Solar Energy System Design Problems

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Develops the skills needed to design and optimize solar energy systems.

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Find practice problems online or in textbooks
Solve the problems using the concepts learned in the course
Check your answers and learn from your mistakes

Volunteer with a Solar Energy Non-profit

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Gains practical experience and contributes to the promotion of solar energy.

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Find a solar energy non-profit organization
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities
Participate in volunteer activities such as installing solar panels or educating the community

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Mentor Students Interested in Solar Energy

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Strengthens own understanding of solar energy concepts and supports the next generation of renewable energy professionals.

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Join a mentoring program or platform
Connect with students interested in solar energy
Provide guidance and support on solar energy projects and career development

Career center

Learners who complete Exploring Renewable Energy Schemes will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Solar Panel Installer

Solar Panel Installers install and maintain solar panels on homes and businesses. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Solar Panel Installer by teaching you the basics of photovoltaic systems, including how to design and install solar panels. You will also learn about the safety regulations that apply to solar panel installations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solar Panel Installer

Wind Turbine Technician

Wind Turbine Technicians install, maintain, and repair wind turbines. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Wind Turbine Technician by teaching you the basics of wind energy, including how to design and install wind turbines. You will also learn about the safety regulations that apply to wind turbine installations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wind Turbine Technician

Hydroelectric Power Plant Operator

Hydroelectric Power Plant Operators operate and maintain hydroelectric power plants. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Hydroelectric Power Plant Operator by teaching you the basics of hydroelectric energy, including how to design and operate hydroelectric power plants. You will also learn about the safety regulations that apply to hydroelectric power plant operations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hydroelectric Power Plant Operator

Renewable Energy Project Manager

Renewable Energy Project Managers oversee the development and construction of renewable energy projects. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Renewable Energy Project Manager by teaching you the basics of renewable energy, including how to design and manage renewable energy projects. You will also learn about the safety regulations that apply to renewable energy projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Renewable Energy Project Manager

Environmental Consultant

Environmental Consultants help businesses and organizations comply with environmental regulations. This course can help you prepare for a career as an Environmental Consultant by teaching you the basics of renewable energy, including how to assess the environmental impact of renewable energy projects.

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Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers help organizations reduce their environmental impact. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Sustainability Manager by teaching you the basics of renewable energy, including how to develop and implement sustainability plans.

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Energy Auditor

Energy Auditors assess the energy efficiency of buildings and homes. This course can help you prepare for a career as an Energy Auditor by teaching you the basics of renewable energy, including how to assess the energy efficiency of buildings and homes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Auditor

Renewable Energy Researcher

Renewable Energy Researchers develop new renewable energy technologies. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Renewable Energy Researcher by teaching you the basics of renewable energy, including how to design and test new renewable energy technologies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Renewable Energy Researcher

Solar Energy Engineer

Solar Energy Engineers design and develop solar energy systems. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Solar Energy Engineer by teaching you the basics of photovoltaic systems, including how to design and install solar panels.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solar Energy Engineer

Wind Energy Engineer

Wind Energy Engineers design and develop wind energy systems. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Wind Energy Engineer by teaching you the basics of wind energy, including how to design and install wind turbines.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wind Energy Engineer

Hydroelectric Engineer

Hydroelectric Engineers design and develop hydroelectric power plants. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Hydroelectric Engineer by teaching you the basics of hydroelectric energy, including how to design and operate hydroelectric power plants.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hydroelectric Engineer

Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems. This course may be useful for those interested in a career as an Environmental Engineer by providing a foundation in renewable energy, which is an important part of environmental sustainability.

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Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design and develop mechanical systems. This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Mechanical Engineer by providing a foundation in renewable energy, which is an important part of mechanical engineering.

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Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers design and develop electrical systems. This course may be useful for those interested in a career as an Electrical Engineer by providing a foundation in renewable energy, which is an important part of electrical engineering.

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Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers design and develop civil infrastructure. This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Civil Engineer by providing a foundation in renewable energy, which is an important part of civil engineering.

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