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Leandro Caruso

Hi Solar enthusiasts. Welcome to the Complete Solar Energy course, the only course out there with everything you need to know on Solar Photovoltaic Energy. .

I've seen plenty of other options for Solar Energy training, but this course is without a doubt the most comprehensive and effective in the marketplace, let me tell you why: 

Read more

Hi Solar enthusiasts. Welcome to the Complete Solar Energy course, the only course out there with everything you need to know on Solar Photovoltaic Energy. .

I've seen plenty of other options for Solar Energy training, but this course is without a doubt the most comprehensive and effective in the marketplace, let me tell you why: 

  • This is the only course taught by an Environmental Engineer

  • All the students I worked with, go on to get a Full-time job in the Solar Industry.

  • The previous courses I held were priced @ U$1500, you'll get exactly the same comprehensive content for a fraction of that price

  • I will be permanently updating content so you can be Up-To date with the industry. Consider it as a never-ending source of information.

  • I was involved in the installation of 200+ Solar PV systems in Australia & the U.S. 

  • I've been were you are right now and this course includes everything I wish I had when I first started in this industry.

I understand how difficult it is to hit the ideal course for your needs, this course is designed for complete Beginners, yet covering some of the most exciting and relevant topics in the industry.   

Solar is my passion, and I commit to make you feel like a real Solar Professional.

Throughout the course we will cover Tons of topics and details such as:

  • The fundamentals of Solar PV energy

  • Adv. & Dis. of a Solar PV system

  • Grid-Tie vs. Off-Gris PV systems

  • How does a typical PV Grid-Tie system Work

  • Solar Energy production curve vs. Household energy demand curve

  • Peak sun hours

  • Power concepts & Units

  • Components of a Solar PV system

  • Solar modules

  • DC/DC Converters

  • Junction Boxes

  • DC/AC Inverters

  • Solar Meter

  • Wiring foundations

  • Variables for the correct design of a Solar PV system

  • Calculate daytime energy needs

  • Roof performance for Solar

  • Sizing

  • Power Bill Savings

Who was this course designed for:

  • This course was designed for anyone who wants to know the ins and outs of Solar PV Energy

  • It is perfect for complete beginners, with zero Solar experience

  • It is also awesome for experienced Solar Professionals who want to enhance their Skills and increment knowledge.

If you've been looking for ONE COURSE with an in-depth insight on Solar PV energy, take this course.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Design your own grid-tie pv system
  • Learn everything on solar modules, optimizers (dc/dc converters), junction boxes, inverterers, solar meters
  • Calculate solar array size
  • Determine and select the correct components for the solar pv system
  • Calculate peak sun hours for any location in the world!
  • Determine if the roof pitch and azimuth of a property is good for a solar system
  • Determine the optimum panel placement for solar pv
  • Calculate efficiency losses due to roof pitch/azimuth and equipments
  • Energy production curve of a pv system vs. house energy needs
  • Learn about the solar cells chemistry
  • Learn about monocrystalline vs. polycrystalline modules
  • Learn the wiring foundations
  • Build your own grid-tie solar design
  • Power concepts & units
  • Learn all the fundamentals of solar pv energy
  • Applications of solar pv systems
  • Foundations about off-grid vs. grid-tie
  • How does a pv system work
  • Learn in detail about the components of a typical pv system
  • Advantages and disadvantages of solar photovoltaic energy
  • Show more
  • Show less

Syllabus

All you need to know about this course is here!

After finishing this video you are going to know what to expect and what are you gonna learn from this course.

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A brief description of the reason why Solar PV is a very important Renewable Energy source of power

Learn what career opportunities will arise after you finish this course

Simple things to enhance your learning experience

Give it all you've got and test yourself!

Learn how all components are interconnected to form the "sequence of components". 

Are you getting the most out of this course? Test yourself

A detailed mechanical & technical review on the SOLARTEC KS46T

A real Field experience.  We are going to take measurements of the amount of Current produced by a Solar Module under different Tilts, and draw conclusions & recommendations.

Learn which are the 4 steps into an efficient and reliable design of a solar PV system; resulting in the proper Sizing and Placement of the Solar Array for maximum performance.

In this lecture you are going to learn how to calculate the Roof performance for solar. Within the additional content for this lecture, I am providing a dymanic Excel sheet with instructions on how to determine the roof perfromance of any location in the world.

IMPORTANT: THE ENCLOSED EXCEL SHEET SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AS A GUIDELINE, AND MUST NOT BE CONSIDERED AS DEFINITE NOR CONCLUSIVE, SINCE THE VALUES USED ARE APPROXIMATE AND IN REALITY, THE PERFORMANCE LOSS IS NOT LINEAL AND DEPENDENT ON MANY OTHER ADDITIONAL VARIABLES.

Show us how much you've learned over this last section!

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Covers the fundamentals of grid-tie and off-grid PV systems, which are essential for entering the solar energy industry
Begins with the fundamentals of solar PV energy and progresses to advanced topics like system sizing and component selection
Teaches how to calculate solar array size, determine optimal panel placement, and select the correct components for a PV system
Explores the energy production curve of a PV system in relation to household energy needs, which is key to understanding system performance
Includes a field experience component, measuring the output current of solar modules at different tilts and tracking power production
Requires learners to use an Excel sheet to calculate roof performance, which may require access to Microsoft Office or a compatible program

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive beginner to advanced solar energy

According to learners, this course is a highly comprehensive guide to solar photovoltaic energy, making it ideal for complete beginners looking to understand the fundamentals and even design their own systems. Many students highlight the instructor's expertise and passion, finding the explanations clear and easy to follow. The course covers essential components and design principles, fulfilling its promise to take learners from zero experience to a solid understanding. While reviewers generally find the content practical and valuable for career development, some experienced professionals noted that certain sections might lack the depth required for truly advanced applications. The instructor's commitment to ongoing content updates is also appreciated by learners.
Instructor actively updates course material.
"Appreciate that the instructor is committed to updating the course content."
"Good to know that the material is being kept relevant with industry changes."
"The promise of updates makes this a long-term valuable resource."
"Pleased to see the instructor is adding new content over time."
Covers wide range of essential solar topics.
"The course covers everything from fundamental concepts to components and design."
"It provides a very complete overview of the solar PV system."
"I feel like I got a well-rounded education on the subject from this single course."
"Touches upon all the key areas needed to understand solar energy."
Knowledgeable and passionate instructor.
"Great instructor who explains complex topics simply."
"The instructor is clearly very knowledgeable and passionate about solar energy."
"His explanations are clear, concise, and easy to understand."
"You can feel the instructor's enthusiasm, which makes the learning experience better."
Learn to size and design PV systems effectively.
"The sections on system sizing and component selection were incredibly practical and directly applicable."
"I really appreciated learning the actual steps involved in designing a grid-tie system."
"Being able to calculate peak sun hours and assess roof performance is a valuable skill I gained."
"This course gave me the confidence to start thinking about designing systems."
Perfect starting point for those new to solar.
"This course is excellent for anyone new to solar energy. It starts from the very basics and is easy to follow."
"As someone with absolutely no prior knowledge, I found the content accessible and well-explained."
"I had zero experience, but the course walked me through everything step-by-step."
"Highly recommended if you're just starting your journey in solar PV."
May not be deep enough for advanced users.
"While great for beginners, I felt it didn't go into enough depth on truly advanced topics."
"Could benefit from more detailed coverage of complex system configurations or optimization."
"As someone with some prior experience, I was hoping for more advanced technical details."
"It provides a solid foundation, but advanced professionals might need supplementary material."

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 The complete SOLAR ENERGY course. Beginner to advanced level with these activities:
Review Electrical Wiring Fundamentals
Reinforce your understanding of electrical wiring principles, which are essential for understanding how solar PV systems connect to a building's electrical grid.
Browse courses on Electrical Wiring
Show steps
  • Review basic circuit diagrams and wiring schematics.
  • Practice identifying different types of electrical wires and their uses.
  • Familiarize yourself with common electrical safety practices.
Review 'Understanding Photovoltaics'
Enhance your understanding of the underlying physics and engineering principles of solar photovoltaic technology.
Show steps
  • Read the book, focusing on chapters related to solar cell physics and materials.
  • Work through the example problems and exercises.
  • Research recent advancements in photovoltaic technology.
Read 'Solar Power Finance Without the Jargon'
Gain a better understanding of the financial aspects of solar energy, including investment analysis and cost-benefit calculations.
Show steps
  • Read the book, focusing on chapters related to project financing and ROI.
  • Take notes on key financial metrics and concepts.
  • Research current solar incentives and tax credits in your area.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Follow Online Tutorials on Solar System Installation
Gain practical knowledge of solar system installation by following online tutorials and videos demonstrating the process.
Show steps
  • Search for reputable online tutorials on solar panel installation.
  • Watch the tutorials carefully, taking notes on key steps.
  • Consider the safety precautions and best practices demonstrated.
Create a Presentation on Solar Panel Technologies
Deepen your understanding of different solar panel technologies by researching and creating a presentation on their advantages, disadvantages, and applications.
Show steps
  • Research different types of solar panels (monocrystalline, polycrystalline, thin-film).
  • Compare their efficiency, cost, and durability.
  • Create a presentation outlining your findings.
  • Practice delivering the presentation to a friend or family member.
Design a Solar PV System for Your Home (Hypothetically)
Apply the concepts learned in the course by designing a solar PV system for your own home, including sizing, component selection, and cost estimation.
Show steps
  • Assess your home's energy consumption using past utility bills.
  • Determine the available roof space and orientation for solar panels.
  • Select appropriate solar panels, inverters, and other components.
  • Estimate the system's energy production and cost savings.
Volunteer with a Local Solar Installation Company
Gain hands-on experience by volunteering with a local solar installation company, assisting with installations and learning from experienced professionals.
Show steps
  • Research local solar installation companies in your area.
  • Contact the companies and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Assist with installations, following the guidance of experienced installers.
  • Observe and learn about the different aspects of solar system installation.

Career center

Learners who complete The complete SOLAR ENERGY course. Beginner to advanced level will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Solar System Designer
A solar system designer plans and designs solar photovoltaic systems for residential, commercial, or industrial applications. This course is extremely beneficial as it teaches how to design a grid-tie PV system, including sizing, component selection, and optimal panel placement. The course's focus on calculating peak sun hours, determining roof performance, and understanding energy production curves helps a solar system designer create efficient and effective systems. The course also teaches how to calculate efficiency losses, which is essential for accurate system design. Anyone who wants to design solar PV systems would find this course to be very valuable.
Solar Panel Installer
A solar panel installer is responsible for the physical installation of solar photovoltaic systems. This course, with its comprehensive coverage of solar PV systems, helps build a foundation for understanding the components like solar modules, DC/DC converters, junction boxes, and inverters, which are all essential in the installation process. The course also covers wiring fundamentals, which directly applies to safe and efficient installation. The detailed review of a real-world solar module aids in understanding how physical installation affects performance. Anyone looking to become a solar panel installer will find this course valuable as it emphasizes the practical aspects of solar energy.
Solar Energy Technician
A solar energy technician is responsible for the maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of solar PV systems. This course provides insights into how a solar PV system works, including the various components like solar modules, DC/DC converters, and inverters, that are needed to diagnose issues effectively. The course covers wiring foundations and the interconnection of components, which is useful for repair. The practical experience presented in the course, such as measuring module output, helps a solar energy technician gain hands-on understanding. This course provides the technical know-how to succeed as a solar technician.
Solar Sales Representative
A solar sales representative sells solar energy systems to potential clients. This course is particularly useful for providing a thorough understanding of how solar PV systems function, including their components, advantages, and disadvantages. The course also covers important details like peak sun hours and system sizing, which a sales representative can use to explain the value of solar. This course's emphasis on the practical aspects of PV systems helps a sales representative address common customer questions and concerns about solar.
Renewable Energy Consultant
A renewable energy consultant advises clients on the feasibility and implementation of renewable energy projects, particularly solar. This course’s exploration of grid-tie and off-grid systems helps a consultant recommend the best approach to clients. The course also discusses solar energy production versus household energy demand, which is vital information for advising on system sizing and efficiency. The curriculum on system components and sizing allows a renewable energy consultant to perform initial evaluations and analyses. This course provides knowledge necessary for advising clients on solar energy integration.
Electrical Engineer
An electrical engineer working with renewable energy may be involved in designing and integrating solar PV systems. This course, with its detailed coverage of the components of a PV system, such as DC/DC converters and inverters, helps an electrical engineer understand how each component functions within the system. An electrical engineer will find the course material on wiring fundamentals and system design very beneficial. The course's focus on sizing and performance assessment is also relevant for an electrical engineer. This course greatly enhances the skillset of an electrical engineer working on solar energy.
Energy Analyst
An energy analyst studies energy trends and consumption patterns, often focusing on renewable energy sources such as solar. This course with its comprehensive study of solar PV systems, including the fundamentals, specific components, and system design, provides the essential baseline knowledge for this job. The course also includes details on energy production and demand, as an energy analyst needs to understand how supply and demand work in relation to solar electricity. Anyone wishing to work as an energy analyst will benefit from this course’s deep dive into solar energy.
Energy Auditor
An energy auditor assesses energy consumption in buildings and identifies opportunities for improvement, including the potential for solar energy. This course enhances an energy auditor's ability to evaluate the suitability of solar PV systems for different properties. The knowledge of how solar production curves interact with household energy needs is vital to the work of an energy auditor. The course’s focus on calculating roof performance and understanding peak sun hours helps an auditor assess the feasibility of integrating solar energy. This course allows energy auditors to advise clients effectively on solar energy.
Solar Energy Educator
A solar energy educator develops and delivers educational content on solar energy. This course goes over how solar PV systems work in a way that benefits educators who want to teach others. The course's content, including fundamentals, components, and system design, gives an educator a deep enough understanding to teach effectively. The course is structured in a way that makes it easy to use its content to organize lectures. A solar energy educator would find this course to be very useful in preparation for developing solar education materials.
Sustainability Specialist
A sustainability specialist helps organizations reduce their environmental impact, which includes integrating renewable energy like solar power. This course gives a sustainability specialist the knowledge to understand solar PV systems at a deep level, making them more effective in their roles. The course explains how grid-tie and off-grid systems work, which allows the sustainability specialist to promote the correct solutions. Concepts such as peak sun hours and the advantages and disadvantages of solar PV energy give a sustainability specialist the tools necessary to advocate for solar. A sustainability specialist may use this course to become a powerful advocate for solar energy adoption.
Project Manager Solar
A project manager of solar projects oversees the planning, execution, and completion of solar installations. The depth of knowledge provided in this course regarding the components of solar PV systems and how they work helps a project manager grasp the technical aspects of solar projects. The course also discusses wiring foundations, system design, and power calculations, which are all essential to success in this position. This course helps project managers working on solar energy to understand every facet of the project with a level of detail, making sure the project meets its goals.
Environmental Advocate
An environmental advocate promotes policies and initiatives that support renewable energy. This course, provides a thorough understanding of solar PV energy, including its fundamental concepts, advantages, and disadvantages. The course provides the details about how solar systems actually work, which enhances the advocate’s ability to argue for their adoption. An environmental advocate can use the detailed information about solar energy in this course to become a more informed and impactful voice for renewable energy. This course will help an environmental advocate make their case for solar.
Construction Manager Solar
A construction manager for solar installations oversees the physical construction of solar projects. This course provides a thorough understanding of solar PV components, including modules, converters, junction boxes, and inverters, as well as wiring foundations and system design. The course's focus on peak sun hours, roof performance, and optimal panel placement helps a construction manager plan and execute installations effectively. This course provides the baseline knowledge necessary for construction managers in the solar field.
Research Scientist Solar Energy
A research scientist in solar energy conducts research to improve solar technology. While this course is not explicitly focused on research, it provides a broad overview of solar PV systems, which is essential background knowledge. A research scientist will find the course’s detailed explanation of system components and how they work useful toward their basic understanding. The course offers a comprehensive introduction to solar technology. Those looking to work in solar energy research would benefit from the fundamental knowledge this course provides.
Solar Policy Analyst
A solar policy analyst researches and develops policies related to solar energy. While this course does not teach the skills of policy analysis directly, it provides a thorough understanding of solar PV systems. A policy analyst will find the course's description of grid-tie and off-grid systems and the advantages of solar to be useful when making conclusions. The course provides an overview of solar energy technology and its implementation, which helps guide the study of policy. A solar policy analyst may find this course useful toward their policy research.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The complete SOLAR ENERGY course. Beginner to advanced level.
Provides a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the science and technology behind photovoltaics. It covers the fundamental principles of solar cell operation, materials science, and system design. This book is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions. It adds more depth to the existing course, and useful reference tool.
Provides a clear and accessible overview of the financial aspects of solar power projects. It demystifies complex financial concepts, making them understandable for individuals without a finance background. This is particularly useful for understanding the economic viability and investment potential of solar energy systems. It is valuable as additional reading to understand the financial side of solar energy.

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