Solar Energy and Electrical System Design from Coursera

This course supplies learners with the insights necessary for properly planning, and therefore successfully installing, a photovoltaic (PV) system per design specifications. It directs learners through the important steps of initial site inspection and evaluating appropriate locations for PV systems, and features unique elements of residential, small, industrial and utility-scale solar applications. The course probes key design concerns – including load, efficiency, and mechanical and electrical design – as well as aesthetics and tools for planning. Learners experiment with calculations needed to design a PV system, exercising newly gained knowledge about site selection, layout, code compliance, system components, and wire sizing.

This course is targeted for engineers who have interest in entering the solar power sectors. It is also appropriate for HVAC installers, architects and building code inspectors. Learners should have a basic grasp of electrical engineering, physics 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.

Material includes online lectures, videos, demos, hands-on exercises, project work, readings and discussions. This is the second 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

PV Design Basics

Learners will explore site inspection considerations, shade calculations, roof assessments, solar panel location and spacing, floodplains, power line and battery locations, circuit boxes, pros and cons of rooftop and ground-mounted systems, and considerations related to commercial and utility scale solar applications.

PV Design Considerations

Students will learn about system loads and efficiency, wind and weight loading, how to calculate the proper size for lag bolts, measuring excess capacity, and considerations related to ballast systems.

Electrical System Design

Students will learn about system sizing considerations and calculations.

Recommendation Options

Students will learn about aesthetics considerations and tools for PV planning

System Design Project: Theory to Practice

Students will apply their learning to perform system design calculations.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches students how to design, plan, and install photovoltaic (PV) systems

Provides a step-by-step guide to the PV system design process

Covers various types of PV system applications, including residential, small, industrial, and utility scale

Involves hands-on exercises and project work to reinforce learning

Requires a basic understanding of electrical engineering, physics, and mathematical concepts

Reviews summary

Valuable solar energy and electrical system design education

learners say this largely positive course is excellent for developing knowledge and skills in solar energy and electrical system design. They appreciate the engaging assignments, informative videos, and knowledgeable instructor. The course covers a wide range of topics, including planning, design, and installation, and provides a practical approach that learners find valuable.

informative videos

"The course is very useful for basic learner those who doesn't have any fundamentals"

"This course has a lot more details than any previous course i have taken regarding Solar System Designing. A must have for everyone"

engaging assignments

"learners say this largely positive course is excellent for developing knowledge and skills in solar energy and electrical system design"

"I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude towards Mrs. Gay E Canough from the University at Buffalo for her invaluable contribution in providing practical knowledge of solar system design, electrical system design, PV planning, and several other necessary aspects for PV installation."

knowledgeable instructor

"The course covers a wide range of topics, including planning, design, and installation, and provides a practical approach that learners find valuable."

"Excellent professor with a clear and concise approach to the material."

practical approach

"The course provides a practical approach that learners find valuable."

"It's a good materials and simplify for no electrical engineer.. I'm a structural engineer background and got easy and clear Al critical point for electrical system design point and checks."

covers a broad range of topics

"The course covers a wide range of topics, including planning, design, and installation."

"An excellent course covering a broad range of conditions and variables associated with solar installation and design."

chaotic

"Nice practical view on the topic. But the whole course was quite chaotic"

"- for me it seems like much information was repeated many times - it could be organised better."

outdated

"Very outdated. I currently work as a Solar Designer and so much of the actual design process that she goes over is just not relevant in the industry today."

"Overcomplicated and irrelevant math equations are not helpful when designers today use software like Aurora and Salesforce to do all this for them."

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 and Electrical System Design with these activities:

Organize Course Materials and Notes

Show steps

Stay organized and improve your ability to recall information by systematically compiling and reviewing course material.

Show steps

Create a logical system for organizing notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams.
Review and summarize key concepts from each lecture or lesson.
Identify areas where you need additional clarification or support.

Show all one activities

Career center

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

Solar Engineer

Solar Engineers analyze and interpret incoming solar radiation to identify the best locations for photovoltaic systems. This course can help equip learners with the knowledge and skills required to design and install solar systems for residential, commercial, and utility-scale applications. It covers topics such as site inspection, evaluating appropriate locations for PV systems, and design concerns including load, efficiency, and mechanical and electrical design.

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Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers play a critical role in designing, installing, and maintaining photovoltaic systems. This course can provide learners with the fundamentals of electrical system design, including system sizing, calculations, and wire sizing, which are essential for ensuring the safety and efficiency of solar energy systems.

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Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, and completion of solar energy projects. This course can help learners develop the skills needed to manage solar projects effectively. It provides insights into site inspection, layout planning, code compliance, and system components, which are crucial for successful project execution.

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Solar Installer

Solar Installers are responsible for installing and maintaining solar energy systems. This course can provide learners with the knowledge and skills needed to design and install solar systems according to project specifications. It covers topics such as site inspection, system layout, code compliance, and electrical system design.

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Energy Auditor

Energy Auditors assess the energy consumption of buildings and recommend ways to improve energy efficiency. This course can help learners gain the knowledge and skills needed to evaluate the energy performance of buildings and identify opportunities for solar energy integration.

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Building Inspector

Building Inspectors ensure that buildings comply with building codes and regulations. This course can help learners develop the skills needed to inspect solar energy systems for code compliance. It covers topics such as site inspection, system layout, and electrical system design.

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Architect

Architects design and oversee the construction of buildings. This course can help learners gain the knowledge and skills needed to incorporate solar energy systems into building designs. It covers topics such as site inspection, evaluating appropriate locations for PV systems, and aesthetics considerations for solar installations.

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Construction Manager

Construction Managers plan and oversee the construction of buildings and other structures. This course can help learners develop the skills needed to manage the construction of solar energy systems. It covers topics such as site inspection, system layout, and project management.

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Environmental Consultant

Environmental Consultants provide advice and guidance on environmental issues, including the use of renewable energy sources. This course can help learners gain the knowledge and skills needed to evaluate the environmental impact of solar energy systems and make recommendations for sustainable solutions.

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Researcher

Researchers conduct studies and experiments to explore new technologies and applications in the field of solar energy. This course can provide learners with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to the development of innovative solar energy solutions.

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Teacher

Teachers educate students at all levels, including those who are interested in pursuing careers in the solar energy industry. This course can help learners gain the knowledge and skills needed to teach students about solar energy and inspire them to become future leaders in the field.

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Sales Representative

Sales Representatives sell products and services, including solar energy systems. This course can provide learners with the knowledge and skills needed to understand the benefits and features of solar energy systems and effectively communicate them to potential customers.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers develop and implement marketing campaigns to promote products and services, including solar energy systems. This course can provide learners with the knowledge and skills needed to understand the target market for solar energy systems and develop effective marketing strategies to reach them.

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Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts evaluate the financial performance of businesses and make recommendations for investment. This course can provide learners with the knowledge and skills needed to analyze the financial viability of solar energy projects and make recommendations for investors.

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Lawyer

Lawyers provide legal advice and representation to clients, including those involved in the solar energy industry. This course can provide learners with the knowledge and skills needed to understand the legal aspects of solar energy projects and provide legal advice to clients.

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