• For Individuals
  • For Businesses
  • For Universities
  • For Governments
Degrees
​
Log In
Join for Free
  • Browse
  • Solar Energy

Solar Energy Courses

Solar energy courses can help you learn photovoltaic systems, solar thermal technologies, energy storage solutions, and grid integration. You can build skills in site assessment, system design, and performance analysis, as well as understanding regulatory frameworks and financing options. Many courses introduce tools like solar design software, simulation programs, and project management platforms that are essential for planning and implementing solar projects.


Popular Solar Energy Courses and Certifications


  • T

    The State University of New York

    Solar Energy Basics

    ★ 4.8 (2.6K) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Category: Credit offered
    Credit offered
  • U

    University at Buffalo

    Solar Energy and Electrical System Design

    ★ 4.7 (731) · Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    Category: Credit offered
    Credit offered
  • U

    University at Buffalo

    Solar Energy for Engineers, Architects and Code Inspectors

    ★ 4.7 (1.5K) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    Category: Credit offered
    Credit offered
  • T

    The State University of New York

    Solar Energy System Design

    ★ 4.7 (474) · Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Category: Credit offered
    Credit offered
  • U

    University of Colorado Boulder

    Renewable Energy

    ★ 4.8 (1.3K) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    Category: Credit offered
    Credit offered
  • U

    University at Buffalo

    Solar Energy Systems Overview

    ★ 4.7 (868) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    Category: Credit offered
    Credit offered

What brings you to Coursera today?

  • L

    L&T EduTech

    Renewable Energy & Power Evacuation

    ★ 4.4 (37) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    Category: Credit offered
    Credit offered
  • T

    Technical University of Denmark (DTU)

    Photovoltaic Systems

    ★ 4.6 (161) · Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Category: Preview
    Preview
    Category: Credit offered
    Credit offered
  • U

    University of Colorado Boulder

    Renewable Energy Technology Fundamentals

    ★ 4.8 (801) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    Category: Credit offered
    Credit offered
  • É

    École Polytechnique

    Photovoltaic solar energy

    ★ 4.2 (481) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    Category: Preview
    Preview
    Category: Credit offered
    Credit offered
  • T

    Technical University of Denmark (DTU)

    Introduction to solar cells

    ★ 4.8 (2.5K) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Category: Preview
    Preview
    Category: Credit offered
    Credit offered
  • U

    University of Colorado Boulder

    Renewable Energy Projects

    ★ 4.8 (192) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    Category: Credit offered
    Credit offered
1234…31

In summary, here are 10 of our most popular solar energy courses

  • Solar Energy Basics: The State University of New York
  • Solar Energy and Electrical System Design: University at Buffalo
  • Solar Energy for Engineers, Architects and Code Inspectors: University at Buffalo
  • Solar Energy System Design: The State University of New York
  • Renewable Energy: University of Colorado Boulder
  • Solar Energy Systems Overview: University at Buffalo
  • Renewable Energy & Power Evacuation: L&T EduTech
  • Photovoltaic Systems: Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
  • Renewable Energy Technology Fundamentals: University of Colorado Boulder
  • Photovoltaic solar energy: École Polytechnique

Frequently Asked Questions about Solar Energy

Solar energy is the energy harnessed from the sun's rays, which can be converted into electricity or heat. It is important because it is a renewable resource that can help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and combat climate change. As the world shifts towards sustainable energy solutions, understanding solar energy becomes crucial for both environmental and economic reasons.‎

A variety of jobs are available in the solar energy sector, ranging from technical roles to project management positions. You could work as a solar installer, energy consultant, system designer, or project manager. Additionally, there are opportunities in sales, marketing, and research and development, making this field diverse and accessible to individuals with different skill sets.‎

To thrive in the solar energy field, you should learn skills such as solar system design, electrical engineering principles, project management, and knowledge of local codes and regulations. Familiarity with software tools for modeling solar energy systems and understanding the financial aspects of solar projects can also be beneficial.‎

Some of the best online courses for solar energy include the Solar Energy Basics course, which covers fundamental concepts, and the Solar Energy System Design course, which focuses on practical applications. For a more comprehensive understanding, consider the Solar Energy for Engineers, Architects and Code Inspectors Specialization.‎

Yes. You can start learning solar energy on Coursera for free in two ways:

  1. Preview the first module of many solar energy courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available).
  2. Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial.

If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in solar energy, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎

To learn solar energy, start by exploring introductory courses that cover the basics. Engage with hands-on projects or simulations to apply what you've learned. Joining online forums or local community groups focused on solar energy can also enhance your understanding and provide networking opportunities.‎

Typical topics covered in solar energy courses include solar technology fundamentals, system design, installation techniques, energy efficiency, and regulatory considerations. Courses may also address the economic aspects of solar energy, such as financing options and market trends.‎

For training and upskilling employees in the solar energy sector, courses like the Solar Energy and Electrical System Design and the Solar Energy Codes, Permitting and Zoning are particularly valuable. These courses provide practical knowledge that can be directly applied in the workplace.‎

This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

Other topics to explore

Arts and Humanities
338 courses
Business
1095 courses
Computer Science
668 courses
Data Science
425 courses
Information Technology
145 courses
Health
471 courses
Math and Logic
70 courses
Personal Development
137 courses
Physical Science and Engineering
413 courses
Social Sciences
401 courses
Language Learning
150 courses

Coursera Footer

Skills

  • Accounting
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Cybersecurity
  • Data Analytics
  • Digital Marketing
  • Human Resources (HR)
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Project Management
  • Python
  • SQL

Professional Certificates

  • Google AI Certificate
  • Google Cybersecurity Certificate
  • Google Data Analytics Certificate
  • Google IT Support Certificate
  • Google Project Management Certificate
  • Google UX Design Certificate
  • IBM AI Engineering Certificate
  • IBM AI Product Manager Certificate
  • IBM Data Science Certificate
  • Intuit Academy Bookkeeping Certificate

Courses & Specializations

  • AI Essentials Specialization
  • AI For Business Specialization
  • AI For Everyone Course
  • AI in Healthcare Specialization
  • Deep Learning Specialization
  • Excel Skills for Business Specialization
  • Financial Markets Course
  • Machine Learning Specialization
  • Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT Course
  • Python for Everybody Specialization

Career Resources

  • Career Aptitude Test
  • CAPM Certification Requirements
  • CompTIA A+ Certification Requirements
  • CompTIA Security+ Certification Requirements
  • Essential IT Certifications
  • Free IT Certifications and Courses
  • High-Income Skills to Learn
  • How to Learn Artificial Intelligence
  • PMP Certification Requirements
  • Popular Cybersecurity Certifications

Coursera

  • About
  • What We Offer
  • Leadership
  • Careers
  • Catalog
  • Coursera Plus
  • Professional Certificates
  • MasterTrack® Certificates
  • Degrees
  • For Enterprise
  • For Government
  • For Campus
  • Become a Partner
  • Social Impact
  • Free Courses
  • Share your Coursera learning story

Community

  • Learners
  • Partners
  • Beta Testers
  • Blog
  • The Coursera Podcast
  • Tech Blog

More

  • Press
  • Investors
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Help
  • Accessibility
  • Contact
  • Articles
  • Directory
  • Affiliates
  • Modern Slavery Statement
  • Do Not Sell/Share
Learn Anywhere
Download on the App Store
Get it on Google Play
Logo of Certified B Corporation
© 2026 Coursera Inc. All rights reserved.
  • Coursera Facebook
  • Coursera Linkedin
  • Coursera Twitter
  • Coursera YouTube
  • Coursera Instagram
  • Coursera TikTok