This course gives you an introduction to the fundamentals of solar power as it applies to solar panel system installations. You will learn to compare solar energy to other energy resources and explain how solar panels, or photovoltaics (PV for short), convert sunlight to electricity. You will be able to identify the key components needed in a basic photovoltaic (solar panel) system, such as is found on a house or building, and explain the function of each component in the system. You will also learn how to calculate the electrical demand of a building, how to reduce the overall demand, and then how to design a solar panel system that can meet that annual demand at a given location. You will also compare the different types of pricing models that are being used and key regulatory considerations for grid tied systems (where a house or building is connected to the electrical grid and also generates electricity from solar panels). A capstone design project that entails both the simple audit of a building to determine demand, and a selection of components to design a solar panel system to meet that demand.
Offered By


Solar Energy Basics
The State University of New YorkAbout this Course
Some calculations are required when planning for solar power, so you'll want to be comfortable with basic math operations (+,-,x,/) and percentages.
Could your company benefit from training employees on in-demand skills?
Try Coursera for BusinessWhat you will learn
Calculate the energy usage at a location
Design a basic photovoltaic system to meet a specific energy need at a specific location
Describe financial models and trends in the photovoltaic energy field
Skills you will gain
- Renewable Energy
- Power & energy calculations
- Electronic Circuits
- Solar Energy
- Energy Audits
Some calculations are required when planning for solar power, so you'll want to be comfortable with basic math operations (+,-,x,/) and percentages.
Could your company benefit from training employees on in-demand skills?
Try Coursera for BusinessOffered by
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Introduction to solar power systems
Determining energy needs and sizing a PV system
The growth of photovoltaic markets
Infrastructure of Photovoltaics
Reviews
- 5 stars81.38%
- 4 stars16.03%
- 3 stars1.63%
- 2 stars0.40%
- 1 star0.54%
TOP REVIEWS FROM SOLAR ENERGY BASICS
This is a good course to gain the basic knowledge of solar energy and photovoltaic systems. It's been a great opportunity to improve and gain the skills from the Coursera platform..
I am very interested in the solar energy studies .basically I am a electrical engineering student.The coursera gave me a free chance to learn more about solar panel and it's installations.
Couse interesting by itself, but unfortunately can't pass it, due to payment requirements. Can't afford it. Usually payments for certification, but here you have to pay for a quizes
This is a wonderful course where I studied a lot about solar energy and a lot more.As I have completed my course in my 1st year of Electrical Engineering I has got a clear picture of the subject.
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