This course equips learners to identify national code and zoning rules specific to photovoltaic (PV) systems, as well as key design elements and points for inspection. Curriculum includes zoning variances, critical elements of the permitting process, planning documents necessary for PV system installation and recommendations for permitting offices to streamline the permit process. Learners gain a code inspector’s perspective in relation to building and electrical code requirements.
This course is part of the Solar Energy for Engineers, Architects and Code Inspectors Specialization
Offered By
University at Buffalo
The State University of New York
Solar Energy for Engineers, Architects and Code Inspectors SpecializationUniversity at BuffaloAbout this Course
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Shareable Certificate
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Course 3 of 3 in the
Flexible deadlines
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Intermediate Level
Approx. 13 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: English
What you will learn
Articulate PV system building code essentials
Describe the site inspection process
Identify code and zoning rule considerations
Explain key design elements and points for inspection
Skills you will gain
Building CodesPermittingPV systemsSite inspection
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Course 3 of 3 in the
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Intermediate Level
Approx. 13 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: English
Offered by
University at Buffalo
The University at Buffalo (UB) is a premier, research-intensive public university and the largest, most comprehensive institution of the State University of New York (SUNY) system. UB offers more than 100 undergraduate degrees and nearly 300 graduate and professional programs.
The State University of New York
The State University of New York, with 64 unique institutions, is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States. Educating nearly 468,000 students in more than 7,500 degree and certificate programs both on campus and online, SUNY has nearly 3 million alumni around the globe.
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
3 hours to complete
Code and Inspection Requirements
Students will gain an understanding of the many codes impacting solar system design, installation and operation.
3 hours to complete
3 videos (Total 18 min), 4 readings, 2 quizzes
3 videos
Codes for Commercial Roof Systems3m
Site Inspections9m
4 readings
Acknowledgements2m
International and United States Codes (Optional)40m
Code Adoption (Optional)20m
State-Level Code Amendments (Optional)20m
2 practice exercises
Code and Inspection Requirements Practice Quiz30m
Code and Inspection Requirements30m
3 hours to complete
Inspection Methods and the Permitting Process
Students will review to the types of codes and zoning rules inspectors consider when reviewing PV systems.
3 hours to complete
4 videos (Total 18 min), 5 readings, 2 quizzes
4 videos
Permitting3m
Planning Documents2m
Streamlining the Permitting Process3m
5 readings
International Codes (Optional)40m
U.S. National Electrical Code (Optional)10m
Uniform Building Code Updates for New York State (Optional)10m
Unified Solar Permit (Optional)10m
Solar Foundation Solar APP (Optional)10m
2 practice exercises
Inspection Methods and the Permitting Process Practice Quiz20m
Inspection Methods and the Permitting Process30m
4 hours to complete
Inspection Considerations
Students will explore key PV system design elements and points for inspection.
4 hours to complete
4 videos (Total 20 min), 6 readings, 2 quizzes
4 videos
Load Considerations7m
What to Inspect3m
Electrical Code Inspection6m
6 readings
Code Inspection Resources (Optional)30m
Hazard Maps (Optional)20m
Snow Load Information (Optional)20m
Flashing (Optional)10m
Inspection Resources (Optional)30m
Disconnects and Rapid Shutdown (Optional)30m
2 practice exercises
Inspection Considerations Practice Quiz30m
Inspection Considerations30m
2 hours to complete
Labeling Requirements
Students will learn about PV system labeling requirements for small and large systems.
2 hours to complete
2 videos (Total 13 min), 3 readings, 2 quizzes
3 readings
PV System Labeling Resources (Optional)20m
Power Optimizers (Optional)20m
Bonding and Grounding PV Systems (Optional)10m
2 practice exercises
Labeling Requirements Practice Quiz30m
Labeling Requirements30m
Reviews
TOP REVIEWS FROM SOLAR ENERGY CODES, PERMITTING AND ZONING
by SBJul 18, 2020
Excellent Course for the Solar professionals. Instructor having vast experience in the solar and SME (Subject Matter Expert)
by MSJul 22, 2020
A very nice and educative course it really help me in understanding more about solar PV systems designs
by VKAug 1, 2020
Very good course for todays energy need worldwide.
About the Solar Energy for Engineers, Architects and Code Inspectors Specialization
This specialization provides an overview of solar photovoltaics (PV), intricacies of solar system design, and a framework for solar PV project management. Targeted for engineers, HVAC installers, architects and building code inspectors, it is also appropriate for anyone considering a career in the growing renewable energy field of solar power. Courses introduce how PV operates and the anatomy of solar electric systems, the economics of solar power, pros and cons of different systems, considerations for designing a PV system, and fundamental code compliance. Materials primarily focus on solar PV in the United States. To learn more, view an overview at https://youtu.be/XjkKzbXqA6s.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
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What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
What is the refund policy?
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Is financial aid available?
Yes, Coursera provides financial aid to learners who cannot afford the fee. Apply for it by clicking on the Financial Aid link beneath the "Enroll" button on the left. You'll be prompted to complete an application and will be notified if you are approved. You'll need to complete this step for each course in the Specialization, including the Capstone Project. Learn more.
Will I earn university credit for completing the Course?
This Course doesn't carry university credit, but some universities may choose to accept Course Certificates for credit. Check with your institution to learn more. Online Degrees and Mastertrack™ Certificates on Coursera provide the opportunity to earn university credit.
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