This course is part of the Solar Energy for Engineers, Architects and Code Inspectors Specialization

4.7
stars
701 ratings

Gay E Canough

15,858 already enrolled

Offered By

Solar Energy for Engineers, Architects and Code Inspectors SpecializationUniversity at Buffalo

About this Course

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By the end of this course, learners will have acquired a broad understanding of the history and mechanics behind converting light into electricity, commonly known as photovoltaics (PV). They are empowered to recognize and describe elements of a PV system, enabling them to: compare the most common types of solar cells, sketch a solar PV system, and analyze differences between rooftop and ground mounting configurations. The course explores economic considerations, touching on solar PV costs for residential and commercial use, incentives, and contrasts solar power with fossil fuel and nuclear plants.        
This course is ideal for anyone interested in entering the solar power sector, whether fresh to the workforce or switching industries. The curriculum is especially useful for engineers, HVAC installers, architects, and building code inspectors. 

Material includes online lectures, videos, demos, project work, readings and discussions. This is the first 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.

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Course 1 of 3 in the

Solar Energy for Engineers, Architects and Code Inspectors Specialization

Beginner Level

Approx. 9 hours to complete

English

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What you will learn

Differentiate the value of solar energy versus alternatives
Explain how PV works in technical and economic terms, and identify its components
Estimate solar system costs

Skills you will gain

Clean energy
PV system operation
Solar economics
Photovoltaics (PV)

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Course 1 of 3 in the

Solar Energy for Engineers, Architects and Code Inspectors Specialization

Beginner Level

Approx. 9 hours to complete

English

Could your company benefit from training employees on in-demand skills?

Try Coursera for Business

Instructor

Instructor rating

4.72/5 (272 Ratings)

Gay E Canough

Partner, Direct Gain Consulting

Founder, ETM Solar Works

26,476 Learners

3 Courses

Offered by

University at Buffalo

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Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Content Rating95%(1,751 ratings)

Week1

Week 1

2 minutes to complete

Acknowledgement

2 minutes to complete

1 reading

3 hours to complete

Solar Power

3 hours to complete

4 videos (Total 21 min), 5 readings, 2 quizzes

Week2

Week 2

3 hours to complete

The Nature of PV

3 hours to complete

13 videos (Total 24 min), 5 readings, 2 quizzes

13 videos

How PV Works2mSolar Electric System Anatomy2mHands-on Demo: Solar Panel (Front) 42sHands-on Demo: Solar Panel (Back)1mPV System Components7mHands-on Demo: Microinverters1mHands-on Demo: String Inverters28sHands-on Demo: Inverter Attachments40sRooftop Systems1mHands-on Demo: Rooftop Attachments- Flashing1mHands-on Demo: Rooftop Attachments- Rails48sHands-on Demo: Rooftop Attachments- Standing Seams40sAlternatives to Rooftop Systems2m

5 readings

The Photovoltaic Effect (Optional)10mGrid-tied vs Off-grid PV systems (Optional)30mSolar Panel Specifications (Optional)10mSemi-Conductors: Temperature and Resistivity (Recommended)10mPV System Components (optional)40m

2 practice exercises

The Nature of PV Self-Check15mThe Nature of PV Graded Quiz30m

Week3

Week 3

3 hours to complete

Solar Power ROI

3 hours to complete

4 videos (Total 15 min), 6 readings, 2 quizzes

1 hour to complete

PV System Analysis Project: Theory to Practice

1 hour to complete

Reviews

4.7

178 reviews

5 stars
76.60%
4 stars
19.11%
3 stars
3.42%
2 stars
0.42%
1 star
0.42%

TOP REVIEWS FROM SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS OVERVIEW

by SSJan 31, 2021

It was nice experience throughout the course. The way of delivery, information and knowledge received would be very useful in my research and in future academic.

by KSAug 25, 2021

Great as a quick introductory course! Doesn't get into the details of design or analysis of systems, but as an overview course, you sholdn't expect that.

by CWJul 30, 2020

Fantastic comprehensive review of PV components and the eco-system it fits into. The instructor was enthusiastic and engaging. Thank you!

by BGSep 13, 2022

Excellent course for anyone interested in learning the basics of solar generation and thought process into deciding to go solar.

View all reviews

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?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
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.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.

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Solar Energy Systems Overview

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