Solar Energy and Electrical System Design

This second course of the Solar PV for Engineers, Architects and Code Inspectors series 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 online course is available on the Coursera platform.

Course Duration: Approximately 17 hours

Learning Outcomes

  • Analyze advantages and disadvantages of various PV systems
  • Evaluate PV system requirements
  • Identify key PV design considerations and planning tools

Intended Audience

Engineers who have interest in entering the solar power sector; also appropriate for HVAC installers, architects and building code inspectors

Prerequisites

  • High school diploma
  • Basic knowledge of mathematics
  • Basic background in technical areas/grasp of electrical engineering
  • Completion of Solar Energy Systems Overview for those who are unfamiliar with how PV works, the elements of a PV system, and/or solar power ROI
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