Solar Energy for Engineers, Architects and Code Inspectors series

Watch the overview video to learn more about the Energy Industry Fundamentals Specialization.

This online three-course series provides an overview of the growing renewable energy field of solar power. It covers solar photovoltaics (PV), intricacies of solar system design, and a framework for solar PV project management. 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.

Projects within each course assist students with understanding solar PV system layouts and costs, calculating PV system size, and identifying appropriate system design and labeling requirements.

Solar Energy for Engineers, Architects and Code Inspectors courses:

  1. Solar Energy Systems Overview
  2. Solar Energy and Electrical System Design
  3. Solar Energy Codes, Permitting and Zoning

The courses are available on the Coursera platform.

Learning Outcomes

  • Recognize the elements of a well-designed PV system
  • Describe types of PV systems
  • Analyze PV system and project requirements
  • Identify national, state, and local requirements for solar PV systems

Intended Audience

Engineers, HVAC installers, architects and building code inspectors; also appropriate for anyone considering a career in the growing solar industry

Prerequisites

  • High school diploma
  • A background in technical areas is helpful, especially for courses 2 and 3, as are fundamental math skills
Register