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Solar Energy Basics
  • Level Foundation
  • Duration 15 hours
  • Course by The State University of New York
  • Offered by

About

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.

Modules

Welcome from Dr. Abrams

    • 1 Videos
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1 Videos

  • Welcome to Solar Energy Basics

Overview of the major sources of energy

    • 3 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Major sources of energy

3 Videos

  • Primary energy sources
  • Transformation of Energy
  • Solar energy

How solar panels convert light into electricity

    • 3 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Solar cell basics

3 Videos

  • Photovoltaic cells and modules
  • Silicon-based Photovoltaics
  • Other photovoltaic materials

1 Readings

  • Improvements in solar cell efficiency over time

Calculating Energy Efficiency

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Calculating efficiency <MATH>

1 Videos

  • Calculating Module Conversion Efficiency

1 Readings

  • A note on calculations work in the quizzes

Electrical and mechanical components of a solar panel system

    • 2 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Electrical and Mechanical Components

2 Videos

  • Other PV system electrical components
  • PV System Mechanical Components

Solar power systems module quiz

    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Solar power systems <MATH>

Calculating Power and Energy

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Power and Energy Calculations <MATH>

1 Videos

  • Calculating Power and Energy

Determining energy use at a site

    • 3 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Determining energy consumption <MATH>

3 Videos

  • Measuring appliance power and energy
  • Determining appliance energy usage from web resources
  • Determining energy usage from an electric bill

1 Readings

  • Using Web Based Energy Tools

Calculating PV system size

    • 2 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Calculating System Size <MATH>

2 Videos

  • Adjusting for location and system losses
  • Calculating system size

1 Readings

  • Insolation Maps

Module quiz

    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Energy needs and sizing a PV system <MATH>

Growth of Photovoltaics

    • 2 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Growth of PV

2 Videos

  • Historical Growth of Photovoltaics
  • Growth Potential of Photovoltaics

1 Readings

  • The current trends in photovoltaics

PV Growth in the United States Case Study

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • US PV growth

1 Videos

  • PV Growth: US Case Study

1 Readings

  • Current US data and predictions for the coming decades

Applications of Photovoltaics

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Applications of PV

1 Videos

  • Applications of PV

Module Quiz

    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • The growth of photovoltaic markets

Stakeholders in Photovoltaics

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Jobs and stakeholders in PV

1 Videos

  • Jobs and stakeholders in PV

PV financial models

    • 2 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • PV Financial models <MATH>

2 Videos

  • PV financial models: Net metering
  • PV financial models: Remote net metering, PPAs, Leasing

Pathways to certifications in Photovoltaics

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Pathways to Certification

1 Videos

  • Pathways to PV Certifications

1 Readings

  • Certifications for Photovoltaic Installation

Module Quiz

    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Infrastructure of PV <MATH>

Basics of Solar Power Capstone

    • 1 PeerReview
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1 Peer Review

  • Capstone Project

Auto Summary

Discover the essentials of solar power with "Solar Energy Basics," a foundational course in the Science & Engineering domain. This engaging program, offered by Coursera, is designed to introduce you to the core principles of solar panel system installations. Led by expert instructors, you will explore how photovoltaic (PV) systems convert sunlight into electricity and compare solar energy with other resources. The course covers key components of a basic solar panel system for homes and buildings, explaining each component's function. Throughout the course, you will learn to calculate a building's electrical demand, identify ways to reduce it, and design a solar panel system to meet that demand at specific locations. Additionally, you will delve into various pricing models and important regulatory considerations for grid-tied systems. The hands-on capstone design project involves auditing a building to determine its energy needs and selecting appropriate components for a tailored solar solution. With a comprehensive duration of 900 minutes, this course offers flexible subscription options, including Starter, Professional, and Paid plans, catering to different learning needs. Whether you're a beginner looking to understand the basics or a professional seeking to expand your knowledge, "Solar Energy Basics" provides a solid foundation for anyone interested in sustainable energy solutions. Join now and start your journey towards mastering solar energy!

Neal Abrams
Instructor

Neal Abrams