This course 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.
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Solar Energy and Electrical System Design
This course is part of Solar Energy for Engineers, Architects and Code Inspectors Specialization
Instructor: Gay E Canough
23,283 already enrolled
Included with 
(686 reviews)
What you'll learn
Analyze advantages and disadvantages of various PV systems
Evaluate PV system requirements
Identify key PV design considerations and planning tools
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11 assignments
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There are 5 modules in this course
Learners will explore site inspection considerations, shade calculations, roof assessments, solar panel location and spacing, floodplains, power line and battery locations, circuit boxes, pros and cons of rooftop and ground-mounted systems, and considerations related to commercial and utility scale solar applications.
What's included
11 videos9 readings3 assignments
Students will learn about system loads and efficiency, wind and weight loading, how to calculate the proper size for lag bolts, measuring excess capacity, and considerations related to ballast systems.
What's included
7 videos6 readings2 assignments
Students will learn about system sizing considerations and calculations.
What's included
14 videos14 readings3 assignments
Students will learn about aesthetics considerations and tools for PV planning
What's included
4 videos7 readings2 assignments
Students will apply their learning to perform system design calculations.
What's included
1 reading1 assignment
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Recommended if you're interested in Environmental Science and Sustainability
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Rice University
École Polytechnique
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