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.



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

Instructor: Gay E Canough
21,770 already enrolled
Included with
(832 reviews)
What you'll 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
Details to know

Add to your LinkedIn profile
7 assignments
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Build your subject-matter expertise
- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
- Earn a shareable career certificate


Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV
Share it on social media and in your performance review

There are 5 modules in this course
What's included
1 reading
This module introduces learners to the history of solar power and the nature of photovoltaics (PV).
What's included
4 videos5 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt
This module provides an understanding of the structure and function of different types of PV systems and their components.
What's included
13 videos5 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt
This module provides an understanding of the costs and ROI that can be expected when installing a PV system.
What's included
4 videos6 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt
What's included
1 assignment1 peer review
Instructor

Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Environmental Science and Sustainability
University at Buffalo
Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
The State University of New York
The State University of New York
Why people choose Coursera for their career




Learner reviews
832 reviews
- 5 stars
76.20%
- 4 stars
19.47%
- 3 stars
3.48%
- 2 stars
0.48%
- 1 star
0.36%
Showing 3 of 832
Reviewed on Jun 13, 2022
Could have added more details related to electrical part & it was more US oriented. None the less enjoyed it as I concluded in a 24 hours.
Reviewed on Jan 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.
Reviewed on Aug 1, 2020
This course is just the basic course for Solar Energy but overall it's a must-do the course if you are interested in Solar Energy.


Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription

Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online

Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
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.
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.
If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don’t give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policy.