Back to Solar Energy Basics
The State University of New York

Solar Energy Basics

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.

Status: Sustainable Technologies
Status: Safety Standards
BeginnerCourse15 hours

Featured reviews

SS

5.0Reviewed Mar 2, 2022

Very well made with alot of informations and I feel like I learned alot and can now do alot more in that field based off of this one course alone. I will definitely take more courses.

EL

5.0Reviewed Oct 4, 2020

Aprendi mucho en este curso. Los videos explicativos del profesor hacen que todo sea de facil entendimiento. El conocimiento adquirido he podido aplicarlo en mi actual area de trabajo. Muy recomendado

J

5.0Reviewed Jun 22, 2021

This is a wonderful course where I studied a lot about solar energy and a lot more.As I have completed my course in my 1st year of Electrical Engineering I has got a clear picture of the subject.

TM

4.0Reviewed Jun 24, 2019

Couse interesting by itself, but unfortunately can't pass it, due to payment requirements. Can't afford it. Usually payments for certification, but here you have to pay for a quizes

DR

5.0Reviewed Apr 25, 2020

Nice Course. Full modelling of PV sizing and estimation of the energy demand of any site learned by this course.Very Much useful for installing and an overall idea about the solar industry.

G

5.0Reviewed Jun 15, 2020

This is a good course to gain the basic knowledge of solar energy and photovoltaic systems. It's been a great opportunity to improve and gain the skills from the Coursera platform..

RH

5.0Reviewed Oct 13, 2019

Very good overview of solar energy and practical knowledge as well as end of course project. to improve, there should be more involvement from faculty in the project as the peer-review is flaw.

RM

5.0Reviewed Jan 17, 2021

Thew Solar Energy Basics course is exceptional. Both the content and presentation were spot on for my needs. Dr. Abrams - Thanks for the benefit of your knowledge. Ray Morris

J

5.0Reviewed Sep 26, 2020

I'm an electrical engineering student in 6th semester. In this course I learned many new things regarding, a pathway to PV specialization, special Thanks to coursera authorities and respected Sir.

AP

5.0Reviewed May 28, 2021

Solar Energy Basics is really Simple and informative course for beginner. I am thankful to Prof. Neal for wonderful explanation each and every point related to it. Arvind Pande (india)

EI

5.0Reviewed Jul 28, 2020

Very interested, I enjoyed every bit of the lessons and I am happy for the knowledge I have now looking forward to to starting the next course in the specialisation immediately

PG

5.0Reviewed May 3, 2021

Good course. Some downloadable presentation slides would have been helpful to seal the learning. Otherwise, I learned a lot and have a much better understanding of solar energy and it's potential.

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