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University at Buffalo

Solar Energy Systems Overview

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. This course is ideal for anyone interested in entering the solar power sector, whether fresh to the workforce or switching industries. The curriculum is especially useful for engineers, HVAC installers, architects, and building code inspectors. Material includes online lectures, videos, demos, project work, readings and discussions. This is the first course in the Solar PV for Engineers, Architects and Code Inspectors specialization. To learn more about the specialization, check out a video overview at https://youtu.be/XjkKzbXqA6s.

Status: Electrical Systems
Status: Semiconductors
BeginnerCourse9 hours

Featured reviews

NC

4.0Reviewed 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.

EA

5.0Reviewed Nov 12, 2022

The course very important as introduction, please make whatsup group for all who participate, we can make open seminar under the support of university of Buffalo and the lecturer Eyad

SB

5.0Reviewed Aug 22, 2020

Extremely beneficial for someone new to solar energy and looking to get a better understanding of the industry. This certainly helps you with basic concepts, terminology and much more.

SM

5.0Reviewed Apr 22, 2021

The last quiz was too difficult. it took my time more than 1 hour . I have totally got swept .It's awesome course not only by learning materials but also difficulties. Salute the course writer.

PR

5.0Reviewed Mar 18, 2021

I would like to give lots of thanks to the instructor as she explains everything clearly in details. Really, I get such superb knowledge which I cannot get from online books or posts. Thanks!!!

OR

5.0Reviewed Jul 17, 2020

It is a great and easy to follow course taught by an industry professional. If you have already done similar courses you will find it very easy to follow.

CC

4.0Reviewed Aug 21, 2020

es interesante, pues da una mirada general del sistema PV, aunque da un enfoque muy a la actualidad del mercado de USA, lo que se podría mejorar hablando de un analicis global de estos mercados.

GP

4.0Reviewed May 19, 2023

Well organised and plenty of learning materials.A great entry level course to gain an understanding of PV system design concepts, ROI and why solar makes good sense.

MJ

5.0Reviewed Aug 10, 2022

I enjoyed the course and learned a lot from it. The content is well organised and focused on practical situations. I particularly enjoyed the bits of technical research shared in the content.

KD

5.0Reviewed Oct 31, 2020

It's a wonderful experience to learn from Prof. Gay E Canough. Mam has 30 years of experience in this field and help me understood with apple to apple comparison.

KS

4.0Reviewed Aug 25, 2021

Great as a quick introductory course! Doesn't get into the details of design or analysis of systems, but as an overview course, you sholdn't expect that.

BO

5.0Reviewed Jul 21, 2020

It is a very interesting and knowledgeable course. You learn Conversion of light to Electricity, how solar cells came to limelight, ROI on investment etc

All reviews

Showing: 20 of 214

steven bryant
5.0
Reviewed Aug 23, 2020
Sreeram K Moorthy
5.0
Reviewed Aug 7, 2020
Babatunde Tolu Ogungbe
5.0
Reviewed Jul 22, 2020
Lavanya A D
5.0
Reviewed Jul 18, 2020
Neha Chaudhary
4.0
Reviewed Jun 14, 2022
Matthew McLinn
3.0
Reviewed May 24, 2021
Troy Taylor
3.0
Reviewed Jan 11, 2021
Ebrahim Hjeij
3.0
Reviewed Aug 16, 2021
MUHAMMAD DANIAL BASHIR
5.0
Reviewed Sep 8, 2023
Nikhil Mavali
5.0
Reviewed Nov 7, 2023
ABHIJIT SENGUPTA
5.0
Reviewed Jul 30, 2020
Nadine Riachi
5.0
Reviewed Nov 13, 2020
Basher M. I. Medoukh
5.0
Reviewed Apr 28, 2021
Fazla Zawadul Arabi
5.0
Reviewed Aug 23, 2020
Chrissie Anne S. Cunanan
5.0
Reviewed Oct 1, 2020
SIDDHESH DAGADU WAGH
5.0
Reviewed Oct 9, 2020
Abdelrhman Ali Abdelrsheed
5.0
Reviewed Mar 26, 2021
Francis Kyalo Muinde
5.0
Reviewed Feb 25, 2026
Olawale Akinola
5.0
Reviewed Jul 16, 2023
gham elvis
5.0
Reviewed Dec 18, 2020