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Solar Energy Basics

Approx. 15 hours to complete

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Course Summary

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to solar energy, covering both the technical and practical aspects of solar power generation. Students will learn about the different types of solar panels, how they work, and how to design and install solar systems.

Key Learning Points

Understand the technical and practical aspects of solar energy
Learn about the different types of solar panels and how they work
Design and install solar systems

Learning Outcomes

Understand the theory and practical applications of solar energy
Design and install solar systems
Evaluate the economic feasibility of solar energy projects

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

Basic knowledge of energy systems
Familiarity with basic algebra and physics

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

Online
Self-paced
Video lectures
Quizzes

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CEO of Tesla, Inc.
Science Communicator

Related Books

Description

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.

Knowledge

Calculate the energy usage at a location
Design a basic photovoltaic system to meet a specific energy need at a specific location
Describe financial models and trends in the photovoltaic energy field

Outline

Introduction to solar power systems
Welcome to Solar Energy Basics
Primary energy sources
Transformation of Energy
Solar energy
Photovoltaic cells and modules
Silicon-based Photovoltaics
Other photovoltaic materials
Calculating Module Conversion Efficiency
Other PV system electrical components
PV System Mechanical Components
Improvements in solar cell efficiency over time
A note on calculations work in the quizzes
Major sources of energy
Solar cell basics
Calculating efficiency
Electrical and Mechanical Components
Solar power systems

Determining energy needs and sizing a PV system
Calculating Power and Energy
Measuring appliance power and energy
Determining appliance energy usage from web resources
Determining energy usage from an electric bill
Adjusting for location and system losses
Calculating system size
Using Web Based Energy Tools
Insolation Maps
Power and Energy Calculations
Determining energy consumption
Calculating System Size
Energy needs and sizing a PV system

The growth of photovoltaic markets
Historical Growth of Photovoltaics
Growth Potential of Photovoltaics
PV Growth: US Case Study
Applications of PV
The current trends in photovoltaics
Current US data and predictions for the coming decades
Growth of PV
US PV growth
Applications of PV
The growth of photovoltaic markets

Infrastructure of Photovoltaics
Jobs and stakeholders in PV
PV financial models: Net metering
PV financial models: Remote net metering, PPAs, Leasing
Pathways to PV Certifications
Certifications for Photovoltaic Installation
Jobs and stakeholders in PV
PV Financial models
Pathways to Certification
Infrastructure of PV

Basics of Solar Power Capstone

Summary of User Reviews

Discover the basics of solar energy with this online course on Coursera. Students have praised the course for its engaging content and knowledgeable instructors. Many users found the course to be a great introduction to solar energy and its potential applications in the real world.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

Engaging content

Pros from User Reviews

Great introduction to solar energy
Knowledgeable instructors
Real-world applications discussed
Easy to understand language
Interactive quizzes and assignments

Cons from User Reviews

Some technical jargon may be difficult for beginners
Not enough hands-on activities
Course material may not be challenging enough for those with prior knowledge
Limited discussion on the economics of solar energy
Some technical difficulties with the online platform

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