Solar Energy Systems Overview (Coursera)

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.
What You Will 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

Course 1 of 3 in the Solar Energy for Engineers, Architects and Code Inspectors Specialization.

Syllabus

WEEK 1

Acknowledgement

Solar Power

This module introduces learners to the history of solar power and the nature of photovoltaics (PV).

WEEK 2

The Nature of PV

This module provides an understanding of the structure and function of different types of PV systems and their components.

WEEK 3

Solar Power ROI

This modules provides an understanding of the costs and ROI that can be expected when installing a PV system.

PV System Analysis Project: Theory to Practice