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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: Basic Electrical Systems
Status: Environmental Issue
BeginnerCourse15 hours

Featured reviews

AW

4.0Reviewed Jul 11, 2020

the course content is very good for starting off from basics of solar photovoltaics. concepts are explained properly. assignment problem and quizzes were also very interesting. real recommendable.

KC

5.0Reviewed Oct 6, 2019

This course is excellent! It includes all the important topics you need to know about solar energy and it is easy to understand. Definitely, it was a great decision to take it.

J

5.0Reviewed Jun 23, 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.

SS

5.0Reviewed Mar 3, 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.

J

5.0Reviewed Sep 27, 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.

EL

5.0Reviewed Oct 5, 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

G

5.0Reviewed Jun 16, 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..

PG

5.0Reviewed May 4, 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.

SD

5.0Reviewed Oct 5, 2020

Its very informative course about SOLAR Energy & Fundamentals of PV system Designing .It will surly help in future for advance PV System designing .Also I wish to work in Renewable Energy Sector.

GH

5.0Reviewed Feb 13, 2021

This course is great. The course is well structured and covers the important points of a PV system. Moreover, this course serves as a cornerstone for anyone interested to know about PV systems.

AP

5.0Reviewed May 29, 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)

RH

5.0Reviewed Oct 14, 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.

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