Solar Energy and Electrical System Design
Master photovoltaic system planning, from site selection to electrical design, with hands-on calculations for successful solar installations.
Master photovoltaic system planning, from site selection to electrical design, with hands-on calculations for successful solar installations.
This comprehensive course provides engineers, architects, and code inspectors with essential knowledge for planning and successfully installing photovoltaic (PV) systems according to design specifications. Students learn the critical steps of site inspection and evaluation to determine appropriate locations for solar installations across residential, commercial, and utility-scale applications. The curriculum covers key design considerations including load calculations, efficiency assessments, mechanical and electrical design principles, and aesthetics. Through hands-on exercises, learners apply their knowledge to perform calculations for site selection, system layout, code compliance, component selection, and wire sizing. This intermediate-level course is ideal for professionals in engineering, HVAC installation, architecture, and building code inspection who have basic understanding of electrical engineering, physics, and mathematics. It serves as the second course in the Solar Energy for Engineers, Architects and Code Inspectors specialization.
4.7
(696 ratings)
24,387 already enrolled
Instructors:
English
22 languages available
Powered by
What you'll learn
Analyze advantages and disadvantages of different PV system configurations
Conduct comprehensive site inspections to determine optimal solar panel placement
Evaluate roof structure and calculate appropriate mounting systems
Perform accurate load calculations and system sizing
Select appropriate components including inverters and solar panels
Design code-compliant electrical systems with proper wire sizing
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
2.7 Hours PreRecorded video
11 assignments
Access on Mobile, Tablet, Desktop
FullTime access
Shareable certificate
Get a Completion Certificate
Share your certificate with prospective employers and your professional network on LinkedIn.
Created by
Provided by
Top companies offer this course to their employees
Top companies provide this course to enhance their employees' skills, ensuring they excel in handling complex projects and drive organizational success.
There are 5 modules in this course
This course provides comprehensive training on photovoltaic (PV) system design for various applications. Throughout five modules, students progress from site inspection fundamentals to complex electrical calculations. The curriculum begins with site evaluation techniques, including shade calculations, roof assessments, and comparing rooftop versus ground-mounted installations. Students then explore critical design factors such as load analysis, efficiency calculations, and structural considerations including wind and weight loading. The electrical system design module covers system sizing, inverter selection, code compliance, wire sizing, voltage drop calculations, and safety requirements. Additional modules address aesthetics, planning tools, and code requirements. The course culminates in a practical design project where students apply all concepts to create a complete PV system plan. Each module includes video lectures, technical readings, and assignments to ensure practical application of theoretical concepts.
PV Design Basics
Module 1 · 4 Hours to complete
PV Design Considerations
Module 2 · 2 Hours to complete
Electrical System Design
Module 3 · 4 Hours to complete
Recommendation Options
Module 4 · 4 Hours to complete
System Design Project: Theory to Practice
Module 5 · 35 Minutes to complete
Fee Structure
Instructor
Partner, Direct Gain Consulting
Gay E. Canough holds a PhD in particle physics from the University of Notre Dame and has been involved in the solar energy field since 1993, primarily installing photovoltaic systems. She founded Extraterrestrial Materials, Inc. (ETM Solar Works) in 1988, where she worked on small spacecraft designs, including the Lunar Prospector. Since 1993, ETM has installed over 3 megawatts of solar electric systems and also provides small wind, air-source heat pumps, and battery backup installations. Canough began teaching electricians and others how to install photovoltaic systems in 2000 and has conducted the PV Installer’s course over 250 times in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York. She received certification as a PV installer from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) in 2003 and is a founding member of the New York Solar Energy Industries Association (NYSEIA).
Testimonials
Testimonials and success stories are a testament to the quality of this program and its impact on your career and learning journey. Be the first to help others make an informed decision by sharing your review of the course.
4.7 course rating
696 ratings
Frequently asked questions
Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about this course. We aim to provide clear and concise answers to help you better understand the course content, structure, and any other relevant information. If you have any additional questions or if your question is not listed here, please don't hesitate to reach out to our support team for further assistance.