This specialization provides an overview of solar photovoltaics (PV), intricacies of solar system design, and a framework for solar PV project management. Targeted for engineers, HVAC installers, architects and building code inspectors, it is also appropriate for anyone considering a career in the growing renewable energy field of solar power. Courses introduce how PV operates and the anatomy of solar electric systems, the economics of solar power, pros and cons of different systems, considerations for designing a PV system, and fundamental code compliance. Materials primarily focus on solar PV in the United States. To learn more, view an overview at https://youtu.be/XjkKzbXqA6s.
Solar Energy for Engineers, Architects and Code Inspectors Specialization
Solar Energy for Engineers, Architects and Code Inspectors Specialization
Start your career in solar energy. Acquire foundational knowledge of photovoltaic technology.
Instructor: Gay E Canough
Included with 
Get in-depth knowledge of a subject
(1,094 reviews)
Beginner level
Recommended experience
1 month at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Earn a career credential
Share your expertise with employers
Get in-depth knowledge of a subject
(1,094 reviews)
Beginner level
Recommended experience
1 month at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Earn a career credential
Share your expertise with employers
What you'll learn
Recognize the elements of a well-designed PV system
Describe types of PV systems
Analyze PV system and project requirements
Identify national, state, and local requirements for solar PV systems
Overview
Skills you'll gain
- Cost Benefit Analysis
- Electrical Wiring
- Construction Inspection
- Electrical Systems
- Engineering Calculations
- Architectural Design
- Building Design
- Submittals (Construction)
- Building Codes
- Semiconductors
- Design Reviews
- Basic Electrical Systems
- Energy and Utilities
- Architectural Engineering
- System Requirements
- Land Development
- HVAC
- Mechanical Design
- Electrical Safety
- Electrical Power
What’s included
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Taught in English
26 practice exercises
Advance your subject-matter expertise
- Learn in-demand skills from university and industry experts
- Master a subject or tool with hands-on projects
- Develop a deep understanding of key concepts
- Earn a career certificate from University at Buffalo
Specialization - 3 course series
What you'll 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
Skills you'll gain
Semiconductors, Sustainable Technologies, HVAC, Energy and Utilities, Electrical Power, Electrical Systems, Basic Electrical Systems, Return On Investment, Cost Benefit Analysis, and System Configuration
What you'll learn
Analyze advantages and disadvantages of various PV systems
Evaluate PV system requirements
Identify key PV design considerations and planning tools
Skills you'll gain
Engineering Calculations, Mechanical Design, Building Codes, Structural Analysis, Electrical Wiring, Cost Estimation, Construction Inspection, Building Design, HVAC, Electrical Systems, System Requirements, Architectural Design, and Basic Electrical Systems
What you'll learn
Articulate PV system building code essentials
Describe the site inspection process
Identify code and zoning rule considerations
Explain key design elements and points for inspection
Skills you'll gain
Construction Inspection, Electrical Safety, Building Codes, Submittals (Construction), Architectural Engineering, Land Development, Electrical Systems, System Requirements, and Design Reviews
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.
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Frequently asked questions
Time to completion varies based on your schedule, but learners can expect to complete the specialization within 3 months.
We recommend at least a high school education and interest in a career in the energy industry. A background in technical areas is helpful, especially for courses 2 and 3, as are fundamental math skills.
We strongly urge you take the Solar Energy Systems Overview course first. The others may be taken in any order desired.
More questions
Financial aid available,