Solar Energy Basics

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/solar-energy-basics

Introduction

### Course Review: Solar Energy Basics If you’re interested in renewable energy and want to delve into the world of solar power, the **Solar Energy Basics** course offered on Coursera is an excellent starting point. This online course provides a comprehensive introduction to solar energy, specifically focusing on photovoltaic (PV) systems and their installation. As climate change becomes a more pressing issue, understanding solar energy's role in our energy landscape is not just beneficial—it's essential. #### Course Overview The **Solar Energy Basics** course is structured into five modules, leading to a capstone project where students will apply the knowledge they've gained. Here's a detailed breakdown: 1. **Introduction to Solar Power Systems** This module lays the foundational concepts of solar power, comparing it with other energy resources. Students will learn about the different components that make up a solar panel system, both the obvious (like solar panels) and the less apparent aspects (like inverters and mounting systems). The module also includes hands-on calculations of how efficiently solar panels convert sunlight into electricity. 2. **Determining Energy Needs and Sizing a PV System** Understanding energy consumption is crucial before designing a PV system. In this module, learners will differentiate between power and energy calculations, assess energy needs, and understand the variables influencing solar power production based on geographical locations. This knowledge is vital for prospective solar energy system designers. 3. **The Growth of Photovoltaic Markets** Students will explore the evolution of photovoltaic technology, market trends, and future forecasts. This module not only enhances awareness of global PV markets but also provides insights into various applications of photovoltaics beyond residential installations, setting a broader context for the industry's future. 4. **Infrastructure of Photovoltaics** Here, learners will discover the different stakeholders within the solar industry, job opportunities, and certifications available for those interested in pursuing a career in photovoltaics. Additionally, the module covers the financial models that support on-grid PV systems, which is crucial for understanding the economic viability of solar power. 5. **Basics of Solar Power Capstone** The capstone project is a practical application of the skills learned throughout the course. Students will evaluate a site's energy consumption, propose strategies for load reduction, and design a solar array tailored to meet energy needs. This project is invaluable for hands-on learning and solidifying the theoretical concepts covered. #### Pros and Cons **Pros:** - **Comprehensive Curriculum:** The syllabus covers everything from fundamental concepts to market considerations and career prospects. - **Flexible Learning:** As an online course, it accommodates various schedules, making it accessible for anyone interested in solar energy. - **Practical Application:** The capstone project provides an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, enhancing learning through practice. **Cons:** - **Self-Paced Learning:** Some might find the self-paced nature of the course challenging without peer interaction. - **Basic Level Knowledge:** While it’s an excellent entry point, those with prior experience may find the course too basic. #### Recommendation I highly recommend the **Solar Energy Basics** course for anyone who is either new to the field of solar energy or looking to enhance their foundational knowledge of how photovoltaic systems work. Whether you’re an aspiring engineer, a business professional, or someone interested in sustainability, this course provides the essential knowledge needed to understand and navigate the solar energy landscape. Additionally, as the world continues to shift toward renewable energy sources, completing this course could position you favorably for job opportunities in the expanding solar energy sector. It's a small investment of your time that could lead to substantial insights into an essential industry. Enrolling in this course will not only empower you with the knowledge of solar energy but also inspire you to contribute to a more sustainable future. So, whether you're considering a career in renewable energy or simply want to understand the dynamics of solar power, this Coursera course is definitely worth your time.

Syllabus

Introduction to solar power systems

Welcome! This first module will give you an introduction to the various forms of energy available to us on the Earth and how solar power fits into the overall mix. It will also introduce you to the various parts that go into that solar panel system you see on a house or other building, both the obvious parts and the less obvious pieces. Lastly, you'll learn how to calculate the efficiency of a solar panel as it takes in light energy from the sun and converts it to electricity.

Before you design a PV system for a home or commercial building, you need to know how much energy is being used at that location. That energy need helps you determine the size requirements of a PV system to meet that energy need. You also need to know how much energy can be produced by a PV system, because it varies based on the amount of sunlight available. In this week's module you will learn how to differentiate and calculate power and energy for both energy consuming appliances and energy producing photovoltaics, and then apply those concepts and calculations to assessing energy needs and energy production potential at a site.

Photovoltaics is a growth industry. In this module you will be learning about the historical development of photovoltaics, the current trends, and some of the future forecasts of the market both globally and with a little bit of a closer look at the United States. Finally, you'll be learning about the segmentation of photovoltaics into different applications beyond just solar panels on a house or a solar farm.

The field of photovoltaics engages many people filling many different roles. In this module you will learn about the different stakeholders and job opportunities in PV. You'll also learn about some different certifications available to those already working in the photovoltaics industry and for those interested in joining the field. You'll also learn about the different financial models associated with PV systems that underpin the implementation of on-grid PV systems. When you finish this module I would recommend at least starting your work on the capstone project rather than waiting until the following week.

In the capstone project you will be applying some of key skills you have learned so far in this specialization. You will need to evaluate a site's location, calculate it's energy consumption and try to reduce it's load, and then design a solar array capable of meeting it's total energy load using data from commercial modules and using a simplified assumption about system efficiency as we have been doing in this course.