Solar Energy System Design

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

Introduction

**Course Review and Recommendation: Solar Energy System Design on Coursera** The Solar Energy System Design course on Coursera is an excellent continuation for anyone who has undertaken the introductory Solar Energy Basics course. If you are keen on deepening your knowledge of photovoltaic (PV) systems and want to gain practical skills for real-world applications, this course is worth considering. ### Course Overview Building on previous concepts, this course delves into the intricate details of solar energy systems, focusing particularly on the nuances of system design. It is beautifully structured to guide you through each critical stage of solar energy harnessing, from the properties of sunlight to the technical aspects of designing effective solar installations. ### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Following Solar Energy from Source to Panel** - The module begins with a comprehensive review of solar resources, going beyond basic concepts. You'll gain insight into the properties of sunlight and its transformative journey from the Sun to the Earth’s surface. This foundational knowledge is crucial for understanding how various factors affect photovoltaic energy capture. 2. **PV Module and Array Circuits** - This section hones in on the intricacies of PV circuits, examining the electrical characteristics essential for system design. You will revisit module specifications and broaden your understanding of how to optimize system performance based on varied conditions, enhancing both your theoretical and practical skills. 3. **PV Sizing and Output Under Different Conditions** - Real-world factors can significantly influence the performance of a PV system. This module teaches you how to account for losses due to suboptimal conditions, such as shading or poor array positioning. Understanding these discrepancies allows you to make more accurate calculations and system recommendations. 4. **Grid-Tie PV System Design Under Real-World Conditions** - The penultimate module focuses on equipment selection and practical sizing in real-life scenarios. You will engage in site surveying, enabling you to gather essential information for permitting and documentation, which are critical steps in the system design process. 5. **Course Capstone** - The capstone project is an exciting opportunity to apply your newfound knowledge. You will design a PV system with commercially available components, calculate its output under specific conditions, and ensure its design is both accurate and safe. This hands-on experience solidifies your learning and prepares you for real-world applications. ### Why You Should Enroll **1. Practical Application:** The course is designed not only to inform but to transform theoretical knowledge into practical skills. The capstone project, in particular, mimics real-world scenarios, making it an invaluable portion of the learning experience. **2. Comprehensive Learning:** Each module builds on the previous one, ensuring a logical flow of information. Whether you're revisiting core concepts or tackling complex design principles, the course is structured for a seamless learning path. **3. Industry-Relevant Skills:** As the demand for renewable energy solutions grows, understanding how to design efficient solar PV systems will position you as a knowledgeable candidate in a competitive job market. **4. Flexibility:** Like many offerings on Coursera, this course provides flexibility in learning, making it easy to fit into your schedule. ### Conclusion The Solar Energy System Design course on Coursera is highly recommended for anyone looking to enhance their understanding and skills in solar energy systems. With its thoroughly structured syllabus, valuable practical assignments, and relevance to today’s renewable energy landscape, this course is not just an educational investment—it is a step towards contributing to a more sustainable future. If you have a passion for solar energy and renewable technologies, seize the opportunity to advance your skills with this exceptional course.

Syllabus

Following solar energy from source to panel

Welcome to the first module of Solar Energy System Design. In this module, you will be revisiting the solar resource in a bit more depth than the Solar Energy Basics course. This will entail looking more closely at some of the properties of sunlight, and what happens to that light as it travels from the Sun until it eventually reaches the Earth's surface.

We will now look closer at the circuits and electrical characteristics of modules and arrays. In Solar Energy Basics, you used module spec sheets to calculate power using voltage and current. In this module, you will be using those module specifications again, and looking at how the different voltage and current values included are important for determining how that module will operate under different conditions. Lastly, we will be looking at the design of both the internal circuitry of modules, and the circuitry of arrays of modules.

You calculated photovoltaic system sizes and outputs in Solar Energy Basics based on available insolation. Those insolation values were always based on the assumption of the array being set up at optimal conditions. On-the-ground conditions can often result in variations from the optimal design for capturing all the available insolation, such as the angle of a roof and the direction it is facing being fixed, or nearby trees casting shade onto part of an array. In this module you will learn how to account for the different sources of losses in insolation, because the overall productivity of a system design can change based on the positioning of the array, temperature variations, and shading on parts of the array. These variations in productivity need to be accounted for early in the planning phase of a PV system.

In the last content module of the course you will be working on equipment selection and system sizing. The previous modules on array siting, irradiance variability, temperature effects, shading losses, and circuit design will all come into play when you are designing a system. Additionally, you will be looking at site surveying, where those pieces of information are gathered, and permitting, where they are recorded and communicated along with the recommended system design.

The capstone project of this course will entail applying much of what you have learned in this course. You will need to design a PV system using commercially available components and calculate it's output under site specific conditions. You will have to account for the available solar radiation and losses due to the positioning of the array as well as due to shading. You will also need to design an optimal configuration to connect the PV modules with an inverter. Finally, you will evaluate a PV system design for both accuracy and safety.