About this course

Whether you're new to the industry or looking to solidify your understanding, this course covers electrical fundamentals, solar technology principles, battery storage systems, system architecture design, and market dynamics. 

Each module combines video instruction with reading materials, FAQs, vocabulary building, and knowledge assessments to ensure thorough comprehension. Perfect for contractors, installers, engineers, and building professionals seeking a solid foundation in renewable energy concepts before advancing to specialized topics.

Learning Objectives

  • Analyze electrical systems and apply fundamental electrical principles to renewable energy installations
  • Evaluate solar energy systems and calculate basic system parameters for residential and commercial applications
  • Design integrated renewable energy systems incorporating solar, storage, and grid components
  • Assess market opportunities and regulatory frameworks affecting renewable energy projects

Course outline

7 modules
5 - 10 hours to complete
2:48 hours of video lectures
Welcome • 4 assignments
Orientation Materials

This course is self-paced, so you don’t need to be logged in at any specific time. You can get started immediately after you enroll and the course materials will remain in your account with minimum guaranteed access for 12 months (1 year) after enrollment.

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Module 1 • 20 assignments
Electrical Fundamentals

Essential electrical concepts including DC/AC power, Ohm's law, circuit analysis, and electrical safety principles as they apply to renewable energy systems.
Key Learning Points:
  • Voltage, current, and power relationships
  • DC vs AC electrical systems
  • Electrical safety and code compliance
  • Circuit analysis for renewable systems

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Module 2 • 18 assignments
Solar Fundamentals

Photovoltaic technology principles, system components, solar resource assessment, and basic system sizing calculations.
Key Learning Points:
  • Photovoltaic effect and solar cell technology
  • PV system components and functions
  • Solar resource and site assessment
  • Basic system sizing principles

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Module 3 • 26 assignments
Battery Fundamentals

Battery technologies, energy storage principles, battery sizing, safety considerations, and integration with renewable energy systems.
Key Learning Points:
  • Battery chemistry types and characteristics
  • Storage system sizing and configuration
  • Battery safety and maintenance
  • Grid services and storage applications

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Module 4 • 28 assignments
System Architecture

System design principles for grid-tied, off-grid, and hybrid renewable energy systems, including interconnection requirements and system optimization.
Key Learning Points:
  • Grid-tied vs off-grid system design
  • Hybrid system configurations
  • Interconnection standards and requirements
  • System monitoring and optimization

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Module 5 • 6 assignments
Renewable Energy Market Overview

Industry trends, policy frameworks, financing mechanisms, and market drivers affecting renewable energy adoption and project development.
Key Learning Points:
  • Market trends and growth projections
  • Policy and regulatory landscape
  • Financing and economic considerations
  • Career opportunities and industry outlook

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Conclusion • 3 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources

This is our last module but you still have access to the all of course materials for 12 months (1 year), so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. After your year of access expires you can optionally extend access with a HeatSpring Membership. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!

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Instructors

Christopher LaForge

Certified Master Trainer (IREC), NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Professional - Emeritus , Great Northern Solar

Christopher LaForge is the CEO of Great Northern Solar and a NABCEP certified photovoltaic installer-emeritus. He has been designing, specifying, and installing systems since 1988. He has been an instructor with the MREA since 1993 teaching Advanced Photovoltaic design and installation and is an ISPQ Affiliated Master Trainer. In 2016 he was named IREC's Master Trainer...

Chris Brown

Owner, Solamp Inc.

Chris Brown is passionate about the renewable energy and enthusiastic about sustainable solutions through technology and innovation. After completing his undergraduate education at the University of Massachusetts, Chris entered technical sales of renewable energy products 2006 with a focus on off grid renewable energy projects around the world. Several years later,...

Frequently asked questions

Full FAQ
How does this course work?
You can begin this online course instantly upon enrollment. This course is delivered entirely online. Pre-order courses are available on launch date. This course is self-paced and you can set your own schedule to complete the materials. You can begin the lecture videos and other course materials as soon as you enroll. During your year of access the instructor will be in the course answering questions on the discussion board. After successfully completing the course, you will be able to generate a certificate of completion.
How long do I have access to the materials?
Students get unlimited access to the course materials as soon as they enroll and for one year (365 days) after enrollment. Rewatch videos and review assignments as many times as you want. View updates the instructor makes to the course as the industry advances. Return to your course anytime with online access from anywhere in the world. After the one year of access expires, access can be extended by joining as a HeatSpring member. A single membership extends access to course materials for all past enrollments.
Will the instructor really answer my questions during this course?
Yes! This is an instructor-led online course. You can ask questions on the discussion board and get prompt answers from your instructor. It varies by instructor and by course but typically instructors check-in between daily and weekly to check quiz results or project work, review and respond to discussion board questions and read survey responses. Check the enrollment page for specific information about each instructor's check-in frequency.
Is there a certificate of completion?
Yes, when you complete this course you are eligible for a certificate of completion from HeatSpring. You can download your certificate as soon as you have completed all of the course requirements. Students can easily share their verified certificates on their LinkedIn profiles using our LinkedIn integration.
Can I register multiple people?
Yes, please visit our For Teams page to get a group discount.

$585

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