Electrical
Construction
Safety
Trade Skills
Introduction to Electricity Concepts (AC and DC)
About this course
This foundational course provides clean energy professionals with essential electrical knowledge needed to understand and work with electrical systems. Students will learn the core principles of electricity, including voltage, current, and resistance relationships through Ohm's Law, and gain a solid understanding of the differences between AC and DC power systems. The course covers conductor and insulator properties, electrical measurements, and practical applications of electrical theory in clean energy contexts. Perfect for installers, technicians, and professionals who need a solid grounding in electrical fundamentals to advance their careers in the renewable energy sector.
Learning Objectives
- Differentiate between AC and DC power systems and explain their applications in renewable energy installations
- Apply Ohm's Law to calculate voltage, current, and resistance in electrical circuits relevant to clean energy systems
- Analyze conductor and insulator properties to make appropriate material selection decisions for electrical applications
This course is included in this bundle
Course outline
7 modules
5 hours to complete
2:52 hours
of video lectures
Module 1 • 3 assignments
Foundations of Electricity: Electrons, Current, and Charge
Module 1 • 3 assignments
Foundations of Electricity: Electrons, Current, and Charge
Explore the fundamental principles of electricity, including electron movement, electric current formation, and the basic concept of electrical charge in conductors.
Key Learning Points:
- Electricity as the movement of electrons
- Formation of electric current through electron transfer
- Measurement of electrical charge in coulombs and amperes
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Module 2 • 4 assignments
Voltage, Current, and Resistance: The Building Blocks
Module 2 • 4 assignments
Voltage, Current, and Resistance: The Building Blocks
Master the three fundamental elements of electrical systems and understand how they interact to create useful electrical energy.
Key Learning Points:
- Voltage as the difference in charge between two points
- Current as the rate of charge flow
- Resistance and factors affecting conductor resistance
- Relationship between conductor size, material, and temperature
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Module 3 • 2 assignments
Ohm's Law and Electrical Calculations
Module 3 • 2 assignments
Ohm's Law and Electrical Calculations
Learn to apply Ohm's Law to solve practical electrical problems and understand the relationships between voltage, current, and resistance in circuits.
Key Learning Points:
- Ohm's Law formula and variations (I = E/R, E = IR, R = E/I)
- Direct and inverse proportional relationships
- Circuit analysis using Ohm's Law
- Practical problem-solving techniques
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Module 4 • 2 assignments
Electrical Power and Energy Measurements
Module 4 • 2 assignments
Electrical Power and Energy Measurements
Understand electrical power calculations, efficiency concepts, and energy measurements used in the clean energy industry.
Key Learning Points:
- Power calculation using watts (W = E × I)
- Understanding appliance efficiency and power consumption
- Energy measurement in kilowatt-hours
- Ampacity and conductor current-carrying capacity
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Module 5 • 1 assignments
Conductors vs. Insulators: Materials and Applications
Module 5 • 1 assignments
Conductors vs. Insulators: Materials and Applications
Explore the properties of conductive and insulating materials, their atomic structure differences, and practical applications in electrical systems.
Key Learning Points:
- Atomic structure differences between conductors and insulators
- Common conductor materials (copper, aluminum, silver)
- Insulator properties and breakdown conditions
- Material selection criteria for electrical applications
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Module 6 • 3 assignments
AC vs. DC Power Systems in Clean Energy
Module 6 • 3 assignments
AC vs. DC Power Systems in Clean Energy
Compare alternating and direct current systems, their generation methods, and specific applications in renewable energy installations.
Key Learning Points:
- DC characteristics and battery-based systems
- AC generation using alternators and renewable sources
- Power transmission advantages of AC systems
- Transformers and voltage conversion
- AC and DC applications in solar and storage systems
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Conclusion • 2 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
Conclusion • 2 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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Authors
Brick Maier
Director of Enterprise Learning & Development, HeatSpring
I currently work on delivering tailored learning experiences that help partner teams solve problems faster. In a fast paced high change environment, training needs to be accurate, modular, and adaptable. I am developing programs that leverage the collective expertise of the crowd to vet and scale content to help teams apply what they learned in their role. I believe...
Jenny Conrardy is a Journeyman Electrician, NABCEP PVIP Certified, and has been working in the solar industry since 2019. She is an instructor with the Midwest Renewable Energy Association in Wisconsin, and trained with Solar Energy International in Paonia, CO. Jenny is a member of Solar for Women & WRISE, and is a advocate for equity in the trades. With a background...
Frequently asked questions
Full FAQHow 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. 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.
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.
$95