About this course

Explore the combination of solar energy and battery storage technology; known in the industry as "solar plus storage". You will see how solar plus storage systems work, understand their growing importance in today's energy landscape, and learn about the fundamental components that make these systems possible. From the historical context of energy storage to modern photovoltaic technology and battery integration, this is essential knowledge for anyone entering the clean energy field. Perfect for contractors, installers, and building professionals looking to understand this transformative technology and its benefits for energy independence, financial savings, and environmental sustainability.

Learning Objectives

  • Explain the basic concept of solar energy and electricity generation.
  • Describe why energy storage (batteries) is beneficial, especially with solar.
  • Identify the main reasons people install solar batteries (backup, savings, independence, environment).
  • Recognize the basic components of a solar PV system and a battery storage system.
  • Understand the general difference between grid-tied, off-grid, and hybrid systems.
  • Discuss the environmental and economic context for solar batteries.

Course outline

6 modules
1 - 2 hours to complete
50 minutes of video lectures
Module 1 • 3 assignments
Introduction to Solar systems with Batteries - Solar + Storage

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Module 2 • 4 assignments
The New Dawn of Energy: A Comprehensive Introduction to Solar plus Storage

For millennia, humans have sought ways to store energy, from stockpiling firewood to harnessing the concentrated power of fossil fuels. Today, we stand at a new technological tipping point, shifting back to the original source of our planet’s energy—the sun—and pairing it with a modern marvel: advanced battery storage. This combination, known as solar plus storage, is revolutionizing how we power our lives, offering a path to energy independence, financial savings, and a more stable, sustainable future.

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Module 3 • 5 assignments
Why Solar Batteries Now

The Urgency and Benefits of Solar and Energy Storage is presented.

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Module 4 • 5 assignments
The Basics

Here we introduce the basic elements and the concepts underlying the nature of Solar Systems with Batteries.

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Module 5 • 12 assignments
The Fundamental Components

In this module we introduce the components of a Solar System with Batteries.

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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?
This is a free course. Enroll today and get access to all of the materials instantly. Pre-order courses are available on launch date. The lecture video and other materials are available any time.
How long do I have access to the materials?
For free courses there is no guarantee for how long the course materials will be available.
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?
Certificates of completion are only provided to HeatSpring Membership subscribers. This course has not been approved by any credentialing organizations (NABCEP, AIA, USGBC etc) for Continuing Education Credits (CEUs). This course is for self education purposes only and completion does not indicate a level of professional expertise or credential.
Can I register multiple people?
Yes, this is a free course so you can share this page with other people from your team.

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