About this course
Solar is becoming a bigger part of our energy infrastructure. Even if you don’t work for a solar company, it’s useful to understand the elements that inform a preliminary design. This course will dive deeper into the topics of Solar Onboarding 101, providing a closer look at system configurations and more context so that students will be better equipped to answer questions surrounding new solar systems or systems that have been previously installed. Students can expect to learn a little about many topics within the solar industry without diving into any one too deeply.
This course was built for:
- Folks new to the solar industry
- Utility engineering and energy advisory staff, especially electric co-ops
- Policy and code staff within the government
- Construction or building companies
- Building inspectors
- Real estate agents
What we'll cover in 102:
- PV module technical specifications and how this information informs solar design
- Site Assessments
- Factors that affect the system size of solar and solar + storage systems
- Design basics, including overview of some additional components and system safety elements from 101 Battery energy storage basics, including system configurations and modes of operation
- Installation requirements, including relevant codes and best practices
Ready To Sign Up Today? Click Here to Enroll
Course outline
5 modules • 31 assignments • 2:36 hours of video lectures
Welcome • 6 assignments
Orientation Materials
Welcome • 6 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.
- Set up email notifications and your student profile
- Introduce yourself on the discussion board
- Follow HeatSpring on LinkedIn
- Introduction to the Course (03:00 minutes)
- Meet Brit - Your Instructor for the Course (03:14 minutes)
- Course Slides for Reference (.pdf)
Module 1 • 2 assignments
PV Module Technical Information
Module 1 • 2 assignments
PV Module Technical Information
- PV Module Electrical Specifications and IV Curves (15:24 minutes)
- PV Module Technical Information Mini Quiz
Module 2 • 3 assignments
Site Assessment
Module 2 • 3 assignments
Site Assessment
- Solar Assessment - Part 1: Intro and Roof Considerations (15:13 minutes)
- Solar Assessment - Part 2: Environmental Considerations (16:25 minutes)
- Site Assessment Mini Quiz
Module 3 • 3 assignments
Sizing the System
Module 3 • 3 assignments
Sizing the System
- Power Triangle and Power Factor (06:58 minutes)
- Load Analysis (12:40 minutes)
- Sizing the System Mini Quiz
Module 4 • 6 assignments
Design and Equipment
Module 4 • 6 assignments
Design and Equipment
- Design - Solar Panels and Roof Layout (10:43 minutes)
- Design - Roof & Wind Loads, Series & Parallel Circuits, and Other Circuit Considerations (17:17 minutes)
- Inverters (13:17 minutes)
- Additional Components (09:09 minutes)
- Battery Energy Storage Systems (12:21 minutes)
- Design and Equipment Mini Quiz
Module 5 • 7 assignments
Installation Standards and Best Practices
Module 5 • 7 assignments
Installation Standards and Best Practices
- Codes and Standards for PV Systems (09:02 minutes)
- Labeling Requirements Poster
- Local Requirements, Licensing, and Inspection Best Practices (11:31 minutes)
- SolSmart
- Learn about NABCEP Board Certifications
- IBTS Solar PV System Inspection Checklist (.pdf)
- Installation Standards and Best Practices Mini Quiz
Conclusion • 4 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
Conclusion • 4 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!
- 1 Year of Access to Course Materials
- Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
- Consider Joining as a HeatSpring Member
- Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate
Instructor
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Brittany Heller has been in the solar industry in a variety of roles since January 2015. She began her solar career in residential sales in New Orleans. She then moved to Denver where she completed a Construction Fellowship with GRID Alternatives Colorado, building a wide portfolio of solar projects all benefiting income-qualified families. In April 2018, she began her... Learn more
Frequently asked questions
How does this course work?
You can begin this online course instantly upon enrollment. This 5 module course is delivered entirely online. 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.
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 HeatSpring for Teams page to get a group discount.
