Online Course – Certified Professional Internship in Solar Energy for Engineers and Architects from the University at Buffalo

Start your career in solar energy. Acquire basic knowledge of photovoltaic technology.

Suggested by: Coursera (What is Coursera?)

Professional Certificate

Beginners

No prior knowledge required

Time to complete the course

7-day free trial

No unnecessary risks

Skills you will acquire in the course

  • Solar installation
  • Solar system maintenance
  • Understanding photovoltaic technologies
  • Solar system design
  • Putting solar systems into operation
  • Energy production data analysis
  • Knowledge of regulations and rules in the field
  • Working with advanced tools and technologies

What you will learn in the course

Courses for which the course is suitable

  • Photovoltaic engineer
  • Solar system installer
  • Architect in the field of renewable energy
  • Building Code Inspector
  • Solar energy project manager
  • Renewable Energy Consultant
  • Solar system design expert
  • Economic analyst in the field of solar energy

Internship – 3-part course series

This specialization provides an overview of solar photovoltaics (PV), solar system design details, and a framework for managing solar PV projects. The courses are designed for engineers, HVAC installers, architects, and building code reviewers, and are also intended for anyone interested in a career in the expanding renewable energy field of solar power.

Course content

  • How PV works and the anatomy of solar power systems
  • The economics of solar energy
  • Advantages and disadvantages of different systems
  • PV system design considerations
  • Compliance with basic codes

The material focuses primarily on solar PV in the United States. For more information, you can watch the overview at https://youtu.be/XjkKzbXqA6s .

Hands-on Learning Project

Students will apply theoretical principles to projects embedded at the end of each course. The projects include:

  • System Analysis (Course 1)
  • System Design (Course 2)
  • Compliance (Course 3)

The projects help students understand PV system designs and costs, calculate solar system sizing, and identify appropriate design and classification requirements.

Details of the courses that make up the specialization

Solar Energy System – Overview

Course 1

  • Duration: 9 hours
  • Rating: 4.7 (810 ratings)
Course Details
What you’ll learn
  • Distinguish between the value of solar energy and alternatives
  • Explain how photovoltaics work technically and economically, and identify its components.
  • Estimate solar system costs
The skills you will acquire
  • Category: Operation of photovoltaic systems

Solar energy and electrical system design

Course 2

  • Duration: 16 hours
  • Rating: 4.7 (679 ratings)
Course Details
What you’ll learn
  • Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of different photovoltaic systems
  • Assess the requirements of a photovoltaic system
  • Identify key design considerations and planning tools
The skills you will acquire
  • Category: Photovoltaic System Size

Solar Energy Codes, Licenses, and Zones

Course 3

  • Duration: 13 hours
  • Rating: 4.7 (120 ratings)
Course Details
What you’ll learn
  • Describe the building code principles of photovoltaic systems
  • Describe the field audit process
  • Identify considerations regarding codes and planning zones
  • Explain key design elements and points to check
The skills you will acquire
  • Category: Building Codes