This course is designed to be an introduction to passive and active solar systems that includes a history of how solar features were included in ancient dwellings up to the present time. This quick but comprehensive course includes:

  • How solar photovoltaic (PV) collectors are manufactured, the types of PV collectors available, and their efficiencies.
  • The difference between passive and active solar systems and an examination of their components.
  • How to size and determine the cost of a solar electric (PV) system.
  • How to calculate the federal tax credit incentives for residential renewable energy systems.
  • How to find additional rebates, incentives, funding, and other programs for residential renewable energy systems.
Module 1 Introduction
Unit 1 Introduction and Course Materials  
Module 2 Solar Basics
Unit 1 Solar System Primer  
Unit 2 Solar System Primer Quiz  
Unit 3 Passive Solar Sunrooms-Solariums-Greenhouses  
Unit 4 Passive Solar Sunrooms-Greenhouse-Solariums Quiz  
Unit 5 History of Solar Construction  
Unit 6 History of Solar Construction Quiz  
Module 3 Passive and Active Solar
Unit 1 Principles of Passive Solar Design  
Unit 2 Principles of Passive Solar Design Quiz  
Unit 3 Solar Thermal System Types  
Unit 4 Solar System Thermal Types Quiz  
Module 4 Solar Electricity
Unit 1 Photovoltaic Solar Cells, Modules, and Arrays  
Unit 2 Photovoltaic Solar Cells, Modules and Arrays Quiz  
Unit 3 Grid Connected and On-Site Power Production  
Unit 4 Grid Connected and On-Site Power Production Quiz  
Unit 5 The Role of the Solar Inverter  
Unit 6 The Role of the Solar Inverter Quiz  
Unit 7 Utility Metering of Solar  
Unit 8 Utility Metering of Solar Quiz  
Unit 9 Size and Cost of PV Systems  
Unit 10 Size and Cost of PV Systems Quiz  
Module 5 Solar Incentives
Unit 1 Incentives for Solar  
Unit 2 Incentives for Solar Quiz  
Module 6 Overview of Solar Technologies and Solar Construction Final Exam
Unit 1 Overview of Solar Technologies and Solar Construction Final Exam