Solar Energy for Engineers, Architects and Code Inspectors Specialization Course Syllabus

Overview (80-120 words) describing structure and time commitment.

Module 1: Solar Energy Systems Overview

Estimated time: 9 hours

• Photovoltaic (PV) system basics and operating principles
• Solar irradiance and its impact on energy production
• Components of a PV system: modules, inverters, racking, and balance of system
• Introduction to return on investment and cost estimation for solar projects

Module 2: Solar Energy and Electrical System Design

Estimated time: 17 hours

• Site assessment and energy demand analysis
• Shading analysis and its effect on system performance
• Selection of PV modules and inverters based on application
• Electrical wiring, voltage drop calculations, and system sizing for residential, commercial, and utility-scale installations

Module 3: Solar Energy Codes, Permitting and Zoning

Estimated time: 15 hours

• Overview of national, state, and local regulations for solar installations
• Understanding building codes and fire safety requirements for PV systems
• Permitting workflows and documentation for residential and commercial projects
• Inspection checklists and compliance processes for code inspectors

Module 4: Financial Models and Economic Feasibility

Estimated time: 10 hours

• Net metering policies and utility interconnection agreements
• Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and third-party ownership models
• Levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) and payback period calculations
• Evaluating economic feasibility using real-world case studies

Module 5: Practical Application and Case Studies

Estimated time: 8 hours

• Integrated design scenarios combining technical and regulatory considerations
• Case-based exercises in plan review and code compliance
• Real data applications for system performance estimation

Module 6: Final Project

Estimated time: 10 hours

• Design a complete grid-connected PV system for a real-world building site
• Conduct energy yield estimation and system sizing using local climate data
• Prepare a permit-ready package including cost model, code compliance summary, and financial analysis

Prerequisites

• No prior experience required
• Basic understanding of mathematics and electrical concepts helpful but not required
• Access to internet for online tools and simulations

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Design a residential or commercial-scale solar PV system
• Perform site assessments and estimate energy production accurately
• Navigate permitting, zoning, and code compliance processes
• Evaluate financial models and economic viability of solar projects
• Prepare documentation for plan checks and inspections as a code inspector or designer