Professional Concentration in Solar Energy Systems and Design
According to the Solar Foundation, California continues to top the list as the leader for solar employment, and solar employers are expected to increase hiring by 24 percent by 2012. Stand out in today’s competitive workplace. Acquire a fundamental understanding and application of solar energy systems design with the Professional Concentration Program in Solar Energy Systems and Design. Explore the various aspects involved in utilizing solar energy systems for residential and commercial use.
Gain practical knowledge and skills
- Acquire the practical skills for designing and installing solar energy systems in your home or business
- Learn about emerging industry trends and the latest technologies
- Gain valuable information about solar resources in California and government initiatives for promoting solar energy, including the California Solar Initiative
- Examine current code and compliance requirements for solar energy systems
Designed for professionals like you
This program is designed for home and business owners, designers, architects, builders, roofing contractors and installers. It is also applicable to anyone interested in learning about solar energy systems and its environmental benefits.
Prerequisite
Students should be able to solve algebraic equations prior to taking the design courses.
Professional Concentration program requirements
The Solar Energy Systems and Design professional concentration award is earned upon successful completion of five required courses. We recommend that you complete the one-day overview courses before taking the Systems Design courses. Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Energy Compliance and Code Review should be taken last in the sequence. Individual courses are also open for enrollment, and all five of these courses satisfy requirements for electives and required courses in the Green Building and Sustainable Design and Renewable Energy certificates. Up to one comparable course from another accredited institution, with a grade of "C" or better and taken in the last five years, may be substituted for one of the required courses.
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Energy Systems: Overview and Solar Thermal Energy Systems: Overview are both 0.8 CEU.
| UNITS | F | W | SP | |||
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| REQUIRED COURSES | Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Energy Systems: Overview | 
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| Solar Thermal Energy Systems: Overview | 
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| Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Energy Systems Design | 2 |
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| Solar Thermal Energy Systems Design | 2 |
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| Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Energy Systems: Compliance and Code Overview | 2 |
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F=Fall W=Winter SP=Spring SU=Summer;
Schedules subject to change
Classroom format
Online Learning format |
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Required Courses
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Energy Systems: Overview
quarter units academic credit, .
Find out what switching to solar could mean for your household or organization. Gain an overview of the theory, technologies, applications, issues and benefits of solar energy. Receive useful background information about California’s solar resources and the various federal and state government initiatives to promote solar energy as a mainstream power source, including the latest policies and legislation.
Explore the various steps to design a solar system and how to maximize its performance. Examine the effects of temperature, orientation, tilt and shading on the energy output and how to utilize features of building design to minimize energy demand and achieve a near "zero energy" home.This course can be used as an elective for the Renewable Energy Certificate Program.
This course is designed for home and business owners, designers, architects, builders, roofing contractors, installers and those interested in learning about the environmental benefits of solar energy.
This course is not currently scheduled.
Solar Thermal Energy Systems: Overview
quarter units academic credit, . GEN CEUs, GEN Hours
The market for solar thermal systems is growing rapidly as building owners, planning engineers, architects, fitters and roofers grapple with a range of new solar thermal technologies. Gain practical information about industry trends and state-of-the-art technologies. Learn about the actual market situation and how to grow your skills in consulting, planning and design, economics and marketing.
Topics include:
- Detailed installation instructions for a large variety of on-site situations
- Coverage of large solar thermal systems, including solar district heating networks
- An overview of simulation software
This course can be used as an elective for the Renewable Energy Certificate Program.
This course is not currently scheduled.
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Energy Systems Design
2 quarter units academic credit, X421.14.
Learn the basics of solar photovoltaic power systems for both residential and commercial use, as well as solar system physics and technology, design and implementation. Examine energy conservation, the economics of solar power systems, passive solar heating systems, the California Solar Initiative and LEED review. Gain the practical skills to design a solar power system and work in teams to design a solar energy system for residential and commercial purposes.
This course is not currently scheduled.
Solar Thermal Energy Systems Design
2 quarter units academic credit, X421.15.
Interest in solar thermal energy is on the rise. Learn the fundamentals of designing and installing these power systems for residential and commercial applications and work in teams to design a solar thermal energy system.
Topics include:
- Residential and large scale systems components
- Concentrating systems, air and cooling systems
- Design fundamentals
- Cost/yield analysis
- Installation and maintenance
- Emerging trends and technology
This course is not currently scheduled.
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Energy Systems: Compliance and Code Overview
2 quarter units academic credit, X421.19.
For those with a general knowledge of solar energy system requirements,
design and installation, increase your understanding of the latest
solar PV energy systems compliance and code requirements. Learn about
design and installation compliance issues for both residential
& commercial solar energy systems in the areas of system
sizing, array layout, electrical wiring and utility interconnection.
Examine recent changes in California Solar Initiative programs
including system compliance, component selection and installation
audit. Study the current fire and electrical code requirements and
inspection issues for solar PV energy systems as they relate to the
safety and quality of the overall system design.
This is a required course in the Solar Energy Systems and Design Professional Concentration and can be used as an elective in the
Renewable Energy Certificate Program.
Prerequisites:
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Energy Systems Design, or equivalent solar system design class or background in the solar industry
This course is not currently scheduled.
Download A Brochure
Download a Building and Construction brochure
(1.6 MB)
Educational Partner
This program is an approved educational provider for the Association of Energy Engineers.
