E – 1921 Introduction to Solar Energy Technologies

In this online engineering PDH course, the basics of three solar energy technologies are described. The technologies are photovoltaics (PV), concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP) , and solar systems integration. The fundamentals of PV are given for solar cells, system design, manufacturing, performance and efficiency, soft costs, and solar rooftop potential. CSP is introduced through discussion of linear concentrator, power tower, dish/engine, and thermal storage systems. Solar systems integration is represented through description of solar resilience, distributed energy resources and microgrids, inverters and grid services, storage basics, solar-plus-storage systems, planning operations, cybersecurity, and silicon carbide in solar energy.

This course is based on the document, “Introduction to Solar Energy Technologies,” by Mark Rossow.