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Solar PV Systems: Photovoltaic Design, Installation & MPPT
Rating: 4.5 out of 5(20 ratings)
62 students

Solar PV Systems: Photovoltaic Design, Installation & MPPT

Master photovoltaic system design, MPPT, grid integration & installation for solar careers
Last updated 6/2026
English

What you'll learn

  • Design photovoltaic systems including sizing calculations, electrical design, MPPT configuration, and safety protection for residential and commercial applicati
  • Understand solar cell technologies including silicon, thin-film, and emerging materials with efficiency limits and loss mechanisms
  • Analyze solar economics including LCOE, financing models, incentives, payback periods, and grid integration requirements
  • Manage solar projects from feasibility through commissioning including permitting, stakeholder coordination, and deployment strategies

Course content

7 sections17 lectures3h 0m total length
  • The Role of Solar Energy in Global Energy Systems8:36

    Explore how solar energy reshapes global energy systems by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, boosting energy security, and driving economic growth through scalable, versatile technology.

  • Basics of Photovoltaic Systems11:48

    Explore the basics of photovoltaic systems, including solar panels, inverters, and batteries. Learn how monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin film panels and storage optimize sun-to-electric energy for homes, business, and off-grid.

  • History and Evolution of Solar Technology12:07

Requirements

  • Basic understanding of electricity and energy concepts helpful but not required—course covers fundamentals
  • Interest in renewable energy, solar power, or sustainable technology careers
  • No prior solar experience needed—designed for beginners entering the solar industry
  • Access to computer for course materials and optional solar design software exploration

Description

30 students. 4.58/5.0 rating. 100% say "valuable information." 100% say "clear explanations." 100% say "engaging delivery." 100% say "knowledgeable instructor." Comprehensive solar photovoltaic system design, installation, and engineering training with perfect quality scores.


Master Solar PV Systems from fundamentals through advanced implementation. Learn photovoltaic technology, system sizing, electrical design principles, Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT), silicon and thin-film solar cells, grid integration, energy storage, project management, and real-world deployment strategies. Complete technical training for solar careers in the rapidly growing renewable energy industry.


WHAT YOU'LL LEARN


Solar Energy Fundamentals & Global Context

Understand solar energy's role in global energy systems, photovoltaic (PV) system basics, and the history and evolution of solar technology. Learn why solar has become the fastest-growing energy source and its impact on decarbonization.


Solar Resource Assessment & System Sizing

Master solar resource evaluation including insolation data, sun path diagrams, shading analysis, and solar angles. Learn PV system sizing fundamentals including load calculation, panel selection, array configuration, and performance estimation.


Solar Design Tools & Software

Explore industry-standard design tools including PVsyst, Helioscope, SAM (System Advisor Model), and online calculators. Understand how to model system performance, optimize layouts, and generate professional proposals.


Electrical Engineering Principles

Learn electrical design fundamentals including DC/AC power calculations, voltage drop, wire sizing, overcurrent protection, grounding, and National Electrical Code (NEC) compliance for solar installations.


Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT)

Understand MPPT algorithms, how MPPT charge controllers and inverters optimize power output, tracking efficiency, and selection criteria for different system configurations.


System Protection & Safety

Master safety systems including disconnect switches, circuit breakers, surge protection, ground fault detection, arc fault protection, and electrical safety procedures for installation and maintenance.


Solar Cell Technologies

Explore silicon solar cell physics including p-n junctions, photovoltaic effect, cell efficiency, and manufacturing processes. Compare monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film technologies including CIGS, CdTe, and emerging perovskite cells.


Efficiency & Loss Mechanisms

Understand theoretical efficiency limits (Shockley-Queisser), temperature coefficients, spectral losses, reflection losses, resistive losses, and degradation mechanisms affecting long-term performance.


Real-World Design Considerations

Apply practical design strategies for residential, commercial, and utility-scale projects. Learn site assessment, structural considerations, mounting systems, orientation, tilt optimization, and weather impacts.


Solar Economics & Financing

Analyze levelized cost of energy (LCOE), payback periods, net present value, solar incentives (ITC, SREC, net metering), financing models (PPA, lease, direct purchase), and business case development.


Grid Integration & Energy Storage

Master grid-tied, off-grid, and hybrid system designs. Understand inverter requirements, utility interconnection, net metering, battery storage systems (lithium-ion, flow batteries), and smart grid integration.


Solar Project Management

Learn project lifecycle from feasibility study through commissioning. Master permitting processes, stakeholder coordination, procurement, construction management, quality control, and O&M planning.


Case Studies & Best Practices

Analyze real solar deployments including residential rooftop, commercial installations, solar farms, and innovative applications. Learn from successful projects and common pitfalls.


COURSE STRUCTURE


17 comprehensive lectures (3 hours) across 6 sections

Section 1: Introduction - global context, PV basics, solar history

Section 2: Resource & Design - solar resource, sizing, design tools

Section 3: Engineering - electrical principles, MPPT, safety systems

Section 4: Technology - silicon cells, thin-film, efficiency limits

Section 5: Advanced Design - real-world considerations, economics, grid integration

Section 6: Project Management - managing solar projects, case studies


NO INSTALLATION EXPERIENCE REQUIRED


Course teaches solar engineering principles and design methodology. Perfect for aspiring solar professionals, engineers, technicians, and anyone entering the solar industry.


WHO THIS IS FOR


Electrical and mechanical engineers transitioning into solar/renewable energy careers

Solar installation technicians upgrading technical knowledge and design skills

Engineering students building expertise in photovoltaic systems and renewable energy

Energy professionals evaluating solar projects for commercial or utility applications

Entrepreneurs and business owners starting solar installation or development companies

Homeowners and sustainability advocates implementing solar for personal projects

Career changers entering the fast-growing solar industry with 279,000+ jobs in USA alone


SOLAR CAREER OPPORTUNITIES


The solar industry offers competitive salaries across diverse roles:


Solar Project Developer: $90,000-$120,000/year

Solar PV System Designer: $70,000-$100,000/year

Solar Installation Manager: $65,000-$95,000/year

Solar Sales Engineer: $70,000-$110,000/year

Solar Energy Consultant: $60,000-$90,000/year

Solar Panel Installer: $40,000-$60,000/year


With 279,000+ solar workers in the USA (5.9% annual growth) and global solar capacity expanding rapidly, professionals with PV system design expertise have excellent career prospects.


SOLAR INDUSTRY GROWTH

Global solar installations exceed 1,200 GW capacity and growing exponentially Solar now cheapest electricity source in most markets ($20-40/MWh) USA solar industry employs 279,000+ workers with continued 5-6% annual growth Residential, commercial, and utility-scale projects offer diverse opportunities Technical skills in PV design, MPPT, and grid integration in high demand


WHY PERFECT QUALITY SCORES MATTER

This course achieves 100% on all key metrics: - 100% valuable information

- 100% clear explanations - 100% engaging delivery

- 100% knowledgeable instructor


Students consistently praise the teaching quality, technical depth, and practical relevance. Join 30 professionals who have already mastered solar PV systems.


Enroll now and launch your career in the booming solar energy industry with the technical skills employers demand.

Who this course is for:

  • Electrical and mechanical engineers transitioning into solar energy, photovoltaic systems, or renewable energy careers
  • Solar installation technicians and electricians upgrading technical knowledge in PV design and system engineering
  • Engineering students and graduates building expertise in solar technology and renewable energy systems
  • Entrepreneurs and business owners starting solar installation companies or renewable energy consulting firms
  • Energy professionals, facility managers, and sustainability officers evaluating solar projects for organizations
  • Career changers entering the solar industry with 279,000+ jobs and 5.9% annual growth in USA alone