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Solar Energy beginner to advanced PV System Design from zero

Name: Solar Energy beginner to advanced PV System Design from zero
Rating: 4.0 (498 reviews)

Learn solar energy, from the components to the design of a Solar PV System. Focused on both technical & commercial.

Created byMarcos Donzino

Last updated 9/2025

English

English [Auto],Korean [Auto],

What you'll learn

Learn Solar Energy Fundamentals
Design On Grid Solar Energy Systems.
Size On Grid Solar Systems and learn about each component of a solar energy system
Solar Energy Systems: begginer to advanced.
On Grid Photovoltaic Solar System.
Solar Energy Fundamentals: solar energy, energy & power, irradiance, units, etc.
Peak Sun Hours, Standard Test Conditions (STC), I-V Curves, Performance Curves and more.
The Solar Cell: the basic unit of the Solar System. How it works, how it's manufactured, the most popular types and more.
The Phovoltaic Effect: the mechanism used to generate electricity from the sunlight.
Polycrystalline, monocrystalline and thin film cells.
From the solar cell to the solar panel: how it's made, diagrams, how it works, components, and more.
The Solar Panel: The most popular and commercially available solar panels. Pros and Cons.
Solar Panels: curves, the datasheet, technical parameters, characteristics, construction, junction box, diodes, wiring of the cells, effects of shading and more
Temperature coefficient adjustments on solar panels. Packaging, mechanical characteristics and more.
The On Grid Inverter:How it works, characteristics, electrical parameters, datasheet, types of on grid inverters and it's pros and cons, how to size and select
Wiring & Conduits: the different types, where to use each one, how to size and select them, pros and cons. Wiring diagrams.
One-Wire diagram of an on grid transformerless inverter.
Protection devices: fuses, SPD's, circuit breakers, RCD's. Characteristics, how they work, how to size and select them. Wiring diagrams.
The Combiner box, the wiring and components inside the combiner box.
Mounting Structures: the most popular types of structures available in the market. The pros and cons of each type, commercial tips, and more
From the components to the system: how the PV Solar System works. How it's wired, how to put all the components together to make the PV System.
One-wire Diagram of the PV system, with the protection devices, PV array, on grid inverter, combiner boxes, wiring, conduits, etc.
Sizing and design of the Solar PV System: Getting the solar irradiance for free. Import data to the excel we developed to calculate the energy generation.
Step by Step sizing a PV Solar System with an example.
Optimizing the PV System: the optimal tilt and orientation, calculating the interrow spacing of the PV array, using the sun chart diagram.
Super Bonus 1: get our excel files to calculate the energy generation , energy balance and a lot more of data.
Temperature corrections using our spreadsheets. Correct sizing and adjustments based on temperature and recommended losses and voltage drops on the wiring.
Sizing the PV array, the On Grid Inverter, the concept of clipping, sizing the wiring and conduits, selecting the protection devices, and estimating balances
Super Bonus 2: excel spreadsheet to calculate the cost of the PV system, the energy consumption, and more.
Financial: how to calculate the payback period, the cost of the PV system. Estimating the savings on the energy bill, commercial tips when selling a PV system.
Financial 2: estimating the payback period the master's way: the NET PRESENT VALUE or NPV method.
Super Bonus 3: excel file to calculate the cashflows, the payback period, the return on investment, the savings, the discount cash flow, and more.

Course content

11 sections • 126 lectures • 6h 3m total length

Index and how to navigate the Solar Energy Course2:46
After finishing this video you will know what we are going to learn on this course, how is the course structured and how to navigate the course.
Disclaimer1:47

Energy & Power2:23
We'll see the difference between energy and power and how they are measured.
Energy & Power - Examples2:12
We'll see the concept of power and energy with an example to understand it better.
How does the solar energy reach the earth?3:19
An overview of how the sunlight reaches the earth.
The Solar Radiation Spectrum2:51
We'll see how the solar spectrum reaches the earth.
Review0:28
Leave a five-star review to share your feedback on this solar energy course and help others decide to enroll toward a brighter future. Your input supports ongoing high-quality education.
Diffuse and Direct Radiation3:57
We'll see how diffuse and direct radiation change the irradiance value.
Peak Sun Hours1:55
We'll see a fast introduction to peak sun hours, later on the course we'll review the concept in more detail.
don't forget to leave a 5 stars review :)0:08
To resume - Solar Energy Fundamentals Section1:57
Closing the introduction to fundamentals section.
FUNDAMENTALS QUIZ

The Photovoltaic Effect: electricity from the sunlight3:07
We'll see the mechanism used to generate electricity from the sunlight: the photovoltaic effect.
Why Silicon?5:13
We'll see why is Silicon used on the solar cells.
What is doping?2:04
We'll see the concept of doping and what elements are used.
The PN Junction2:55
We'll see the concept of the PN junction and how it works.
Important facts about solar cells6:19
We'll see some important facts and characteristics of the solar cells.
Review0:28
To resume - Solar Cell Section1:59
An overview of what we've seen on this section.
SOLAR CELL SECTION QUIZ

Introduction to the Solar Panel Section0:51
A brief introduction to the solar panel section.
The On Grid Solar System1:55
A quick overview of an on-grid solar system.
From the Solar Cell to the Solar Panel2:18
We'll talk about how we go from the solar cell to the solar panel: how the cells are wired together, how many cells per solar panel, etc.
Cell Technologies1:20
We'll talk about the different cell technologies under development and already developed.
PV Modules Views2:55
We'll see different views of the solar panel, front-view, back-view, exploded view.
From the Solar Cell to the Solar Array3:41
You'll learn how we can go from the cell to a solar array that we normally see on the roof.
Solar Cells Technologies: thin film, poly and monocrystalline cells2:09
We'll talk about the most popular silicon-based cell technologies: thin-film (amorphous), poly and monocrystalline, and their characteristics.
The Polycrystalline Cells1:49
We'll see in more detail the polycrystalline cells.
The Monocrystalline Cells1:17
We'll see in more detail the monocrystalline cells.
Mono vs Poly: visual differences0:35
We'll see how to differentiate the mono and polycrystalline cells.
Electrical Parameters and STC2:02
An overview of the electrical parameters and the standard test conditions.
Cell Temperature0:44
Irradiance (STC)0:33
We'll talk about the value of the irradiance when considering the standard test conditions.
Air Mass or AM (STC)0:51
We'll talk about air mass and the value considered for the STC.
Review0:28
The Solar Panel Label2:19
We'll talk about the label behind the solar panels and what we can find there.
Voltage of a Solar Panel1:21
Current and Power of the Solar Panel1:25
Maximum System Voltage of a Solar Panel1:45
Overcurrent Protection Devices (OCPD) and Certificates of the Solar Panel1:37
Learn how overcurrent protection devices set fuse ratings for parallel solar arrays, preventing fires from faults and shorts, and interpret panel certificates like C for conformity and UL safety tests.
36, 60 and 72 Cells Solar Panels2:48
60 & 72 Cells Solar Panels1:35
The Solar Panel Datasheet1:32
Examine the solar panel datasheet in detail, including front-page branding and warranty, certificate logos, mechanical specs, i-v curves, electrical parameters, packaging, and temperature characteristics.
The Warranty Curve2:51
Compare standard and linear warranty curves for solar panels, showing 90% power for 10 years under standard, versus linear degradation reaching 80% by year 30 with more energy.
Mechanical Characteristics and Packaging of the Solar Panel4:42
Electrical Parameters of Solar Panels2:15
Explain how solar panel datasheets present parameters for 60-cell modules, linking power from 250 to 285 W to cell quality and efficiency, including Voc, Vmp, Isc, and Noct under STC.
NOCT1:59
Temperature Coefficients4:17
Understand how temperature coefficients affect open circuit voltage, such as -0.3% per degree Celsius, and apply this for coldest and hottest days in string sizing and inverter planning.
Temperature Coefficients - Example4:17
I-V Curves of the Solar Panels0:56
Solar Panels Common Problems1:09
Explore solar panels' common problems and defects, including PID, hotspots, microcracks, snail trails, coloration, and corrosion. Learn repositioning or replacing a failed module to protect return on investment.
LID or Light Induced Degradation0:40
Lid, or light induced degradation, causes 1–3% power loss in the first year, then stabilizes near 0.8%, depending on wafer quality of p-type boron-doped silicon, and PID.
PID or Potential Induced Degradation2:07
Learn how potential induced degradation affects solar PV modules, from system voltage and grounding to glass, encapsulation, and anti-reflective coatings. Use tests like open circuit voltage readings to assess susceptibility.
Hot Spots on Solar Panels2:00
Bypass Diodes on Solar Panels3:02
Learn how bypass diodes protect solar panels from shading by routing current around shaded cells. They are connected in parallel with opposite polarity to keep output high and prevent hotspots.
Microcracks1:09
Investigate how microcracks reduce solar panel power through moisture penetration, contact oxidation, higher cell resistance, and heating, often arising from poor quality modules and handling, manufacturing, installation, or thermal stress.
Other Defects on Solar Panels3:07
Identify common defects in solar panels, including poor quality connectors, long-term degradation, faulty diodes, delamination, corrosion, discoloration, and snail trails, and stress the need for high-quality modules to protect investment.
Other Types of PV Modules0:39
Double Glass PV Modules4:21
Explore double glass PV modules with glass on both sides, delivering greater rigidity, fewer micro-cracks, and up to 80% power warranty over 30 years for roof and carport applications.
Bifacial PV Modules1:38
Bifacial PV modules use double-glass construction to generate energy from both sides, offering 5–20% higher output depending on ground reflectivity, with frameless designs reducing PID and side-mounted junction boxes.
Half Cell (HC) PV Modules3:29
Explore half cell pv modules, where 156x156 cells are halved and wired in parallel to reduce current per cell, improving shading performance and reducing losses in compact, high-power panels.
Mono PERC PV Modules2:46
Self Cleaning PV Modules1:25
Explore self-cleaning solar panels to reduce maintenance and washing costs in large plants, with hydrophobic coatings using rain to remove dust and prevent hotspots.
Review0:28
Advantages of Higher Power Output Solar Panels0:59
To resume - Solar Panels Section2:35
Recaps the path from solar cell to panel and array, focusing on silicon-based panels (polycrystalline and monocrystalline), datasheets, i-v and pv curves, and panel variants like mono perc and bifacial.
Solar Panel Section Quiz

Introduction to the inverter section1:12
Learn how inverters convert DC from the solar array to usable AC for homes, industries, and commercial appliances. Compare DC and AC and explore grid injection of surplus energy.
Grounded PV Systems2:53
Transformerless Inverters (TL)2:28
Explore transformerless inverters, the lighter, smaller, and cheaper option dominating solar, and learn how inductors, capacitors, and a DC-DC converter compensate filtering and enable safe ungrounded PV systems.
Inside the inverter4:51
Inverters Classification6:02
Grid Interaction4:55
How the inverter looks like1:00
The inverter's datasheet and performance curves3:31
Explore inverter datasheets, features, and performance curves, revealing how maximum efficiency depends on PV voltage and temperature. Learn to interpret the datasheet and identify the DC voltage for optimal efficiency.
Review0:28
We invite you to share a five-star review if you find this solar energy course valuable, helping others decide and supporting ongoing high-quality education.
The Electrical Parameters of the Inverter12:31
The Inverter Section - Quiz

Introduction to the section0:50
Design wiring and conduits to protect wires with suitable protection devices, and select the right wiring size for safety and regulatory approval under environmental operational conditions.
The DC circuit5:55
Building & Grounding Wire2:25
Conduits3:19
Learn to select and install conduits for solar PV systems, evaluating conduit types (EMT, PVC, NC) and routing from the PV array to the inverter while meeting local regulations.
The Combiner Box1:23
The DC Breaker2:53
Explore the thermally activated DC breaker in PV systems; learn about two-pole ungrounded array requirements, electromagnet and bimetallic strip protection, and manual disconnection.
Fuses3:40
Surge Protection Devices (SPD's)6:15
Learn to protect solar pv systems with surge protection devices (spds) on dc and ac sides, understand type one and type two spds, their installation points, and sizing considerations.
Residual Current Device (RCD)2:19
Explore the residual current device (RCD) and its ac-side role in protecting people from electric shocks by interrupting leakage current via a toroid; external RCDs are normally required by regulations.
Wiring Diagram1:26
Explore a wiring diagram for a non-isolated transformer-less solar inverter, showing line and neutral, live conductors, fuses, a double-pole breaker, combiner box with parallel connections, spd, dc switch, and grounding.
Wiring Diagram AC side2:54
To resume - Wiring, conduits and PD section3:34
Master the correct selection and sizing of wires, conduit, and protection devices for safe solar pv systems, covering dc and ac sides from pv source to inverter.
Review0:28
Invite learners to leave a five star review for the solar energy course, as feedback helps other students decide to enroll and supports high quality education.
Wiring, conduits & protection devices - QUIZ

Introduction to the structures section0:36
Dead & Live Loads4:08
Learn how live and dead loads affect solar PV systems, including wind and snow effects, weights of modules and mounting structures, and roof attachment considerations.
Roof Mounting Systems4:26
Explore popular roof and ground mounting systems for solar PV, including flush-to-roof, adjustable angle, ballast, and ground systems, with safety, space, and refrigeration considerations for residential and commercial projects.
Ground Mounting Systems2:53
Explore ground mounting systems for large solar arrays, focusing on orientation, wind load, and cooling. Compare fixed and adjustable mounts, trackers, and attachments like concrete blocks or ground screws.
To resume - Structures section1:59
Structures Section - QUIZ

Introduction to the design and sizing section2:22
Concepts Review2:12
Budget, area & location3:11
Estimating Energy Consumption2:30
Estimate a site’s monthly energy consumption to size the PV array and decide how much to cover, from 30% to 110%, using 12-month bill averages or equipment usage.
Energy Consumption (with excel sheet)8:45
Approaches for Sizing the PV System3:36
How much we want to cover with solar?2:00
Peak Sun Hours for Sizing1:56
How to get the irradiance for any location8:39
How many solar panels?3:40
Determine the PV array by dividing 12.32 kWh/day by 3.7 peak sun hours and 0.7 losses, yielding about 4.8 kW, or 17 panels of 280 W.
Is it between our clients budget?1:58
Do we have enough space for the solar system?1:04
Assess available space for a solar pv system by considering regulatory requirements, shading from buildings or trees, panel size, tilt, and row spacing to prevent inter-row shading.
How to calculate the inter row spacing of the PV array8:41
Optimizing tilt of the PV modules2:15
Optimize PV module tilt based on latitude and season to maximize energy; winter: latitude plus 15 degrees, summer: latitude minus 15 degrees, or set to latitude for yearly performance.
Let's go for the detailed sizing!3:55
Clipping: DC/AC ratio1:56
Explore clipping to align PV output with nominal AC power, extending usable power windows and inverter efficiency, and evaluate residential 1.2 and commercial 1.15 DC/AC ratios.
Inverters selection and datasheet1:32
Select a 4 kW on-grid inverter for a 5 kW array using a 1.2 dc/ac ratio; review the datasheet for voltage range, max current, starting voltage, and temperature coefficients.
Temperature adjustments (with excel file and tutorial)12:57
Apply temperature corrections to solar PV design by adjusting voltage, current, and power using temperature coefficients and worst-case cell temperatures to ensure inverter safety, with an Excel tool and tutorial.
Defining the PV array5:32
Define the PV array by sizing strings within the inverter’s voltage range using temperature-adjusted open-circuit voltages and current limits, and plan panel counts across entrances to meet energy goals.
Maximum Current and Ampacity6:16
Let's do it with our example2:12
Calculating the voltage drop on the wiring4:39
Protection devices sizing3:09
Size conduits using regulators' tables, then select protection devices and circuit breakers by max current, voltage, and current type (dc/ac), complying with local regs and panel datasheets' fuse limits.
To resume - Sizing section4:14
This lecture covers PV system sizing, including budget, area, location, tilt and orientation, energy consumption estimation via load mapping, and step-by-step sizing from peak sun hours to inverter selection.
Review0:28
Super Bonus: Estimating Energy Generation with our excel sheet10:26

Requirements

Willing to learn.
Passion for becoming part of the green revolution.

Description

Hello solar friends!! Now we are more than 7000 students worldwide! thank you for this! This shows the quality and content of the course! Visit my profile for more courses like this one :)

Thank you so much for your interest in the COMPLETE SOLAR ENERGY COURSE with 119 lectures and extra downloadable resources to help you design, size, and price your solar system!

In this course, you are going to learn from the basics to the more complex subjects on solar energy.

You are going to learn in-depth and intensive content on solar energy.

This is not just a regular course, it's complete, intensive, and practical, focused on both technical and commercial sides of solar energy.

Solar Energy is growing exponentially and is growing non-stop, it has already created thousands of jobs in the world. It is getting more complex and more knowledge is needed to differentiate yourself in the industry to land a job or to start your own company.

In this course, you will get A LOT of content and knowledge about solar energy and the industry. Including how to design and size a PV System.

I'm a mechanical engineer and I've been working in solar energy for more than 7 years, both in the technical and in the commercial and business development side of the industry.

I have a great overview of both sides and I focused on both in this course. That's why also with the technical information, I'll be talking about commercial tips during the lectures to help you understand how to see the business and where to stand when selling or selling a PV system.

In this course, we also have a financial section in which we learn how to estimate the PAYBACK period of the PV system using the NET PRESENT VALUE method, a method used on investment analysis not only on solar but in many other industries to analyze an investment.

The approach of this course is to go from the components to the system, this means, we’ll start learning each component of the system separately, and then after we understand how each component works, we’ll see the system working as a whole, how each component work on the system and how the system works altogether.

So there we go, an in-depth, complete course on on-grid solar photovoltaic systems, prepared in a very easy to learn methodology, from the components to the system, step by step, focused on both technical and commercial skills.

You will get access to download the excels that we developed to help you calculate the payback period, the solar energy generation of your PV system for different tilts and we show you how to import the irradiance for any location, the energy consumption of your location, the price per kWp of the system that you are quoting and more.

Enroll in our course now! Join the green revolution and become part of the industry!

The goal is to add more value for you and to spread the green revolution, we are firm believers that the world needs clean energy, and at the same time this has to be sustainable

We need more people to join to cover what the world needs, that’s why we want you to join and tell your friends about us and to join as well if they are interested in solar energy!

Join the green revolution

You'll learn in detail about:

SOLAR ENERGY FUNDAMENTALS
THE SOLAR CELLS
THE PHOTOVOLTAIC EFFECT
THE SOLAR PANELS
INVERTERS
PERFORMANCE CURVES
DATASHEETS AND ELECTRICAL PARAMETERS
WIRING & CONDUITS
PROTECTION DEVICES
COMBINER BOX
STRUCTURES FOR THE SOLAR PANELS
DESIGN OF THE PV SYSTEM
SIZING OF THE PV SYSTEM
IMPORTING DATABASE OF SOLAR IRRADIANCE FOR SIZING THE PV SYSTEMS FOR ANY LOCATION
OPTIMIZATION OF THE PV SYSTEM
SELECTION OF COMPONENTS
PAYBACK PERIOD
WIRING DIAGRAMS
COMMERCIAL TIPS

For more details on what you'll learn you can refer to the top of the page or to our index preview.

Who this course is for:

Entrepreneurs
Installers
Solar Energy Professionals
Engineers
People that want to start a business on the solar energy industry
Electricians
People that want to become a installer of residential or commercial solar energy systems
People that want to learn more about how renewable energy works (SOLAR ENERGY)

Solar Energy beginner to advanced PV System Design from zero

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Presentation of the Course2 lectures • 5min

Solar Energy History and actual context1 lecture • 5min

Solar Energy Fundamentals9 lectures • 19min

The Solar Cell7 lectures • 22min

The Solar Panel46 lectures • 1hr 31min

The Inverter10 lectures • 40min

Wiring, conduits & protection devices13 lectures • 37min

Structures for the Solar Panels5 lectures • 14min

General Quiz before the Sizing Section0

Design and Sizing of the PV Solar Energy System26 lectures • 1hr 50min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: