RC 205 - Introduction to Solar Energy

1. use knowledge of the solar energy resource to assess the energy generation potential of a given site and predict the solar energy that can be harvested.
2. describe the equipment used to harvest solar energy for electricity and direct-use heat using the correct terminology.
3. describe the principle of operation of all the components of solar photovoltaic, solar domestic hot water and solar air heating systems.
4. perform basic design calculations for solar photovoltaic and solar thermal systems.
5. identify the safety hazards present when working around solar equipment and discuss methods to mitigate the risks.

Warmke, J. 2021. Understanding photovoltaics: an easy-to-follow study guide for solar electric
certification programs. 8th ed., Philo, Ohio: BRS Press.

Each learning activity in the course identifies on-line reading resources. Some of these resources include e-books available to registered Lakeland College students through our library databases. One such text is:

The German Solar Energy Society (DGS). 2010. Planning and installing solar thermal systems:
A guide for installers, architects and engineers. 2nd ed. London: Routledge.

Optional Resource Materials:
References are listed within course content documents. Reference texts are additional resources for advanced study.

Conduct of Course:
This course consists of the equivalent of 45 hours of lecture delivered on-line using an online learning manager program. The course is delivered over a set 8-week period. Course content modules and links to assigned readings will be available on-line. A course facilitator will be available to guide the learner through the course, answer any questions, and grade assignments and exams. Learners are expected to participate in on-line discussion forums and synchronous conference discussions with other classmates and the course facilitator. Assignments will be submitted electronically through the learning manager program. Open book unit exams will be taken on-line. Exams and assignments will be marked by the instructor and returned to the student with a grade and comments in the learning manager program. Students can monitor their progress though the course using utilities available in the learning manager program. In order to complete the course on time, deadlines for assignments, exam, and projects will be enforced.

Active participation is required in all courses within the Sustainable Energy Technology certificate and diploma programs. Each facilitator designates these requirements through the use of tools within the management system and personal contact with learners.

These expectations can be given marks as part of the assessment process. Each course outlines these expectations within the course structure.

Learners are asked to demonstrate their participation/attendance through discussion forums, sharing research results, contributing relevant information, submitting assignments, communicating with colleagues and the facilitator, and participating in synchronous meetings or asynchronous activities.

Attendance or participation is considered vital to the learning process. Students are expected to keep up with the set course schedule. If a student is unable to participate for an extended period of time, marks will not be given for material missed. With prior notice, the facilitator may allow extensions for missed assignments at his/her discretion.

1.1: Introductions

1.2: Solar terminology

1.3: Movement of the Sun

1.4: Solar irradiance and predicting energy available from the Sun

Module 2: Solar PV Systems and System Components

2.1: History of PV Technology

2.2: Solar PV modules

2.3: Inverters

2.4: Batteries and charge controllers

Module 3: Solar PV System Sizing Considerations

3.1: Load analysis

3.2: Sizing Solar PV Components / string sizing

3.3: Introduction to Software Tools

Module 4: Installation Concepts for PV Systems

4.1: Site Survey and Shading Analysis

4.2: Planning Grid Connected Systems

4.3: Solar system mounting systems and mechanical design considerations

4.3: Installing Commissioning and Troubleshooting Systems

4.4: Safety during handling and installation of PV systems

Module 5: Solar Thermal Systems

5.1: Overview of solar thermal systems

5.2: Review of thermal principles and heat transfer

5.3: Solar Thermal Collectors

5.4: Balance of System Components

Module 6: Solar Domestic Hot Water Systems

6.1: Solar domestic hot water system configurations

6.2: System design and installation considerations

6.3: Inspecting and maintenance of solar hot water systems

Module 7: Solar Space Heating Systems

7.1: Building Heat Requirements

7.2: Solar Heating Systems
Course Assessments:

• Official final grades will be available on My Lakeland. Grades posted in D2L should be considered interim grades.  
• “Lakeland College is committed to the highest academic standards. Students are expected to be familiar with Lakeland College policies and to abide by these policies. Violations of these policies are considered to be serious and may result in suspension or expulsion from the College.”  

Students must maintain a cumulative grade of C (GPA - Grade Point Average of 2.00) in order to qualify to graduate.

Every effort has been made to ensure that information in this course outline is accurate at the time of publication. Lakeland College reserves the right to change courses if it becomes necessary so that course content remains relevant.

In such cases, the instructor will give students clear and timely notice of changes.

No part of this course outline may be reproduced in any form or resold without written permission from Lakeland College.

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