SOLR 210 Introduction to Renewable Energy Systems
This course introduces a broad range of basic concepts in solar energy and technology, including photovoltaic and thermal solar systems. Learners explore how to translate location, sun, and technology into practical applications. Covers types of solar energy systems, AC & DC photovoltaic systems, solar industry overview, passive and active water heating, space heating and cooling, solar irradiance, peak sun, global positioning, solar time, sun path, array orientation and insolation data.
Prerequisite
Instructor Permission
SOLR 210Introduction to Renewable Energy Systems
Please note: This is not a course syllabus. A course syllabus is unique to a particular section of a course by instructor. This curriculum guide provides general information about a course.
I. General Information
II. Course Specification
Course Type
Program Requirement
Credit Hours Narrative
1 Credit
Semester Contact Hours Lecture
7.5
Semester Contact Hours Lab
15
Prerequisite Narrative
Instructor Permission
Grading Method
Letter grade
III. Catalog Course Description
This course introduces a broad range of basic concepts in solar energy and technology, including photovoltaic and thermal solar systems. Learners explore how to translate location, sun, and technology into practical applications. Covers types of solar energy systems, AC & DC photovoltaic systems, solar industry overview, passive and active water heating, space heating and cooling, solar irradiance, peak sun, global positioning, solar time, sun path, array orientation and insolation data.
IV. Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to:
- Define Solar Energy and explain its importance
- Describe three categories of solar energy technologies
- Describe the operation of a photovoltaic cell
- Describe the basic operation of a photovoltaic module
- Describe the basic operation of a photovoltaic array
- Describe the basic operation of three types of DC photovoltaic systems
- Describe the basic operation of a stand-alone AC photovoltaic system
- Describe the basic operation of an interactive AC photovoltaic system
- Describe the basic operation of a hybrid photovoltaic system
- Describe the basic operation of utility-scale solar electric systems
- Describe the history of the photovoltaic industry
- Describe the structure of the photovoltaic industry
- Describe careers available in the solar power industry
- Describe the basic operation of a domestic hot water system
- Explain how solar thermal systems are classified
- Describe the operation of a solar collector
- Describe the basic operation of an Integral Collector Storage (ICS) System
- Describe the basic operation of a thermosiphon system
- Describe the basic operation of an active, open-loop solar thermal system
- Describe the basic operation of a pressurized closed-loop solar thermal system
- Describe the basic operation of a solar thermal pool heating system
- Describe the basic operation of a solar thermal hydronic system
- Describe the basic operation of an air-type solar heating system
- Describe the basic operation of a solar thermal cooling system
- Explain the principles of passive solar thermal space heating and cooling
- Describe the use of solar thermal for utility-scale power generation
- Describe the history of the solar thermal industry
- Describe the structure of the thermal solar industry
- Describe careers available in the solar thermal industry
- Describe the value proposition of solar thermal systems
- Define solar irradiance and irradiation
- Describe the components of solar radiation entering earth's atmosphere
- Describe the characteristics of solar irradiance on earth
- Describe safety rules for working in the sun
- Describe the operation of a pyrheliometer
- Describe the operation of a pyranometer
- Describe how to use a handheld pyranometer to measure solar radiation
- Describe how to calculate air mass
- Describe how to calculate solar irradiance using air mass
- Define peak sun hours
- Describe how to calculate daily irradiation in units of peak sun hours
- Describe how to use an insolation map to determine average irradiation
- Describe how to use longitude and latitude to identify position
- Describe the operation of a Global Positioning System (GPS)
- Describe how to use a GPS to determine location
- Explain how earth's tilt and orbit affect the apparent sun path
- Define solar time
- Describe how to calculate solar time given the standard time, date, and location
- Define solar azimuth and solar altitude
- Explain how to interpret a sun path diagram
- Describe how to use sun path diagrams to determine the solar window
- Define panel tilt and azimuth angle
- Describe two methods of orienting panels
- Describe how to determine the optimum panel orientation for a location
- Describe how to use an inclinometer to measure angle
- Describe how to use a compass to measure direction
- Describe how to correct a compass reading for magnetic declination
- Describe how to use solar radiation data tables to determine insolation
- Describe how to use PVWatts to determine insolation
- Demonstrative Outcomes:
- Use a handheld pyranometer to measure solar radiation
- Calculate solar irradiance using air mass
- Calculate daily irradiation in units of peak sun hours
- Use an insolation map to determine average irradiation for a given location
- Use coordinates to identify a location on a map
- Use a GPS to determine location
- Calculate solar time given standard time, date, and location
- Use sun path diagrams to determine the solar window
- Determine the optimum solar panel orientation for a location
- Use an inclinometer to measure an angle
- Use a compass to measure direction
- Use solar radiation data tables to determine insolation
- Use PVWatts to determine insolation
V. Topical Outline (Course Content)
VI. Delivery Methodologies