Class Description

This course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of solar energy and to the solar heating and cooling (SHC) industry. Course content includes:

• An introduction to solar radiation and heat transfer
• An overview of system types and components
• Site survey and analysis techniques and methods
• Study of various system configurations used for domestic hot water production, space heat and swimming pool heating
• Overview of solar collectors, pumps, valves, tanks and other components

Prerequisites

There is no prerequisite coursework. No solar industry experience is assumed. Knowledge requirements include basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, and percentages, use of formulas, algebra and word problems), use of the Internet, problem solving skills, and the use of a calculator.

Course Objectives

Upon Completion of this course, the student will have the ability to:

• Describe the history and development of SHC technologies and applications and the current state of SHC markets
• Identify the types of solar energy systems and describe the advantages and disadvantages of each type
• Explain how a solar collector converts solar energy into heat
• Define solar terms
• Describe how solar energy is received on the earth’s surface
• Identify opportunities for residential and commercial SHC systems
• Describe SHC system components and configurations
• Describe various freeze protection techniques
• Describe the features, functions, and specifications of storage tanks, pumps, piping, circulators and valves

Student Evaluation

Student performance is evaluated on the basis of:

• Class participation
• Completion of assignments
• Attendance

Attendance Policy

It is expected that students will attend scheduled classes regularly and on time. If an absence occurs, it is the responsibility of the student to make up all missed work. Students, who must withdraw from a class, will receive credit for work completed and may complete the course at a later date with instructor approval. Attendance will be tracked and maintained for various reporting purposes.

Accreditation and Evaluation

The curriculum for this course is based on the NABCEP Solar Thermal Installer Job Task Analysis and the course is accredited by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) according to standards set by the Institute for Sustainable Power Quality (ISPQ) Assessment Framework. In keeping with the standards of this accreditation, students are encouraged to provide informal feedback throughout the course. A survey is distributed to students on the last day of class whereby students are asked to evaluate the class and the instructor. This feedback is used to create an on-going professional development plan for instructors and to inform course improvements.

Students with Disabilities

This institution complies with Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Students with disabilities who seek accommodations must make their requests knows when registering for a course or workshop. If a disability is identified after class has begun, a non-retroactive accommodation plan will be developed.