Solar Energy Development

Explore dif­fer­ent facets of solar pow­er tech­nol­o­gy and learn about the plan­ning, design and devel­op­ment of solar ener­gy projects. Gain an under­stand­ing of mechan­i­cal and tech­ni­cal aspects of solar pow­er gen­er­a­tion, include the emerg­ing tech­nolo­gies in the area, and dis­cuss the eco­nom­i­cal require­ments of solar ener­gy projects.
Course at a glance
  • Fully online synchronous course accessible through eClass, the University of Alberta’s eLearning management tool. Live classes are held in a Zoom room over the course of two consecutive weekends.
  • Learn through lectures and lively discussions, as you broaden your network and explore the connections of this course with your own professional practice.
  • Aimed at industry executives, environmental professionals, project managers, power producers and regulators, those working in government agencies, utility companies, and energy agencies, as well as developers and investors interested in expanding their career or business with renewable energy.
  • Credentialed by the Foundational Technologies Institute (FTI), an independent organization, to meet standards of quality, practicality, and alignment to business needs.
What you will learn

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

  • Describe how solar energy is captured, converted, and best utilized through different solar power systems.
  • Understand the basic economic principles for installing, maintaining, and decommissioning a solar project.
  • Describe the efficiency rise, price reduction, and growth trajectory that solar projects have experienced worldwide.
  • Explain the basic mechanics of different solar power systems (CSP, PV power stations, floating solar farms, rooftop installations, etc.).
  • Walk through the steps required to build a solar project (i.e. how to assess solar potential, choose the right system, acquire land, acquire permits, and assess economic feasibility).
This course has no prerequisites

Students from all educational backgrounds welcome. You can register for this course without applying and enrolling in a program.

Take note:

  • Pre-course work is required, with a reading and an assignment due before the first Zoom meeting date. Pre-course instructions and materials are available on eClass one week prior to the course start date; advanced registration is recommended for student success.
  • Assessment activities include quizzes and assignments. Homework, readings, and quizzes should take an average of 4 to 6 hours each week.
  • If you wish to obtain a Record of Achievement in Solar Energy Development and Design, you are required to take the three Renewable Energy Essentials courses in addition to this course; it is highly recommended that you take the Essentials courses prior to completing this course.
Currently counts towards

We recommend that you apply to the program as soon as possible to lock in your course requirements as they are subject to change.

*If you are already enroled in this program, please refer to your specific program requirements as outlined at the time of your admission: Bear Tracks > Academic Advisement.

You can register for and take a course without applying and enrolling into the program.

Email

renewtec@ualberta.ca

When will
this course be offered?

New course schedules are released each June and November.

Course not yet scheduled

This course is not currently scheduled, but may be offered in an upcoming term.

New course schedules are announced each June and November.

Sign up for updates

Interested in future offerings of this course? We can let you know when this course becomes available.