What is solar energy?

Solar energy is power that can be harnessed from the sun. Once collected, the sun's light and heat are used for electrical and thermal power. For example, photovoltaic cells—the cells that make up solar panels—convert light into electricity. Meanwhile, solar thermal power plants harness the sun's heat to create steam, which turns energy-generating turbines.

Why learn about solar energy?

Learning about solar energy gives you the knowledge and skills to guide yourself and society toward cleaner and more sustainable energy practices. Solar energy is extremely abundant and less harmful than fossil fuels. Although fossil fuels are common for generating energy, their usage often degrades the environment and human health. Solar energy is also a growing field with lucrative opportunities. The industry has experienced steady growth since 2000 , and it's expected to continue to grow as the price of systems declines.

What career opportunities can arise from learning about solar energy?

Learning about solar energy will prepare you for a career in manufacturing, designing, installing, or promoting solar equipment. Jobs such as industrial engineer and electrical engineer involve producing panels. On the other hand, a solar energy systems designer job involves analyzing sites and designing the products. Solar assemblers and solar service technicians install systems and maintain them to ensure efficient performance. Solar marketing specialists and solar sales representatives work on the business side of the field, persuading more people to try out solar power.

How can online courses help me learn about solar energy?

Online solar energy courses will offer you opportunities to learn the technical aspects of the field, such as solar cells and system design. You'll also learn about the legal side of equipment installation, including permit and zoning codes. The lessons come in the form of lectures and reading material, which you can access from anywhere with an internet connection. Flexible courses give you the freedom to advance through the material at your preferred pace.

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University of Colorado Boulder
Renewable Energy
Skills you'll gain: Strategy and Operations, Leadership and Management, Operations Management, Project Management, Entrepreneurship, Accounting, Business Analysis, Data Analysis, Finance, Financial Analysis, Investment Management, Planning, Supply Chain and Logistics, Business Research, Customer Relationship Management, Forecasting, Marketing, Probability & Statistics, Professional Development, Research and Design, Sales, Strategy
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solar energy basics

solar energy and electrical system design

solar energy system design

solar energy codes, permitting and zoning

solar energy systems overview

solar energy for engineers, architects and code inspectors

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In summary, here are 10 of our most popular solar energy courses

Solar Energy Basics: The State University of New York
Solar Energy for Engineers, Architects and Code Inspectors: University at Buffalo
Solar Energy System Design: The State University of New York
Solar Energy Systems Overview: University at Buffalo
Introduction to solar cells: Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
Silicon Thin Film Solar Cells: École Polytechnique
Renewable Energy and Green Building Entrepreneurship: Duke University
Renewable Energy: University of Colorado Boulder
Hydro, Wind & Solar power: Resources, Variability & Forecast: École Polytechnique
Photovoltaic solar energy: École Polytechnique

Frequently Asked Questions about Solar Energy

Learning about solar energy gives you the knowledge and skills to guide yourself and society toward cleaner and more sustainable energy practices. Solar energy is extremely abundant and less harmful than fossil fuels. Although fossil fuels are common for generating energy, their usage often degrades the environment and human health.
Solar energy is also a growing field with lucrative opportunities. The industry has experienced steady growth since 2000, and it's expected to continue to grow as the price of systems declines.‎
Learning about solar energy will prepare you for a career in manufacturing, designing, installing, or promoting solar equipment. Jobs such as industrial engineer and electrical engineer involve producing panels. On the other hand, a solar energy systems designer job involves analyzing sites and designing the products. Solar assemblers and solar service technicians install systems and maintain them to ensure efficient performance. Solar marketing specialists and solar sales representatives work on the business side of the field, persuading more people to try out solar power.‎
Online solar energy courses will offer you opportunities to learn the technical aspects of the field, such as solar cells and system design. You'll also learn about the legal side of equipment installation, including permit and zoning codes. The lessons come in the form of lectures and reading material, which you can access from anywhere with an internet connection. Flexible courses give you the freedom to advance through the material at your preferred pace.‎

This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

Filter by

64 results for "solar energy"

Solar Energy Basics

Solar Energy for Engineers, Architects and Code Inspectors

Solar Energy System Design

Solar Energy Systems Overview

Introduction to solar cells

Silicon Thin Film Solar Cells

Renewable Energy and Green Building Entrepreneurship

Renewable Energy

Hydro, Wind & Solar power: Resources, Variability & Forecast

Photovoltaic solar energy

Organic Solar Cells - Theory and Practice

Physics of silicon solar cells

Searches related to solar energy

In summary, here are 10 of our most popular solar energy courses

Frequently Asked Questions about Solar Energy

What is solar energy?‎

Why learn about solar energy?‎

What career opportunities can arise from learning about solar energy?‎

How can online courses help me learn about solar energy?‎

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Filter by

64 results for "solar energy"

Searches related to solar energy

In summary, here are 10 of our most popular solar energy courses

Frequently Asked Questions about Solar Energy

What is solar energy?‎

Why learn about solar energy?‎

What career opportunities can arise from learning about solar energy?‎

How can online courses help me learn about solar energy?‎

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