EXERM 4303 - 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.

As you build your competencies, this course may also support your progress toward the SETP™ Sustainable Energy Technologies Professional designation.

This course may be eligible for the Canada-Alberta Productivity Grant (CAPG), with final approval determined by CAPG administrators. Employers and applicants can review the CAPG guidelines and full details on the University of Alberta’s Continuing Education website.

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.

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).
• 🗸 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 delivery format is fully online and bichronous. You will engage in both asynchronous learning and scheduled synchronous classes. The asynchronous dates allow for completion of coursework and assessments in between and after the synchronous classes. Find more information on delivery formats here.
• 🗸Learn through lectures and lively discussions as you broaden your network and explore the connections of this course with your own professional practice.
• 🗸This course is credentialed by the Foundational Technologies Institute (FTI), an independent organization, to meet standards of quality, practicality, and alignment to business needs.
• 🗸If you wish to obtain the Solar Energy Development and Design Certificate, 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.
• 🗸This course applies to the Renewable Energy Technologies Certificate and the Solar Energy Development and Design Certificate.