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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Solar Energy

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63 results for "solar energy"

Free
The University of Chicago
Global Warming I: The Science and Modeling of Climate Change
Skills you'll gain: Data Visualization, Data Analysis, Forecasting, Mathematics, Probability & Statistics, Research and Design, Strategy and Operations, Operations Research, Algebra, Business Analysis, Data Management, Data Model, Accounting, Advertising, Communication, Critical Thinking, Marketing, Process Analysis
4.6
(392 reviews)
Mixed · Course · 1-3 Months
University of Colorado System
First Steps in Making the Business Case for Sustainability
Skills you'll gain: Business Analysis, Business Psychology, Entrepreneurship, Leadership and Management, Organizational Development, Strategy and Operations, Business Transformation, Marketing, Sales, Strategy, Change Management, Accounting, Data Analysis, Design and Product, Finance, Financial Analysis, Financial Management, Market Analysis, Product Lifecycle, Resilience, Behavioral Economics, Communication, Microsoft Excel
4.7
(167 reviews)
Beginner · Course · 1-3 Months
Free
University of Colorado System
Sustainable Business: Big Issues, Big Changes
Skills you'll gain: Business Psychology, Entrepreneurship, Leadership and Management, Business Development, Organizational Development, Sales, Strategy and Operations, Accounting, Business Research, Design and Product, Employee Relations, Human Resources, Marketing, People Development, People Management, Product Lifecycle, Product Strategy, Research and Design, Strategy, Supply Chain Systems, Supply Chain and Logistics, Talent Management, Taxes, Communication
4.7
(82 reviews)
Beginner · Course · 1-3 Months
Free
Free

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solar energy for engineers, architects and code inspectors

solar energy codes, permitting and zoning

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

Global Warming I: The Science and Modeling of Climate Change: The University of Chicago
First Steps in Making the Business Case for Sustainability: University of Colorado System
Justice and Equity in Technology Policy: University of Michigan
Sustainable Business: Big Issues, Big Changes: University of Colorado System
Confronting The Big Questions: Highlights of Modern Astronomy: University of Rochester
Análisis de Sistemas Eléctricos y Transición Energética: Universidad de los Andes
Big Data Modeling and Management Systems: University of California San Diego
Flight mechanics - Propulsive balance and energy: ISAE-SUPAERO
Planet Earth...and You!: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Physics 101 - Rotational Motion and Gravitation: Rice University

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

63 results for "solar energy"

Global Warming I: The Science and Modeling of Climate Change

First Steps in Making the Business Case for Sustainability

Justice and Equity in Technology Policy

Sustainable Business: Big Issues, Big Changes

Confronting The Big Questions: Highlights of Modern Astronomy

Análisis de Sistemas Eléctricos y Transición Energética

Big Data Modeling and Management Systems

Flight mechanics - Propulsive balance and energy

Planet Earth...and You!

Physics 101 - Rotational Motion and Gravitation

Kinetics: Studying Spacecraft Motion

Frozen in the Ice: Exploring the Arctic

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

63 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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Start or advance your career

Browse popular topics

Popular courses and articles

Earn a degree or certificate online

Coursera

Community

More