Topic outline

  • Solar Energy Fundamentals

    Credits: 4 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    Solar energy travels from the sun to the earth in the form of electromagnetic radiation. In this course properties of electromagnetic radiation will be discussed and basic calculations for electromagnetic radiation will be described. Several solar position parameters will be discussed along with means of calculating values for them. The major methods by which solar radiation is converted into other useable forms of energy will be discussed briefly.

    Extraterrestrial solar radiation (that striking the earth’s outer atmosphere) will be discussed and means of estimating its value at a given location and time will be presented. Finally there will be a presentation of how to obtain values for the average monthly rate of solar radiation striking the surface of a typical solar collector, at a specified location in the United States for a given month. Numerous examples are included to illustrate the calculations and data retrieval methods presented.

    Topics:

    • Know the different types of electromagnetic radiation and which of them are included in the solar radiation
    • Be able to calculate wavelength if given frequency and frequency if given wavelength for specified electromagnetic radiation.
    • Know the meaning of absorbance, reflectance and transmittance as applied to a surface receiving electromagnetic radiation and be able to make calculations with those parameters.
    • Be able to obtain or calculate values for solar declination, solar hour angle,
    • solar altitude angle, sunrise angle, and sunset angle and use them in calculations.
    • Know the major methods by which solar radiation is converted into other useable forms of energy.
    • Be able to obtain an estimated value for monthly averaged extraterrestrial radiation on a horizontal surface for a specified month and latitude between 20 and 65 degrees.
    • Be able to obtain values for the average monthly rate of solar radiation striking the surface of a typical solar collector, at a specified location in the United States for a given month.

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course:
    Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.
         NOTE: After the exam is completed, you will need to return to this page, in order to print (download) the certificate of completion.

    Print the Certificate of Completion

    Intended Audience: primarily for energy, civil, electrical, construction, mechanical, and industrial engineers, however is should appeal to all engineers interested in future energy concepts.
    Publication Source: Harlan H. Bengtson, PhD, PE

    Harlan Bengtson PhD, PE

    • Topic 1