What topics are typically covered in solar energy courses?

Solar energy courses cover a variety of topics essential for understanding and implementing solar power systems. These include the basics of solar energy principles, photovoltaic (PV) technology, and solar panel installation. Learners will explore topics such as system design and sizing, solar thermal systems, and energy storage solutions. Advanced courses might cover areas like grid integration, solar project management, and the economics of solar energy. Practical exercises and projects help learners apply these concepts to real-world scenarios, enhancing their ability to design and manage effective solar energy systems.

How can I choose the right solar energy course for my career goals?

Choosing the right solar energy course depends on your current skill level and career aspirations. Beginners should look for courses that cover the basics of solar energy principles, PV technology, and introductory system design. Those with some experience might benefit from intermediate courses focusing on advanced system design, solar thermal systems, and energy storage solutions . Advanced learners or professionals seeking specialized knowledge might consider courses on grid integration, solar project management, or preparing for roles in solar energy consulting and project development. Reviewing course content, instructor expertise, and learner feedback can help ensure the course aligns with your goals.

What career opportunities can I pursue with a certificate in solar energy?

A certificate in solar energy can open up various career opportunities in the renewable energy sector. Common roles include solar energy technician, PV system designer, solar project manager, and renewable energy consultant. These positions involve installing and maintaining solar panels, designing and optimizing solar energy systems, managing solar projects, and advising clients on renewable energy solutions. With the growing emphasis on sustainable energy and reducing carbon footprints, earning a certificate in solar energy can significantly enhance your career prospects and opportunities for advancement in fields such as renewable energy, environmental consulting, and energy management.

Best Solar Energy Courses & Certificates [2025]

Explore the Solar Energy Course Catalog

The State University of New York
Solar Energy Basics
Skills you'll gain: Electric Power Systems, Electrical Systems, Electrical Power, Energy and Utilities, Basic Electrical Systems, Building Services Engineering, Sustainable Technologies, Cost Estimation, Engineering Calculations, Safety Standards, Environmental Issue, Systems Of Measurement, Technical Standard
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2.6K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University at Buffalo
Solar Energy for Engineers, Architects and Code Inspectors
Skills you'll gain: Electrical Systems, Building Codes, Electrical Wiring, Construction Inspection, HVAC, Building Design, Basic Electrical Systems, Electrical Power, Engineering Calculations, Architectural Design, System Requirements, Electrical Safety, Mechanical Design, Energy and Utilities, Architectural Engineering, Land Development, Semiconductors, Cost Benefit Analysis, Design Reviews, Submittals (Construction)
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.4K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
The State University of New York
Solar Energy System Design
Skills you'll gain: Electrical Power, Basic Electrical Systems, Electric Power Systems, Wiring Diagram, Equipment Design, Energy and Utilities, Electronic Components, Sustainable Design, System Requirements, Electrical Safety, Engineering Calculations, Performance Testing, Physical Science, Estimation
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
464 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University at Buffalo
Solar Energy and Electrical System Design
Skills you'll gain: Electrical Systems, Electrical Wiring, HVAC, Building Design, Construction Inspection, Basic Electrical Systems, Engineering Calculations, Architectural Design, System Requirements, Mechanical Design, Building Codes, Structural Analysis, Cost Estimation
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
716 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
École Polytechnique
Photovoltaic solar energy
Skills you'll gain: Climate Change Mitigation, Data Storage Technologies, Electric Power Systems, Electrical Systems, Energy and Utilities, Sustainable Technologies, Environmental Issue, Environmental Science, Project Finance, Semiconductors, Economics, Basic Electrical Systems, Cost Benefit Analysis, Materials science, Market Trend
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
478 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Preview
Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
Introduction to solar cells
Skills you'll gain: Semiconductors, Sustainable Technologies, Materials science, Electrical Engineering, Electrical Power, Basic Electrical Systems, Electronic Components, Emerging Technologies, Physics, Mathematical Modeling, Energy and Utilities, Environmental Issue, Manufacturing Processes, Engineering Calculations
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2.5K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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Status: Preview
Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
Photovoltaic Systems
Skills you'll gain: Power Electronics, Electrical Power, Plant Operations and Management, Electric Power Systems, Sustainable Technologies, Energy and Utilities, Semiconductors, Electronics, Electronics Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials science, Physics, Engineering Calculations, Mathematical Modeling
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
159 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Renewable Energy
Skills you'll gain: Feasibility Studies, Plant Operations and Management, Project Finance, Electric Power Systems, Electrical Power, Energy and Utilities, Basic Electrical Systems, Sustainable Technologies, Systems Of Measurement, Project Implementation, Financial Analysis, Market Dynamics, Climate Change Mitigation, Project Management Life Cycle, Construction Management, Emerging Technologies, Project Management, Environmental Issue, Mechanical Engineering, Physics
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.3K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University at Buffalo
Solar Energy Systems Overview
Skills you'll gain: Electrical Systems, Electrical Power, Basic Electrical Systems, HVAC, Energy and Utilities, Semiconductors, Cost Benefit Analysis, Sustainable Technologies, Return On Investment, System Configuration
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
856 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
L&T EduTech
Renewable Energy & Power Evacuation
Skills you'll gain: Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Sustainable Architecture, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technologies, Electrical Power, Energy and Utilities, Sustainability Reporting, Climate Change Mitigation, Electric Power Systems, Corporate Sustainability, Electrical Systems, Simulation and Simulation Software, Innovation, Environment, Transportation Operations, Architecture and Construction, Architectural Engineering, Thermal Management, Power Electronics, Electrical Engineering
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
16 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Arizona State University
Battery Technologies
Skills you'll gain: Electrical Systems, Safety Standards, Energy and Utilities, Environmental Regulations, Basic Electrical Systems, Electrical Power, Sustainable Technologies, Manufacturing and Production, Manufacturing Processes, Production Process, Chemistry, Electric Power Systems, Thermal Management, Materials science, Reliability, Electrical Safety, Environmental Issue, System Requirements, Chemical Engineering, Technical Standard
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
240 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University at Buffalo
Solar Energy Codes, Permitting and Zoning
Skills you'll gain: Building Codes, Construction Inspection, Electrical Systems, Electrical Safety, Architectural Engineering, Land Development, Design Reviews, Submittals (Construction), System Requirements
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
132 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months