Bristol Bay Campus

Bristol Bay Campus

Course Syllabus

Bristol Bay Campus

Term: / Fall 2012
Course Title: / Residential Solar Photovoltaics
Dept. & Num: / ENVI F193P
Credits: / 1
Prerequisites: / None
Dates: / October26, 27, 28
Days Times: / 10/26: 6pm-9pm; 10/27: 10am-6pm; 10/28: 10am-3pm
Location: / UAF Bristol Bay Campus

Instructor:

/

Dr. Tom Marsik

Position:

/

Assistant Professor

Office Location:

/

UAF Bristol Bay Campus

Phone:

/

842-5109

Fax:

/ 842-5692

Email:

/

Hours Available:

/

By Appt. or evenings after class

Text: / Photovoltaics: Design and Installation Manual, Solar Energy International, 2004
Supplemental Readings: / None
Supplies: / Pens/pencils/Calculator

Course Description:

In this course, students gain practical knowledge of designing and installing residential-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.Main topics include basic physics related to solar energy, ways of harvesting solar energy, sizing a PV system, energy storage vs. grid-tie, system components, installation techniques, and PV safety.

Course Goals:

To develop basic understanding of residential-scale solar photovoltaic systems.

Student Learning Objectives:

Students Will Be Able To… / Evaluated By…
  • Describe components of stand-alone and grid-tied photovoltaic systems and understand their functions
/ Quizzes and discussions
  • Evaluate the benefits and costs by using quantitative analysis for specific systems at specific locations.
/ Quizzes, discussions, and HW
  • Actively participate in installing photovoltaic panels
/ Instructor observations duringpractical skills application in a project

Instructional Methods:

•Lectures

•Project

•Discussions

•Quizzes

•Homework

•Readings

Course Calendar:

Sessions / Topics To Be Covered / Assignments,
Quizzes, Tests
Day 1
Date: 10/26/12
No. of Hours: 3 / Course introduction
Intro to renewable energy
Solar Photovoltaic as a renewable energy source / Class discussions
Day 2
Date:10/27/12
No. of Hours:7 / Solar – basic physics
Production estimates
Sizing a system
Costs and benefits
Stand-alone vs. grid-tied systems
System components
Diagrams / Class discussions
Quizzes:
Production estimates
Benefits/costs analysis
System components
HW:
Size a system for your home
Day 3
Date: 10/28/12
No. of Hours: 4 / Safety
Class project – installing PV panels
Review / Instructor’s observations during project
Individual course discussion

Course Policies:

  1. UAF requires students to conduct themselves honestly & responsibly, & to respect the rights of others.
  2. Attendance is mandatory.
  3. Late assignments are not accepted without prior approval of instructor.
  4. The instructor reserves the right to amend this course outline as needed.
  5. No food or drink allowed in the computer lab.

Evaluation and Grading:

This is a Pass/Fail course. Completion of the following will result in a passing grade:

Attendance and Participation

Attendance of the entire 3-day class is required to receive a passing grade. Students are expected to actively participate in class discussions and quizzes.

Homework

Each student will be required to analyze the load of their home, estimate the solar insolation for their location and calculate the size of a photovoltaic system needed to cover the load. The results will be presented to the instructor.

Individual Course Discussion

Each student will be required to meet with the instructor individually for ½ hour at the end of the class to discuss his/her understanding of how photovoltaic systems can be used for residential electricity production.

Failure to attend the entire three-day session, complete the homework, or complete the individual course discussion will result in a failing grade.

Support Disability Services:

University of Alaska Fairbanks

Bristol Bay Campus – Student Services

PO Box 1070

Dillingham, Alaska 99576

907-842-5109

800-478-5109

Fax: 907-842-5692

Students can also go to the following websites and/or hotlines for help:

  • UAF –
  • College of Rural Community Development –
  • Bristol Bay Campus –
  • UA Online –
  • Math Hotline – 866-823-6284
  • Writing Center –
  • Library Services for Off Campus Students –

Disabilities

UAF has a Disability Services office that operates in conjunction with the College of Rural and Community Development campuses and UAF’s Center for Distance Education (CDE). Disability Services, a part of UAF’s Center for Health and Counseling, provides academic accommodations to enrolled students who are identified as being eligible for these services. If you believe you are eligible, please visit on the web or contact a student affairs staff person at your nearest local campus. You can also contact Disability Services on the Fairbanks Campus at 907-474-5655, by email at .

Top View