Solar PV in PA: Intro to the Design of New Construction and Retrofit Residential Systems

Course Overview

This course will provide an overview of how to design new construction and retrofit solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for Pennsylvania homes. Following a brief introduction to solar PV system design principles, the course will walk through each component of a solar PV system then how to put these components together as a system. This course concludes with a brief introduction to community solar.

Learning Goals

You will learn how to:

• identify components of solar photovoltaic systems for clean on-site energy production
• design roof orientation and dimensions for solar PV system suitability to reduce environmental impacts from site and source energy consumption
• meet the Zero Energy Ready Home PV-Ready Checklist requirements for current or future solar PV system installations
• utilize tools like PVWatts to determine estimated clean electricity output of the solar PV system

Available Continuing Education Credits

After watching the videos, completing knowledge checks, and passing a final assessment, you will be eligible for the following continuing education credits:

• 1.0 PA L&I Contact Hour
• 1.0 PDH for licensed professional engineers in Pennsylvania
• 1.0 AIA LU|HSW
• 1.0 ICC Contact Hour (0.1 CEU)
• 1.0 NARI hour/CEU

Instructor

Sarah Klinetob Lowe
Former PHRC Housing Specialist
Penn State College of Engineering

Who is this for?

• Architects, builders, engineers, remodelers, and other design professionals
• Code officials and government representatives
• Product manufacturers with a residential focus
• Educators focused on building trades and residential construction