Course Syllabus
Bristol Bay Campus
Term:
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Prerequisites:
Dates:
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Fall 2012
Residential Solar Photovoltaics
ENVI F193P
1
None
October 26, 27, 28
10/26: 6pm-9pm; 10/27: 10am-6pm; 10/28: 10am-3pm
UAF Bristol Bay Campus
Dr. Tom Marsik
Assistant Professor
UAF Bristol Bay Campus
842-5109
842-5692
tmarsik@alaska.edu
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…
 Describe components of stand-alone and
grid-tied photovoltaic systems and
understand their functions
 Evaluate the benefits and costs by using
quantitative analysis for specific systems
at specific locations.
 Actively participate in installing
photovoltaic panels
Evaluated By…
Quizzes and discussions
Quizzes, discussions, and HW
Instructor observations during practical 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
Safety
Class project – installing PV panels
Review
Instructor’s observations
during project
Individual course discussion
Day 3
Date: 10/28/12
No. of Hours: 4
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 – http://www.uaf.edu
 College of Rural & Community Development – http://www.uaf.edu/rural/
 Bristol Bay Campus – http://www.uaf.edu/bbc/index.html
 UA Online – http://uaonline.alaska.edu/
 Math Hotline – 866-823-6284
 Writing Center – http://www.alaska.edu/english/studentresources/writing/
 Library Services for Off Campus Students – http://library.uaf.edu/offcampus
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 http://www.uaf.edu/disability 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 uaf-disabilityservices@alaska.edu.