Off-Grid Solar Electric System

Spring 2024 > Engineering/Engineering Technology > MECH.5320 > 031

Course No: MECH.5320-031; SIS Class Nbr: 4935; SIS Term: 3330
Course Status: Open

Course Description

This course examines the technical, financial and societal aspects of photovoltaic (PV) systems that are not connected to the electrical grid. Topics include: reasons for going off the grid, the components of an off-grid PV system, how to size a PV system to meet the required load, site impacts on performance, determining the loss of load probability (LOLP) for a system, hybrid systems, e.g. solar plus a generator, energy storage solutions, regulatory issues, and cost. Systems sized to meet the annual load requirements of a remote communication system, a net-zero home, and a small village will be examined. HOMERMicrogrid, PVWatts, and other software will be used to design these systems.

Prerequisites, Notes & Instructor

• Prerequisites: 22.525 Grid-Connected Solar Electric System.
• Core Codes: STEM
• Credits: 3; Contact Hours: 3
• Instructor: Walter Thomas
• UMass Lowell Bookstore

When Offered & Tuition

• Online Course
• 2024 Spring: Jan 16 to May 04
• Course Level: Graduate
• Tuition: $1800 | Pay as little as $366/mo for this course.
  Learn more about course payment plans. »
• Note: There is a $30 per semester registration fee for credit courses.

Related Programs: Graduate Certificate in Renewable Energy Engineering

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