Off-Grid Solar Electric System

Spring 2025 > Engineering/Engineering Technology > MECH.5320 > 031

Course No: MECH.5320-031; SIS Class Nbr: 4606; SIS Term: 3430
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

When Offered & Tuition

  • Online Course
  • 2025 Spring: Jan 21 to May 08
  • Course Level: Graduate
  • Tuition: $1800 | Pay as little as $367/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

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented in this catalog. However, the Division of Graduate, Online & Professional Studies reserves the right to implement new rules and regulations and to make changes of any nature to its program, calendar, procedures, standards, degree requirements, academic schedules (including, without limitations, changes in course content and class schedules), locations, tuition and fees. Whenever possible, appropriate notice of such changes will be given before they become effective.

Register for this Course

New Students

If you have not already applied and been accepted to a program.
New Student Registration

Current Students

If you have applied, been accepted to and are currently enrolled in a program.
Current Student Registration

Additional Registration Information

Questions?

Email our Advising Center for assistance or call 800-480-3190.