Nov 23, 2024  
2023-2024 Course Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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SOLR 1030 - Solar Energy Construction Projects

Credits: 2
Hours/Week: Lecture None Lab None
Course Description: This course introduces students to basic construction skills and mounting methods used in solar air, water, and electric systems. Topics include how to safely and carefully work with roofing, how to plan and assemble racking, how solar modules and panels are mounted, and how the remaining solar components are incorporated.
MnTC Goals
None

Prerequisite(s): None
Corequisite(s): None
Recommendation: ECAD 1020 .

Major Content
  1. Reading technical drawings
  2. Balance of system function and mounting
  3. Operation and maintenance
  4. Racking and mounting
    1. Structural considerations
    2. Hardware options
    3. Design and assembly
  5. Roofs and roofing
    1. Roofing care, penetration and water-proofing
    2. Roof attachment options
    3. Safety
  6. Solar air heating
  7. Solar photovoltaic
  8. Solar water heating
  9. Wire, pipe and duct work
    1. Entering a structure
    2. UV and weather protection
    3. Mounting and support

Learning Outcomes
At the end of this course students will be able to:

  1. describe metal compatibility and identify metal fasteners and supports that work together.
  2. present options for mounting collectors.
  3. demonstrate appropriate fastener choices.
  4. assemble systems according to technical drawings.
  5. explain strengths and weaknesses of solar photovoltaic, hot water and air heating systems.
  6. describe support structures commonly used in solar installations.
  7. describe major components of solar air, water and photovoltaic systems.
  8. safely work with power tools and roofs using personal protective equipment.
  9. demonstrate proficiency in the use of solar site selection tools.
  10. describe insulation, support and ultraviolet protection for solar plumbing and wiring.
  11. describe the basic bonding methods for pipes, ducts and wires in solar systems.
  12. identify common roofing materials.
  13. describe the compatibility of common roofing material with roof attachment hardware.
  14. explain when a structural engineering inspection of a roof is required

Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC): Goals and Competencies
Competency Goals (MnTC Goals 1-6)
None
Theme Goals (MnTC Goals 7-10)
None


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