Solar
Building Performance
Design and Installation
Energy Modeling
Zero Net Energy
Introduction to Architectural Solar
About this course
Building Professionals, imagine a course on solar energy solutions that helps you drive your designs in new and innovative ways while also helping you navigate project requirements. Whether it be an owner’s sustainability goals, a municipality’s energy code or your desire to innovate, we have the solution for you.
In this short course, participants will delve into the intricate world of solar design and attain proficiency of key principals for seamlessly integrating solar solutions into architecture. By exploring the fundamentals of solar technology and introductory design principles, participants will emerge equipped with expertise required to work at the intersection of solar energy and the built environment.
Throughout the course, participants will uncover practical insights into solar panel technology and strategic design strategies essential for realizing the full potential of solar energy in the built environment. Whether you're an architect, engineer, construction professional, solar professional or a curious learner, this course serves as the foundational stepping stone towards unlocking the tangible benefits of sustainable design and energy innovation.
Join us on this transformative journey and empower yourself to lead the charge towards a greener, more sustainable future.
This course includes 2 American Institute of Architects (AIA) Learning Units (LUs).
In this short course, participants will delve into the intricate world of solar design and attain proficiency of key principals for seamlessly integrating solar solutions into architecture. By exploring the fundamentals of solar technology and introductory design principles, participants will emerge equipped with expertise required to work at the intersection of solar energy and the built environment.
Throughout the course, participants will uncover practical insights into solar panel technology and strategic design strategies essential for realizing the full potential of solar energy in the built environment. Whether you're an architect, engineer, construction professional, solar professional or a curious learner, this course serves as the foundational stepping stone towards unlocking the tangible benefits of sustainable design and energy innovation.
Join us on this transformative journey and empower yourself to lead the charge towards a greener, more sustainable future.
This course includes 2 American Institute of Architects (AIA) Learning Units (LUs).
Learning Objectives
- Be able to define architectural solar and explain why it is important.
- Understand the basics of solar module technology.
- Understand how solar modules are rated and how that relates to energy.
- Be able to define the six application categories of architectural solar.
- Understand key considerations associated with each of the six architectural solar application categories.
- Identify a range of installation types and where they fit within the architectural solar continuum.
Course outline
4 modules
2 - 4 hours to complete
54 minutes
of video lectures
Module 1 • 2 assignments
Orientation and Welcome
Module 1 • 2 assignments
Orientation and Welcome
Let's meet your instructors for the course, the Architectural Solar Association, and what you'll learn in this free introductory course.
- Architectural Solar Association - About Us (02:23 minutes)
- Course Introduction (01:35 minutes) Preview
Module 2 • 9 assignments
Foundational Architectural Solar Concepts
Module 2 • 9 assignments
Foundational Architectural Solar Concepts
This free short course provides a basis of knowledge on the concept of Architectural Solar and the theory behind the Architectural Solar Continuum.
- What is Architectural Solar? (06:05 minutes)
- Slides - What is Architectural Solar? (.pdf)
- What is Architectural Solar? - Quiz
- Power vs. Energy (14:49 minutes)
- Slides - Power vs. Energy (.pdf)
- Power vs. Energy - Quiz
- PV Technology Overview (11:16 minutes)
- Slides - PV Technology Overview (.pdf)
- PV Technology Overview - Quiz
Module 3 • 3 assignments
The Architectural Solar Continuum
Module 3 • 3 assignments
The Architectural Solar Continuum
An overview of all the architectural integration categories and their benefits and drawbacks.
- The Architectural Solar Continuum (18:01 minutes)
- Slides - The Architectural Solar Continuum (.pdf)
- The Architectural Solar Continuum - Quiz
Continuing Education Units
Approved for the following CEUs
- 2 AIA LU
Approved NABCEP CEU Hours
| NABCEP Credential | Advanced Hours for Exam | Recertification CEU Hours | NEC | JTA | RE Elective | Building or Fire Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | |
| 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Instructor
Chris Klinga
Technical Director, Architectural Solar Association
Chris has been actively engaged in the solar industry since 2007. He has an extensive background in solar installation design and product development. He has designed on and off grid PV systems, modules and racking systems. During the first decade of his career Chris worked for Lumos Solar, developing and distributing cutting edge solar modules and racking systems that...
Frequently asked questions
Full FAQHow does this course work?
This 1 module course is delivered entirely online. The lecture video and other materials are available any time. After successfully completing the course, you will be able to generate a certificate of completion.
How long do I have access to the materials?
Students can pre-order but will not be able to access the full course materials or earn a certificate of completion until the course is fully published. Once the course is published any students who have pre-ordered will then have access to the course materials for one year (365 days). After the one year of access expires, access can be extended by joining as a HeatSpring member. A single membership extends access to course materials for all past enrollments.
Is there a certificate of completion?
Yes, when you complete this course you are eligible for a certificate of completion from HeatSpring. You can download your certificate as soon as you have completed all of the course requirements. Students can easily share their verified certificates on their LinkedIn profiles using our LinkedIn integration.
Can I register multiple people?
Yes please visit our HeatSpring for Groups page to get a group discount.
