Course Syllabus

Bristol Bay Campus

Term: Fall 2012

Course Title: Residential Solar Photovoltaics
Dept. & Num: ENVI F193P
Credits: 1
Prerequisites: None
Dates: October 26, 27, 28
Days & Times: 10/26: 6pm-9pm; 10/27: 10am-6pm; 10/28: 10am-3pm
Location: UAF Bristol Bay Campus

Instructor: Dr. Tom Marsik

Position: Assistant Professor
Office Location: UAF Bristol Bay Campus
Phone: 842-5109
Fax: 842-5692
Email: tmarsik@alaska.edu
Hours Available: 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… Evaluated By…
 Describe components of stand-alone and Quizzes and discussions
grid-tied photovoltaic systems and
understand their functions
 Evaluate the benefits and costs by using Quizzes, discussions, and HW
quantitative analysis for specific systems
at specific locations.
 Actively participate in installing Instructor observations during practical skills
photovoltaic panels application in a project
Instructional Methods:
• Lectures
• Project
• Discussions
• Quizzes
• Homework
• Readings

Course Calendar:
Assignments,
Sessions Topics To Be Covered
Quizzes, Tests
Course introduction
Day 1
Intro to renewable energy
Date: 10/26/12 Class discussions
Solar Photovoltaic as a renewable energy
No. of Hours: 3
source
Class discussions
Solar – basic physics
Quizzes:
Production estimates
Production estimates
Day 2 Sizing a system
Benefits/costs analysis
Date: 10/27/12 Costs and benefits
System components
No. of Hours: 7 Stand-alone vs. grid-tied systems
HW:
System components
Size a system for your
Diagrams
home
Day 3
Safety Instructor’s observations
Date: 10/28/12
Class project – installing PV panels during project
No. of Hours: 4
Review Individual course discussion

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.