Solar Spreadsheet Engineering: Designing On-Grid Photovoltaic Systems

Sizing a solar energy system requires balancing complex electrical variables, local solar irradiation data, and financial return metrics. This text-based course guides you through the fundamental principles of photovoltaic engineering and teaches you how to build and utilize professional-grade spreadsheets for on-grid solar design. You will learn to translate technical energy requirements into precise mathematical models, enabling quick and reliable project calculations. By the end of this course, you will be able to confidently size on-grid solar installations, estimate energy production, and calculate financial payback periods for your clients. What you will learn: Understand the core physics and engineering principles of on-grid photovoltaic systems; Configure spreadsheet formulas to calculate average monthly consumption and compensate for seasonal solar variation; Size solar arrays, select inverter capacities, and model system efficiency losses; Integrate local solar irradiation databases into your spreadsheet calculations; Perform financial feasibility studies including net present value and payback analysis; Build dynamic, client-ready solar proposal templates within your spreadsheet software. We begin with foundational solar energy concepts and system components before moving step-by-step through mathematical modeling, parameter configuration, and financial analysis. This course is designed for engineers, solar installers, sales consultants, and beginners looking to enter the renewable energy sector with no prior spreadsheet programming experience required. Start building your professional solar sizing tools today.