Designing Hybrid Rooftop Solar PV Systems Made Simple (Udemy.com)

This comprehensive course is designed to equip learners with the knowledge and practical skills required to design, analyze, and financially evaluate hybrid rooftop solar systems. From estimating power demand to selecting system components, from 3D modeling in Google SketchUp to financial feasibility studies, this course offers a 360° learning experience in hybrid solar project design.

Learners will not only master the technical aspects but also gain hands-on exposure to tools like Google SketchUp for shadow analysis and NREL’s PVWatts software for power estimation. The course emphasizes real-world applications, enabling students to prepare a complete design, bill of materials (BOM), and financial model for a hybrid rooftop solar project.

Whether you are an aspiring renewable energy engineer, a solar entrepreneur, or a professional seeking to expand your expertise, this course provides a career-defining skill set in one of the fastest-growing global industries.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand the fundamentals of hybrid rooftop solar systems and their applications.

• Estimate power demand (manually and using PVWatts software).

• Perform 3D modeling & shadow analysis using Google SketchUp.

• Select appropriate solar panels, inverters, batteries, and balance-of-system components.

• Prepare a Bill of Materials (BOM) for procurement.

• Conduct financial modeling (CAPEX, OPEX, payback period, IRR, NPV).

• Design optimal hybrid systems integrating grid, solar, and storage solutions.

• Gain insights into operation, maintenance, and project feasibility studies.

Teaching & Learning Methods

• Conceptual Lectures with real-world examples.

• Software Demonstrations: Google SketchUp & PVWatts.

• Hands-on Assignments: Power demand estimation, BOM preparation.

• Case Studies: Successful hybrid rooftop solar projects.

• Quizzes & Mini-Projects for active learning.

• Capstone Project: Complete design & financial model of a hybrid solar system.

Course Syllabus (Module-wise)

1. Introduction to Hybrid Rooftop Solar Systems

   • Basics of solar PV & hybrid energy systems

   • Importance of hybridization (grid + solar + storage)

2. Energy Demand Estimation

   • Manual calculation of daily & monthly demand

   • Load profiling techniques

   • PVWatts software for accurate estimation

3. System Design & 3D Shadow Analysis

   • Introduction to Google SketchUp

   • Rooftop modeling & tilt angle considerations

   • Shadow analysis for performance optimization

4. Component Selection & Sizing

   • Solar PV modules & technologies

   • Inverter types & selection criteria

   • Battery storage systems (Lead Acid vs Lithium-ion)

   • Balance of System (BoS) components

5. Bill of Materials & Procurement Planning

   • Preparing complete material lists

   • Vendor selection guidelines

6. Financial Modelling & Project Economics

   • CAPEX & OPEX analysis

   • LCOE (Levelized Cost of Electricity)

   • Payback period, IRR, and NPV calculations

7. Installation, Testing & Maintenance Insights

   • Best practices in rooftop installation

   • Operation & maintenance strategies

Prerequisites

• Basic knowledge of electricity, physics, or engineering fundamentals.

• Familiarity with MS Excel/Google Sheets for calculations.

• Enthusiasm to learn renewable energy applications (no prior solar knowledge required).

Target Audience

• Engineering Students (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Energy).

• Renewable Energy Professionals upgrading their skills.

• Entrepreneurs & Business Owners exploring solar business opportunities.

• Technicians & Installers seeking advanced design knowledge.

• Researchers & Academics in the field of sustainable energy.

Benefits of the Course

• Gain industry-relevant technical skills in hybrid solar design.

• Ability to design complete rooftop hybrid systems independently.

• Exposure to internationally recognized software tools (PVWatts, SketchUp).

• Career opportunities in solar EPC companies, energy consultancy, startups, and government projects.

• Build a portfolio-worthy project for jobs, internships, or entrepreneurship.

Career Opportunities

After completing this course, learners can pursue roles such as:

• Solar PV System Designer

• Renewable Energy Engineer

• Solar Project Consultant

• Hybrid System Specialist (Solar + Battery + Grid)

• Energy Auditor / Financial Analyst for Solar Projects

• Solar Entrepreneur (EPC/Installation/Consulting services)

Key Highlights

• Hands-on practical learning with real case studies

• Industry-standard tools (PVWatts & Google SketchUp)

• Complete end-to-end project design experience

• Financial Modelling expertise for decision-making

• Certificate of Completion for career advancement

Kickstart your journey into the future of renewable energy with this all-in-one course on Hybrid Rooftop Solar System Design & Financial Modelling.