The eLearning Center for B.F. Environmental Consultants, Inc.

Solar energy travels from the sun to the earth in the form of electromagnetic radiation. In this course, properties of electromagnetic radiation will be discussed and basic calculations for electromagnetic radiation will be described. Several solar position parameters will be covered along with means of calculating values for them. The major methods by which solar radiation is converted into other useable forms of energy will be discussed briefly.

Extraterrestrial solar radiation (that striking the earth’s outer atmosphere) will be covered and means of estimating its value at a given location and time will be presented. Finally, there will be a presentation on how to obtain values for the average monthly rate of solar radiation striking the surface of a typical solar collector, at a specified location in the United States for a specified month. Numerous examples are included to illustrate the calculations and data retrieval methods presented.

This course is intended for mechanical, electrical and energy engineers. Students will gain basic knowledge about solar electromagnetic radiation, become familiar with fundamental solar parameters, learn to obtain or calculate values for those parameters and use them in calculations.

A multiple-choice quiz of fifteen (15) questions must be passed to earn PDH credits.

State Board Acceptance

This course can be used by professional engineers to fulfill PDH requirements mandated by state and provincial licensing boards. Decatur Professional Development is an approved provider of continuing education in all states that pre-approve course providers. In all other states that mandate continuing education for engineers, it is the individual engineer's responsibility to determine the suitability of activities for PDH credit. The state boards typically accept online* courses that cover technical, managerial** or ethical content and which are relevant to the practice of engineering. The course must have a clear purpose or objective with a content that will maintain, improve or expand the skills and knowledge of the licensee's field of practice. For questions about your mandatory PDH requirements, visit the website of your state licensing board.

*Online courses are accepted by all state licensing boards that mandate continuing education. Other than New York (which limits online courses to 18 PDH) and Iowa (which limits online courses to 6 PDH), there are no limits placed by other states on the number of hours that can be earned through online continuing education. Consult with your state licensing board if you have any questions about the acceptability of online courses.

**The New York State Board of Engineers does not accept general office management courses, but will accept project management courses that are offered by an approved provider and that are technical in nature and contribute to the engineer's professional practice.

Please Note: Continuing Education credits for this course are awarded as PDH (Professional Development Hour Credits)