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Introduction to Solar Photovoltaic & Electrical Systems for Zero Energy & Passive House Homes XZEB 1150

Net-Zero & Passive House Part-time Studies Course

Course details

​This introductory course focuses on integrated solar photovoltaic (PV) and electrical systems in Zero Energy or Passive House homes. The course will outline the decision-making for planning, designing, and constructing/renovating a Zero Energy home with integrated solar PV and electrical systems. It applies “lessons learned” from case studies of Zero Energy homes equipped with solar PV technology. Key topics include critical elements of a design-build process, pre-design considerations and requirements, future-proofing for new technologies and electrical circuit load capacity, equipment and monitoring options, and hand-off best practices. This course is intended to be offered fully online or in a hybrid of online live lectures and discussions. The online learning model includes live lectures and complementary self-guided learning materials in the BCIT Learning Hub.

Prerequisite(s)

  • No prerequisites are required for this course.

Credits

1.5

Cost

$379.08

Course offerings

Winter 2023

Below is one offering of XZEB 1150 for the Winter 2023 term.

CRN 90760

Duration

Thu Jan 19 - Thu Feb 16 (5 weeks)

  • 5 weeks
  • CRN 90760
  • $379.08
Class meeting times
Dates Days Times Locations
Jan 19 - Feb 16 Thu 16:00 - 19:00 Online
Jan 19 - Feb 16 N/A N/A Online
Instructor

TBD

Course outline

Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.

Cost

$379.08

Important information
  1. This is a 5 week course with online lectures on Thursday nights (4-7PM PST) from Jan 19 to Feb 16, 2023. Instructional sessions are delivered through a live interactive web-lecture through online course portal (BCIT Learning Hub) by industry subject matter expert instructors. Additional independent learning is completed in the online course portal.
Status

Sneak Preview

This section is only available for registration starting Wed October 26, 2022 at 9:00 am (PDT)

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • Explain the implications for electrical systems and building design when building to high levels of performance, such as Net Zero Energy, Net Zero Energy-Ready, and Passive House standards.
  • Compare the benefits and costs of residential energy retrofitting strategies including:
    • Envelope improvements (insulation, windows/door, airtightness).
    • HVAC upgrades including fuel switch.
    • Grid-connected solar PV installation.
  • Describe the key elements (people, process, tasks) and decisions for an integrated solar PV system build.
  • Explain the Pre-Design Considerations for an integrated solar PV project and identify critical decisions.
  • Describe the solar PV design requirements and feasibility.
  • List the preferred solar PV component and monitoring equipment types.
  • Explain the roles of battery storage and hybrid inverter systems in grid-resilient new home and retrofit design.
  • Explain the integrated-build hand-off specifications and requirements for construction.
  • Describe factors affecting residential solar PV systems financials and adoption rates.
  • Participate in design and decision-making processes involving case studies of single-family homes with Net Zero Energy, Net Zero Energy Ready, and solar-equipped energy retrofit design goals.

Effective as of Spring/Summer 2022

Related Programs

Introduction to Solar Photovoltaic & Electrical Systems for Zero Energy & Passive House Homes (XZEB 1150) is offered as a part of the following programs:

School of Construction and the Environment

  1. Essentials of Net-Zero and Passive House Construction
    Microcredential Part-time

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