Most commercially available solar cells convert about 15% to 23% of sunlight into electricity, depending on the technology and conditions.
Duration of the online course: 1 hours and 1 minutes
Build job-ready solar PV skills fast with this free online course—learn how panels, cells and inverters work, plus key terms like open-circuit voltage.
Step into one of the fastest-growing areas of electrical work by learning the core concepts behind solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. This free online course gives you a clear, practical foundation for understanding how sunlight becomes usable electricity, so you can communicate confidently on the job site, support PV projects, or prepare for more advanced training in renewable energy.
You will explore what a solar cell does inside a PV system and why efficiency matters in real installations. Instead of treating efficiency as a buzzword, you will connect typical market ranges to expectations about performance, output, and design decisions. You will also build familiarity with common electrical terms used in PV discussions, including open-circuit voltage, and understand why these measurements matter for safety, equipment selection, and troubleshooting.
A key part of PV systems is converting DC power into AC power that buildings and the grid can use. You will learn the primary purpose of the inverter and where it fits within the broader system. By tying together cells, modules, and power conversion, the course helps you see how the main components work as a complete pathway from energy capture to usable electrical supply.
Designed for learners pursuing professional skills in the electrician track, the course uses short knowledge checks to reinforce what you learn and help you retain important definitions and functions. By the end, you will have a strong conceptual map of PV system basics that supports better decision-making, clearer communication with contractors and clients, and a smoother transition into hands-on solar work.
Discover free online Solar Energy courses with certificates and gain in-demand skills in solar power, photovoltaic systems, panel design and installation, renewable energy, and sustainable technology. Learn at your own pace from trusted course providers, strengthen your resume, explore clean energy careers, and help create a greener future.
Explore free online Renewable Energy courses with certificates and build practical skills in solar power, wind energy, hydropower, bioenergy, energy storage, and sustainable technologies. Learn at your own pace from trusted providers, strengthen your career prospects, and gain certified knowledge for a cleaner, greener future.
1 hours and 1 minutes of online video course
Digital certificate of course completion (Free)
Exercises to train your knowledge
100% free, from content to certificate
What is the typical efficiency range of commercial solar cells?
Most commercially available solar cells convert about 15% to 23% of sunlight into electricity, depending on the technology and conditions.
What does an inverter do in a solar photovoltaic system?
An inverter converts the DC electricity produced by solar panels into AC electricity for building loads or the utility grid.
What is open-circuit voltage (Voc) on a solar panel?
Open-circuit voltage is the maximum DC voltage a solar cell or module produces when it is not connected to a load.
Ready to get started?Download the app and get started today.
Install the app now
to access the courseOver 5,000 free courses
Programming, English, Digital Marketing and much more! Learn whatever you want, for free.
Study plan with AI
Our app's Artificial Intelligence can create a study schedule for the course you choose.
From zero to professional success
Improve your resume with our free Certificate and then use our Artificial Intelligence to find your dream job.
You can also use the QR Code or the links below.

Free CourseInstall Your Own Solar Power System
59m
6 exercises

Free CourseElectronic Circuits Course
43h25m
49 exercises

Free CourseWind Turbines
3h49m
19 exercises

Free CourseEngineering Circuits Analysis
3h11m
20 exercises

Free CourseElectronics - Nanoelectronics: Devices and Materials
40h15m
31 exercises

Free CourseBasic electronics
6h04m
30 exercises

Free CourseElectrical - Fabrication of Silicon
35h10m
28 exercises

Free CourseElectrical engineering
11h53m
20 exercises

Free CourseBeginner Electronics
5h27m
24 exercises

Free CourseElectricity course
31h41m
6 exercises
+ 10 million
students
Free and Valid
Certificate
60 thousand free
exercises
4.8/5 rating in
app stores
Free courses in
video and ebooks
Course comments: Solar Photovoltaic System Basics
Jake Cahill
handy course.