BCN 1597 - An Introduction to Solar Energy in Residential Construction

Engineering and Building Arts Department

Credit(s): 3
Contact Hours: 47
Effective Term Fall 2009 (415)

Requisites

Prerequisite REA 0001

Course Description

This course is an introduction to the characteristics of solar energy and the passive and active uses of solar energy in heating and cooling situations in typical, residential construction. The course explores the characteristics of solar energy, its adaptation by the earth’s atmosphere, and current and future methods available to harness, control, and best utilize this source of energy. The course emphasizes the potential advantages available in the sustainability of this natural resource. The course will focus on the climate of the southeastern United States.

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

  1. The student will demonstrate an understanding of the relationship of the sun to the various seasons in the earth’s northern and southern hemispheres by:
    1. determining minimum and maximum sun angles for any earth latitude.
    2. applying this information to maximize or minimize solar gain.
    3. conducting a site study for the site’s optimal use of solar energy.
  2. The student will demonstrate an understanding of passive and active solar gain and cooling technologies with regard to orientation, exposure, and seasons, emphasizing the climatology of the southeastern United States by:
    1. researching minimum and maximum sun angles for Florida.
    2. defining the difference between passive and active solar technologies.
    3. developing the use of solar energy for passive and active solar heating and cooling.
    4. building lighted models for the use of solar energy for passive and active heating and cooling.
  3. The student will demonstrate an understanding of the relationships between the use, or misuse, of solar energy for sustainability by:
    1. evaluating examples of the appropriate uses of solar energy for heating and cooling.
    2. evaluating examples of the inappropriate uses of solar energy for heating and cooling.
    3. analyzing designs and locations to determine the appropriate uses of solar energy.
  4. The student will demonstrate an understanding of existing residences’ compliance with current solar energy sustainability standards of the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) and the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) by:
    1. conducting a solar energy evaluation of at least two existing residences.
    2. determining whether those residences comply with the current Florida Green Building Coalition’s (FGBC) guidelines for certification.
  5. The student will demonstrate an understanding of life-cycle cost analyses by:
    1. defining a life-cycle cost analysis.
    2. researching initial costs of “Energy Star” appliances versus “standard” appliances.
    3. evaluating the benefits of sealing a residence versus “letting it breathe.”
    4. calculating a specific life-cycle cost analysis over a 30-year period.

Criteria Performance Standard

Upon successful completion of the course the student will, with a minimum of 70% accuracy, demonstrate mastery of each of the above stated objectives through classroom measures developed by individual course instructors.

History of Changes

C&I Approval: 04/28/2009, BOT Approval: 06/19/2009, Effective Term: Fall 2009 (415)

Related Programs

  1. Building Design and Construction Management (ARCH-AS) (640) (Active)
  2. Construction Technology (BCNST-BAS) (670) (Active)
  3. Construction Technology (BCNST-TR) (670) (Active)
  4. Sustainability Management (SUSMGT-BAS) (640) (Active)
  5. Sustainability Management (SUSMGT-TR) (670) (Active)
  6. Sustainable Construction Technology (BCNST-CT) (550) (Active)