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Solar 101: Fundamentals of Solar Energy and Building Integration

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CEUs

1.5 LU/HSW

Cost

$10 Members of AIA, 2030 District, ACI, APA, ASCE, ASHRE, ASID, ASLA, ASPE, Boyer Guild, CNU, CSI, DesignLAB, Green Umbrella, IIDA, NAIOP, NAWIC, NOMA, SAME, SEGD, SMPS, ULI, or USGBC

$20 non members

Location

Zoom

Program Overview

As renewable energy becomes a key part of facility planning, architects are increasingly expected to understand the foundational elements of solar photovoltaics (PV) and how these systems interact with the built environment. This session offers a straightforward introduction to solar energy systems - what they are, how they work, and how they are commonly implemented on and around commercial buildings. Participants will explore real-world case studies and learn how solar components are selected, configured, and installed. We’ll also discuss the role of architecture in making a solar project successful, from early design decisions to system layout and coordination with structural and electrical teams.

The session will introduce case studies of building-integrated solar systems, highlighting how architects contributed to the success of those projects.

Presented by: The Knowledge Exchange, a partnership of AIA Cincinnati, AIA Dayton, and AIA Northern Kentucky

Speaker

In this two-part series, nationally recognized commercial solar engineering, procurement, and construction firm, Melink Solar, provides the tools and strategies to symbiotically work with solar EPCs and successfully execute a solar system project in the built world.

Learning Objectives

  • Define the basic components of a commercial solar PV system (modules, inverters, racking, electrical gear) and describe how electricity is generated and flows from solar panels to building loads.

  • Recognize common solar PV installation types (rooftop, canopy, ground-mounted) and their key design and structural considerations for both new construction and retrofits.

  • Introduce the financial, environmental, and operational benefits of solar PV energy systems, including basic awareness of energy cost savings, carbon reduction, and incentive programs.

  • Identify how early-stage architectural decisions, such as orientation, roof layout, shading, and space planning, can impact the viability and performance of a solar PV system.

Continuing Education Details

Course Number: D09105

Instructional Delivery Method: live

AIA CES Program Approval Expiration Date:TBD

Prerequisites: none

Program Level: beginner

Advance Learner Preparation: none

 

AIA CES Provider Statement

AIA Dayton is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number A054. All registered AIA CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider or this learning program may be sent to AIA CES (cessupport@aia.org or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3).

This learning program is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product.

AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.


During this program, photography, audio, and video recording may occur. By attending this program, you consent to interview(s), photography, audio recording, video recording and its/their release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction to be used for news, web casts, promotional purposes, telecasts, advertising, inclusion on websites, social media, or any other purpose by AIA Cincinnati and its affiliates and representatives. Images, photos and/or videos may be used to promote similar AIA Cincinnati in the future, highlight the program, and exhibit the capabilities of AIA Cincinnati.

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August 12

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September 16

Complex, not complicated: Integrating Commercial Solar into Building Design