Solar Thermal Systems

Course Description

ETP1420 is a 3-credit-hour introductory course within the Engineering Technologies > Energy Power Technology taxonomy of the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS). The course provides an introduction to the background, essential theory, principles, and future of Solar Thermal Technologies. Students explore the science of solar energy collection and heat transfer, the design and installation of solar water and pool heating systems, system start-up and commissioning procedures, troubleshooting methodologies, and applicable Florida and national code requirements. Laboratory-based and hands-on activities are an integral component of the course, reinforcing classroom instruction with practical skills. The course is designed to develop competencies relevant to residential and commercial solar thermal applications in the Florida climate and energy market.

Learning Outcomes

Required Learning Outcomes

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

• Explain the fundamental principles of solar energy, including solar radiation, the solar resource, and heat transfer mechanisms relevant to thermal collection.
• Identify and describe the major components of solar thermal systems, including flat-plate collectors, evacuated tube collectors, storage tanks, pumps, controllers, and heat exchangers.
• Differentiate between active and passive solar thermal system configurations, including direct (open-loop) and indirect (closed-loop) systems.
• Perform and document solar thermal system installation procedures, including mounting, piping, and electrical connections, following manufacturer specifications and applicable codes.
• Execute system check-out, start-up, and commissioning procedures for residential solar water heating systems.
• Troubleshoot common malfunctions in solar water heating systems and perform corrective repairs.
• Apply Florida Building Code, Florida plumbing code, and relevant national codes (including FSEC Standards) to solar thermal system installation and inspection.
• Identify and apply health, safety, and environmental management practices during solar thermal installation and service operations.

Optional Learning Outcomes

Depending on institutional emphasis, students may also be able to:

• Design and size a basic solar domestic hot water (SDHW) system for a residential application using load calculations and Florida Energy Factor (FEF) ratings.
• Describe and differentiate solar pool heating systems, including unglazed collector types and control strategies.
• Evaluate the economic feasibility of a solar thermal installation, including estimated payback period and available incentives.
• Explain the permitting process for solar thermal systems at the municipal, county, and state levels in Florida.
• Describe concentrating solar thermal collector types (parabolic trough, dish/Stirling) and their commercial applications.
• Outline strategies to increase energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption through integration of solar thermal systems with conventional water heating equipment.

Major Topics

Required Topics

1. Solar Fundamentals — Solar radiation, sun angles, insolation data for Florida climate zones, the solar resource, and basic thermodynamic principles of heat collection and transfer.
2. Solar Thermal Collector Types — Flat-plate collectors, evacuated tube collectors, unglazed collectors for pool heating; collector ratings and FSEC/SRCC certification requirements.
3. Solar Water Heating Systems and Components — System configurations (active direct, active indirect, passive thermosyphon, drain-back); storage tanks, heat exchangers, differential controllers, pumps, valves, and expansion tanks.
4. Solar Pool Heating Systems — Unglazed collector arrays, automatic diverter valves, filtration system integration, controls, and seasonal operation.
5. System Installation Procedures — Roof penetration and mounting, piping materials and methods, collector array layout, freeze protection strategies, and electrical wiring for controls and pumps.
6. System Check-Out, Start-Up, and Commissioning — Pressure testing, flushing, fluid charging, controller programming, and performance verification.
7. Troubleshooting and Maintenance — Diagnosis of common system faults (pump failure, controller malfunction, overheating, air locks, leaks); preventive maintenance schedules; corrective repair procedures.
8. Codes, Standards, and Safety — Florida Building Code (plumbing and mechanical), FSEC Standards 101–104, SRCC/IAPMO certification, electrical safety (OSHA/NFPA 70), and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.

Optional Topics

• System Sizing and Design — Load calculations, Florida Energy Factor (FEF) ratings, Solar Savings Fraction (SSF), and basic system sizing methods for residential SDHW.
• Economics and Incentives — System costs, payback analysis, utility rate structures, federal tax credits, and Florida-specific incentive programs.
• Permitting Process — Municipal, county, and state permitting requirements; plan submittal; inspection procedures.
• Concentrating Solar Thermal Technologies — Low-, medium-, and high-temperature collector categories; parabolic trough, dish/Stirling, and solar power tower concepts.
• Integration with Conventional Systems — Backup water heater integration, hybrid system configurations, and energy efficiency strategies.
• NABCEP Solar Thermal Entry-Level Exam Preparation — Review of NABCEP task analysis domains relevant to entry-level solar thermal installation and service.

Resources & Tools

• Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) — FSEC Standards 101–104 for solar thermal collector and system certification, available at fsec.ucf.edu. FSEC is a research institute of the University of Central Florida created by the Florida Legislature to serve as the state's energy research institute.
• SRCC / IAPMO — Solar Rating & Certification Corporation (SRCC) and International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) collector and system ratings directories.
• Florida Building Code (Plumbing and Mechanical volumes) — Current adopted edition; governs solar thermal system installation statewide.
• NABCEP Solar Heating Study Guide — North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners entry-level and professional-level reference materials.
• Recommended Textbook — Solar Engineering of Thermal Processes, Duffie & Beckman (Wiley); widely used in collegiate solar thermal instruction.
• Lab Equipment — Working solar thermal trainer panels, differential controllers, data loggers, pressure gauges, pipe fittings, and hand tools for hands-on installation and troubleshooting exercises.

Career Pathways

Completion of ETP1420 supports entry-level and advancement opportunities in Florida's growing solar energy workforce. Relevant roles include:

• Solar Thermal Installer / Technician — Residential and commercial installation of solar water and pool heating systems.
• Solar Energy Systems Service Technician — Maintenance, inspection, troubleshooting, and repair of installed solar thermal systems.
• HVAC/R Technician with Solar Specialization — Integration of solar thermal systems with heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration equipment.
• Plumbing Contractor with Solar Endorsement — Plumbers adding solar water heating services to their scope of work under Florida licensure.
• Renewable Energy Project Coordinator — Entry-level coordination and field supervision roles on solar installation projects.

This course is commonly part of a College Credit Certificate (CCC) or Associate in Science (A.S.) degree in Energy Power Technology, Solar Energy Systems, or a related program at Florida state colleges.

Special Information

Certification Preparation

ETP1420 covers content aligned with the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Solar Heating Entry-Level Certificate of Knowledge examination. Students who complete this course, along with co-requisite or subsequent program courses, are encouraged to pursue NABCEP Solar Heating certification to demonstrate professional competency to employers.

All solar thermal systems installed or sold in Florida must comply with FSEC Solar Equipment Standards as required by Florida Statute §377.705. Familiarity with FSEC Standards 101–104 and SRCC/IAPMO system certification is therefore essential knowledge for any technician working in the Florida solar thermal industry.

Students interested in solar thermal installation should also investigate Florida Plumbing Contractor licensing requirements through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), as solar water heating installation frequently falls under the plumbing trade in Florida.