EC-2024-0710 | October 2025
Solar Energy Curriculum
By Drew Schiavone, Ph.D.
UMD's Solar Energy Curriculum is a comprehensive educational program designed to equip homeowners, farmers, business owners, and educators with the knowledge and skills needed to harness the power of solar energy. This curriculum offers valuable insights into the challenges and benefits of solar photovoltaics (PV), ranging from system design to regulatory considerations. You will be empowered to make informed decisions, optimize your energy use, and contribute to the broader energy grid through solar energy generation. Whether your goal is to reduce energy costs, promote sustainability, or educate others, this curriculum offers tailored tracks to meet your specific needs. Choose the track that best fits your goals and start your journey towards a brighter, more sustainable future.
By completing these modules, you will acquire comprehensive knowledge of solar energy, covering everything from market dynamics to installation and financial considerations. You will learn the practical steps involved in designing, installing, and maintaining solar PV systems, ensuring you can apply this knowledge effectively. Additionally, you will discover the financial incentives and benefits of solar energy, helping you make cost-effective decisions. You will also gain insight into the regulatory landscape, enabling you to navigate complex policies and regulations. Finally, you will be equipped with the tools to educate diverse audiences about the importance and implementation of solar energy, making you a valuable resource in promoting sustainable energy solutions.
Suggested Tracks
UMD's Solar Energy Curriculum is designed to cater to a diverse range of users, including homeowners, farmers, business owners, and educators interested in solar energy. To help you navigate the curriculum and focus on the content most relevant to your needs, we have developed three distinct tracks. These tracks allow you to select and complete modules independently, ensuring you can focus on the areas of greatest interest and need. By following the appropriate track, you can efficiently gain the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve your solar energy goals.
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Track A: Complete Curriculum
Track A: Complete CurriculumIndividuals or educators seeking comprehensive knowledge of solar energy systems.
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Track B: Landowner
Track B: LandownerLandowners interested in leasing their land for large-scale solar projects.
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Track C: Homeowner
Track C: HomeownerHomeowners considering the installation of solar PV systems on their properties.
DREW SCHIAVONE
dschiavo@umd.edu
This publication, Solar Energy Curriculum (EC-2024-0710), is a part of a collection produced by the University of Maryland Extension within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
The information presented has met UME peer-review standards, including internal and external technical review. For help accessing this or any UME publication contact: itaccessibility@umd.edu
For more information on this and other topics, visit the University of Maryland Extension website at extension.umd.edu
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When citing this publication, please use the suggested format:
Schiavone, D., (2025). Solar Energy Curriculum (EC-2024-0710). University of Maryland Extension. go.umd.edu/EC-2024-0710