Course Overview
This introductory course focuses on integrated solar photovoltaic (PV) and electrical systems in Zero Energy or Passive House homes. The course will outline the decision-making for planning, designing, and constructing/renovating a Zero Energy home with integrated solar PV and electrical systems. It applies “lessons learned” from case studies of Zero Energy homes equipped with solar PV technology. Key topics include critical elements of a design-build process, pre-design considerations and requirements, future-proofing for new technologies and electrical circuit load capacity, equipment and monitoring options, and hand-off best practices. This course is intended to be offered fully online or in a hybrid of online live lectures and discussions. The online learning model includes live lectures and complementary self-guided learning materials in the BCIT Learning Hub.
Prerequisite(s)
- No prerequisites are required for this course.
Credits
1.5
Domestic fees
$406.68 - $414.95 See individual course offerings below for actual costs.
International fees are typically 3.4 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Explain the implications for electrical systems and building design when building to high levels of performance, such as Net Zero Energy, Net Zero Energy-Ready, and Passive House standards.
- Compare the benefits and costs of residential energy retrofitting strategies including:
- Envelope improvements (insulation, windows/door, airtightness).
- HVAC upgrades including fuel switch.
- Grid-connected solar PV installation.
- Describe the key elements (people, process, tasks) and decisions for an integrated solar PV system build.
- Explain the Pre-Design Considerations for an integrated solar PV project and identify critical decisions.
- Describe the solar PV design requirements and feasibility.
- List the preferred solar PV component and monitoring equipment types.
- Explain the roles of battery storage and hybrid inverter systems in grid-resilient new home and retrofit design.
- Explain the integrated-build hand-off specifications and requirements for construction.
- Describe factors affecting residential solar PV systems financials and adoption rates.
- Participate in design and decision-making processes involving case studies of single-family homes with Net Zero Energy, Net Zero Energy Ready, and solar-equipped energy retrofit design goals.
Effective as of Spring/Summer 2022
Related Programs
Introduction to Solar Photovoltaic & Electrical Systems for Zero Energy & Passive House Homes (XZEB 1150) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
School of Construction and the Environment
- Essentials of Net-Zero and Passive House Construction
Microcredential Part-time
Course Offerings
Spring/Summer 2026
Below is one offering of XZEB 1150 for the Spring/Summer 2026 term.
CRN 70563
Dates
May 13 - Jun 10 Loading
- CRN 70563
- $406.68 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 13 - Jun 10 | Wed | 16:00 - 19:00 | Online |
Duration
5 weeks
Instructor
Ben Giudici
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
Status
Fall 2026
Below is one offering of XZEB 1150 for the Fall 2026 term.
CRN 49314
Dates
Oct 28 - Dec 09 Loading
- CRN 49314
- $414.95 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 04 - Dec 09 | Wed | 16:00 - 19:00 | Online |
Duration
5 weeks
Instructor
TBD
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
Status
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.