Course Overview
This course introduces students to renewable energy technologies with a focus on those most relevant to British Columbia. Topics include wind energy (with an overview of different types of turbines), small-scale hydro and tidal systems, solar energy and storage systems, and biomass power generation. Students will learn the basic operating principles, typical applications, and key challenges of each technology. The course will also explore how these renewable systems can be connected to the electric grid, and the associated technical and social considerations. Case studies and simplified examples will be used to illustrate real-world applications, and hands-on lab activities will provide opportunities to work with basic renewable energy components. The course includes a small design project where students will propose a simple renewable energy system for a specific application, considering both technical and practical factors.
Prerequisite(s)
- 50% in ELEX 7550
Credits
4.0
- Not offered this term
- This course is not offered this term. Notify me to receive email notifications when the course opens for registration next term.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Explain the importance of renewable energy and the main drivers behind its adoption in British Columbia and beyond.
- Identify and describe the basic components and operating principles of wind, solar, hydro, tidal, and biomass energy systems.
- Compare the advantages and limitations of different renewable energy technologies for various small-scale applications.
- Describe key challenges involved in connecting renewable energy systems to the electric grid, including technical and social considerations.
- Interpret basic policies and standards that influence the installation and integration of renewable energy systems.
- Apply introductory-level tools and concepts to evaluate simple renewable energy projects.
- Design a basic renewable energy system proposal suitable for a specific location or application, supported by simplified calculations and reasoning.
Effective as of Winter 2026
Related Programs
Renewable Energy Systems and Applications (ELEX 7845) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs eligible for students to apply for Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
School of Energy
- Electrical Engineering
Bachelor of Engineering Full-time
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.