English Teacher Knows Nothing About Solar Energy; What to Do to Know More?

[jklunder]

Hi Everyone,

I am currently an English language and composition teacher in China. I've always been fascinated by the concept of solar energy; but, I know nothing of technical details required.

Could any of you answer some basic questions for the novice like me?

1. What are the basic textbooks, websites, Wikipedia pages, YouTube Videos, or forums (such as this one) to teach me the basics?

2. I am currently living in China. Is China still the place where the good stuff is produced at a good price? Or, in the same way as clothing, light manufacturing, etc. has moved elsewhere, has solar gone to Hong Kong, Australia, etc.?

3. Would getting in contact with photo-voltaic researchers, such as at UNSW, be a good idea? I'm guessing that knowing trends such as about any big leaps forward might help to understand crucial times to invest.

4. I am very interested in the work of Charlie Paton and SeaWaterGreenHouse.com. Do you guys have any opinions, critiques, etc.?

Thanks

(This may have been posted in another forum; thanks for answering).

[Mike90250]

search the web for Basic Electricity learning courses. When they get to Transformers, you can learn them, then stop.
Then search for Basic Electronics courses, stop after you learn how Diodes work.
Then a course for Household Electrical Wiring practices.
That should equip your for working with solar, if the courses are any good

[jklunder]

Thanks. Know of any organized stuff, as in Coursera, etc.?

[inetdog]

A very good start is "Solar Power Your Home For Dummies" which can be downloaded free online.
Do not believe anything you read on YouTube until you get enough basic knowledge to determine what is trash and lies (90%).
And Welcome to Solar Panel Talk!

[jklunder]

Thanks.

Again, for me, I just want to understand basic processes, etc. I am trying to help out someone scout out good solar systems in China.

I need to understand what I am asking for, of course.

[J.P.M.]

Thanks.

Again, for me, I just want to understand basic processes, etc. I am trying to help out someone scout out good solar systems in China.

I need to understand what I am asking for, of course.

Inetdog speaks the truth. Start there.

Depending on how you define "basic processes", beyond his reference, any decent undergraduate text on solar energy will provide the technical information you may be looking for.