RSE3141 Solar energy
Faculty of Engineering
RSE3141 Solar energy is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Engineering, offered in 2026 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It needs ENG2005, MTH2015 or MTH2010 and unlocks 1 unit.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 1
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 50%
- and 1 other task
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
Reviews
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Requisites
Before RSE3141
Prerequisites
Pass these before you enrol.
After RSE3141
1 unit list RSE3141 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Overview
This unit covers concepts associated with the solar energy industry including; the characteristics of solar radiation and solar collectors including efficiency evaluation and prediction of long-term performance; system modelling; energy storage; computer simulation and modelling of performance and the economics and financing of solar energy projects.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | Blended |
Assessment
- AssignmentsWrittenThreshold hurdle50%
- Final assessmentExaminationThreshold hurdle50%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Describe the fundamental characteristics of solar irradiance, including the wavelength and frequency, energy levels and position in the sky (zenith and azimuth angles).
- 2
Describe the functionality and evaluate the relative benefits of concentrating solar thermal energy plant compared to solar PV and other energy technologies.
- 3
Demonstrate how a solar photovoltaic cell works, including the principles of semi-conductors, bandgap energy, PN junctions and measures of PV cell efficiency.
- 4
Evaluate the role of PV and solar thermal technologies in the energy market, now and into the future.
- 5
Design solar-based energy system configurations for a range of scales and scenarios from household to national markets.
Workload and teaching
- Workshops24 hours
- Practical activities24 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Teaching approachResearch activities
The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.
This unit uses a combination of pre-recorded lectures and interactive online quizzes to test and consolidate the material with synchronous (live) workshops and practicals where students work with the unit coordinators and their peers to conduct in-depth analyses on a variety of topics relating to solar energy.
Learning resources
Required resources
Laptop computer
Where it fits
RSE3141 is part of 5 areas of study in the 2026 handbook.
- CIVILENG03Civil engineering technical electivesCivil engineeringNo reviews yet
- ECSYSENG04Electrical and computer systems engineering technical electivesElectrical and computer systems engineeringNo reviews yet
- ENVIRENG03Environmental engineering technical electivesEnvironmental engineeringNo reviews yet
- PWRENSYS02Studying electrical and computer systems engineering specialisationPower and energy systems engineeringNo reviews yet
- RNWENMNR02Studying an engineering specialisationRenewable energy engineeringNo reviews yet
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Associate Professor Roger Dargaville
- Chief Examiners
- Associate Professor Roger Dargaville
Common questions
What can I take after RSE3141?
RSE3141 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 1 unit, including RSE4050.
When is RSE3141 offered?
In 2026, RSE3141 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.
How much work is RSE3141?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does RSE3141 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 50% of the final mark, alongside 1 other task.
Which majors and minors include RSE3141?
RSE3141 is part of Civil engineering; Electrical and computer systems engineering; Environmental engineering; Power and energy systems engineering; and Renewable energy engineering.