Renewable Energy Technologies: A Foundational Guide

In this course, you will explore the basic principles behind several renewable energy technologies. It looks beyond photovoltaics (PV) to a range of other technologies, including solar hot water systems, wind energy, microhydro energy and geothermal energy. You will also discover a variety of emerging and specialised renewable energy sources and learn how these utilise naturally occurring processes to generate usable energy. 

By the end of the course, you will have a solid foundational understanding of how these renewable energy technologies operate and the role they can play in supporting a more sustainable energy future. 
  • Duration:  1 Hour 
  • Language: English 
  • Level: Beginner
  • Cost: Free

Who it's for

This course is for anyone exploring renewable energy, whether you're new to the industry, changing careers, or already working in energy, sustainability or public-sector roles.

Before you start: No previous knowledge required. 

What you'll  learn 

By the end, you'll be able to:  

  • Understand how solar hot water systems work and where they're used 
  • Understand how wind energy is generated and what makes a site suitable 
  • Understand how microhydro power works and where it fits
  • Understand how geothermal energy is harnessed 
  • Recognise other emerging renewable sources, like wave, tidal and hydrogen 

Lesson breakdown 

  • Lesson 1: Solar Hot Water
  • Lesson 2: Wind Power   
  • Lesson 3: Microhydro Power  
  • Lesson 4: Geothermal Energy   
  • Lesson 5: Other Renewables  

What you'll get

A Certificate of Completion from InnoEnergy Skills Institute by completing all lessons, knowledge checks, and the final assessment with a score of 60% or higher. Get a shareable certificate to highlight your learning.     

Frequently asked questions

Is this course really free? 

Yes. The lessons, final assessment and certificate are all free. You won’t need to provide any payment details when you register. 

Do I need any experience? 

No. The course is suitable for complete beginners, as well as people already working in solar or renewable energy who want to broaden their knowledge. 

Will this course help me get a job? 

The course provides a useful foundation in renewable energy technologies and is a good starting point if you’re considering a career in the renewable sector.

What is the format of this course and how long does it take? 

This course is 100% online and self paced. The course is around one hour, including the final assessment. 

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Created by:

InnoEnergy Skills Institute

InnoEnergy Skills Institute equips businesses in the clean tech industry with the critical skills needed to thrive in a fast-evolving market. Through tailored upskilling solutions, it develops a future-ready workforce that drives innovation, competitiveness, and growth. As part of this mission, InnoEnergy Skills Institute runs the European Solar Academy on behalf of the European Commission. This project addresses the growing skills shortage across the solar photovoltaic (PV) value chain in Europe. By enabling large-scale upskilling and reskilling, the Academy supports industrial growth, strengthens Europe’s energy resilience and helps accelerate the transition to a net-zero economy.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. 

Solar Energy International 

Solar Energy International (SEI) is an internationally recognised provider of technical solar energy education. SEI designs and delivers technical solar training for organisations and individuals. Its programs are grounded in industry standards and practical application, supporting workforce development and professional training across the solar value chain for installers, designers, EPCs, manufacturers, distributors, organisations, utilities, and government agencies. SEI is a NABCEP Accredited Provider, IREC Certified, and licensed through the Colorado Department of Higher Education.