Solar Energy International (SEI), solar energy training and education provider since 1991, regularly offers workshops in photovoltaic design and installation, solar home design and natural house building. Now, SEI has made this unique educational experience available on the Web with its Solar Home Design Online course.

“The course exceeded my expectations. The materials were well written and organized. The presentation was very attractive and user-friendly. I am more accustomed to dealing with information in this field in a much more raw and unfinished condition,” said Linda Pinkham, managing editor, Home Power magazine.

The course focuses on how-to build energy-efficient, sustainable solar homes. During this six-week course, everyone from the serious owner-builder to the professional contractor will learn up-to-date strategies for sustainable new home construction and remodels. Natural building (earth and straw construction) will be emphasized, along with case studies of progressive building projects. The Internet-based course of instruction includes instructional graphics, an extensive resource list and Internet resource links.

• Lessons learned

• Design principles

• Heat transfer

• Building science

• Super insulation

• Super windows

• Solar site analysis

• “Green” building and healthy homes

• Passive solar

• Solar hot water and electrical independence

• Natural home building