An overview is given of solar energy, its harnessing and its conversion into electricity via various converter technologies. In particular, an overview is given of the various renewable energy (RE) technologies and their applications with emphasis on visual presentations and interesting case histories. The interesting area of "solar cars" is considered in detail as an example of a high profile application of a Renewable Energy system that deals with state-of-the-art technology. Trends in the RE industry are considered, particularly with regard to costs, industry growth and technology innovation. Insight is given into the types of jobs carried out by RE engineers including manufacturing, research, system design, system analysis & fault diagnosis, policy & analysis, marketing, quality control & testing, training/education, maintenance, electronics design & interfacing, etc. Students will learn about the importance of computers to the RE industry and receive a basic grounding in programming and CAD packages. Many lectures will be given by guest lecturers who are experts from industry, end-user groups, research, government and other major areas of Renewable Energy that are covered in this degree program.