Course Summary
Learn how to design and install photovoltaic systems in this comprehensive course. Explore the principles of solar energy, system components, and practical applications.Key Learning Points
- Discover the various components of photovoltaic systems and how they work together
- Learn how to design and install your own solar energy system
- Explore the practical applications of solar energy in various industries
Related Topics for further study
Learning Outcomes
- Design and install a photovoltaic system
- Understand the principles of solar energy
- Explore the practical applications of solar energy in various industries
Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course
- Basic understanding of electrical systems
- Familiarity with mathematical concepts such as algebra and trigonometry
Course Difficulty Level
IntermediateCourse Format
- Online
- Self-paced
Similar Courses
- Solar Energy Engineering: Photovoltaic (PV) Systems
- Solar Energy Basics
Related Education Paths
Notable People in This Field
- Elon Musk
- Bill Nye
Related Books
Description
This course offers you advanced knowledge within the field of photovoltaic system technology. We'll learn about the solar resource and how photovoltaic energy conversion is used to produce electric power. From this fundamental starting point we'll cover the design and fabrication of different solar cell and module technologies, the various photovoltaic system components, how to design a photovoltaic plant and carry out energy yield simulations, essentials in energy economics, O&M and reliability assessment, as well as the role of photovoltaic energy in sustainable energy systems.
Knowledge
- Photovoltaic Energy Conversion
- Modelling of the Solar Resource
- Photovoltaic System Design and Energy Yield Simulations
- Photovoltaic System Components
Outline
- Introduction to Photovoltaics
- Welcome
- The Terminology of PV
- A Brief History of PV
- The PV Learning Curve
- Fundamentals of PV
- The Solar Resource and Geometry
- Introduction: The Sun
- The Solar Spectrum
- Components of Solar Radiation
- Solar Resource Facility at DTU Risø
- Example: Estimation of PV Power Production
- The Solar Resource
- Physics of Solar Cells
- Formation of Solids and Electronic Band Structures
- Light Absorption and the Photovoltaic Effect
- Recombination and Transport of Charge Carriers
- Doping of Semiconductors and pn-Junctions
- Working principles of Solar Cells
- Introduction: The IV-curve
- The Maximum Power Point
- The Non-ideal Diode Equation
- Intrinsic Semiconductors
- The Working Principle of Solar Cells
- The IV-curve
- Cell Interconnection and Module Design
- Electrical Cell Interconnection
- Mismatch Losses and Bypass Diodes
- Module Components
- Module Fabrication Process
- Module Fabrication Facilities at DTU Risø
- Module Design Guidelines and Qualification Tests
- Cell Cutting
- Advanced Module Designs
- Cell Interconnection and Shading
- Module Components and Fabrication
- Module Design and Advanced Concepts
- PV Power Electronics
- PV Power Characteristics
- PV loading techniques
- Maximum power point tracking
- Power Converters in PV Applications
- DC-DC Converters
- PV Inverters
- Efficiency of power converters
- PV inverter types
- Interfacing PV Systems with the Electric Grid
- Introduction to Balance of System
- Electrical Balance of System
- Mechanical Balance of System
- End of the Course
- Extracting Energy from a PV Panel
- PV Power Conversion (DC-DC)
- PV Power Conversion (DC-AC)
- Balance of System (BOS)
Summary of User Reviews
Learn about photovoltaic systems with this comprehensive Coursera course. Students rave about the in-depth content and knowledgeable instructors. One key aspect that many users thought was good is the practical application exercises that allow students to put their newfound knowledge into practice.Pros from User Reviews
- Comprehensive and in-depth content
- Knowledgeable instructors
- Practical application exercises
- Engaging course material
- Flexible schedule
Cons from User Reviews
- Some technical jargon may be difficult for beginners
- Lack of personalized feedback
- Limited interaction with instructors
- Some lectures may be too long
- Not enough hands-on experience
Solar Energy: Photovoltaic (PV) Energy Conversion
- 0.0
-
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
Learn how solar cells generate electricity, and about the semiconductor physics and optics required to design and manufacture solar cells. The principles behind the potential loss mechanisms in photovoltaic devices...
Solar Energy Codes, Permitting and Zoning
- 4.7
-
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
This course equips learners to identify national code and zoning rules specific to photovoltaic (PV) systems, as well as key design elements and points for inspection....
Solar Energy
- 0.0
-
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
Discover the power of solar energy and learn how to design a complete photovoltaic system. Photovoltaic (PV) devices are presented as advanced semiconductor devices that deliver electricity directly from sunlight....
Renewable Energy: Fundamentals and Job Opportunities
- 4.7
-
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
Learners are immersed in discussions about green energy technologies, the impact of sustainability on society, energy consumption in the United States and conservation....
