Course Summary
Learn about the physics behind silicon solar cells and how they work to convert sunlight into electricity in this course. Gain a deep understanding of the materials, processes, and design of solar cells, and explore the challenges and opportunities for improving their efficiency and cost-effectiveness.Key Learning Points
- Understand the fundamental principles of silicon solar cells and their behavior in different conditions
- Explore the materials and processes used in the fabrication of solar cells
- Learn about the design and optimization of solar cells for improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness
Related Topics for further study
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the physics behind the operation of silicon solar cells
- Gain knowledge of the materials and processes used in the fabrication of solar cells
- Be able to design and optimize solar cells for improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness
Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course
- Basic understanding of physics and chemistry
- Mathematics up to high school level
Course Difficulty Level
IntermediateCourse Format
- Online
- Self-paced
- Video lectures
- Assignments
Similar Courses
- Solar Energy Basics
- Photovoltaic Solar Energy
- Renewable Energy and Green Building Entrepreneurship
Related Books
Description
The first MOOC “Photovoltaic solar energy” is a general presentation of the solar photovoltaics technologies in the global energetic context, without extensive details. In particular the description of the solar cell operation is restricted to the ideal case
Outline
- INTRODUCTION TO SEMICONDUCTOR PHYSICS
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Band structure
- 3. Band structure (cont.)
- 4. Optical absorption
- 5. Intrinsic semiconductors
- 6. Semiconductor doping
- 7. Carrier densities at thermal equilibrium
- Worked Problem - Carrier Densities at Equilibrium
- Appendix 1
- Appendix 2
- Appendix 3
- Band Structure
- Doping
- Test: Semiconductor Physics
- TRANSPORT PHENOMENA : THE p-n JUNCTION
- 1. Transport phenomena
- 2. Carrier injection by light. Recombination
- 3. The equilibrium p - n junction
- 4. The non-equilibrium p - n junction
- Appendix 1
- Appendix 2
- Appendix 3
- Appendix 4
- Worked Problem - Implied Open Circuit Voltage
- Impurities in Semiconductors
- p-n Junction
- Test - Quasi-Equilibrium
- ASYMMETRICAL DEVICES
- 1. The metal-semiconductor contact at equilibrium
- 2. Non-equilibrium metal-semiconductor contact
- 3. Ohmic contacts
- 4. The semiconductor surface - Heterojunctions
- Worked Problem - Semiconductor Heterojunctions
- Metal-Semiconductor Contact
- Test - Asymmetrical Junctions
- SOLAR CELL OPERATION
- 1. Solar radiation
- 2. Solar spectrum
- Worked Problem - Total Irradiance
- 3. Solar cell fundamentals
- Worked Problem - The I-V Characteristic
- 4. Multi-junctions - Conversion efficiency limitations
- 5. Solar cell optics
- Worked Problem - Solar Cell under Concentration
- 6. From cell to module
- Appendix 1
- Solar Spectrum
- Conversion Efficiency
- Solar Cell Optics
- CRYSTALLINE SEMICONDUCTOR SOLAR CELLS
- 1. Crystalline silicon metallurgy
- 2. Crystal growth and wafering
- 3. Crystalline silicon solar cells
- 4. Crystalline silicon solar cells (cont.)
- Worked Problem: VOC and Temperature
- 5. Cells based on III-V compounds
- 6. Use of microelectronic processes
- Silicon Metallurgy
- Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells
- III-V Semiconductor Solar Cells
- Test - Crystalline Solar Cell Operation
- SILICON HETEROJUNCTIONS
- 1. Silicon heterojunctions (HIT)
- Worked Problem: Silicon Heterojunction
- Appendix 1
- Heterojunctions
- Test - Silicon Heterojunctions
Summary of User Reviews
Discover the principles of physics behind silicon solar cells in this comprehensive course. Students rave about the engaging lectures and practical applications of the material.Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course
The practical applications of the course material were highly praised by many users.Pros from User Reviews
- Engaging lectures that make complex concepts easy to understand
- Practical hands-on assignments that reinforce learning
- In-depth coverage of the physics behind solar cell technology
- Excellent instructor who is knowledgeable and responsive to student questions
- Great preparation for a career in renewable energy or related fields
Cons from User Reviews
- Some users found the course to be too technical and challenging
- Occasional technical difficulties with the online platform
- Limited interaction with other students and the instructor
- Some users felt the course was too narrowly focused on silicon solar cells
- Course materials could be more varied and interactive
Pr. Bernard Drevillon
4.2 Raiting
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