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Rita Paleta and Emilien Simonot

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more Go Solar PV is designed for people who:

Topics Covered

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Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more Go Solar PV is designed for people who:

Topics Covered

  • Which are the drivers influencing the PV business
  • Challenges associated around the world
  • How to anticipate the changing market
  • Business opportunities discovery
  • How to develop a PV project of any type
  • are interested in developing their knowledge of solar PV technology and its commercial potential
  • want to gain an in-depth understanding of the opportunities presented by the PV sector
  • or want to underpin their future professional advancement.

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Reviews summary

Exploring solar pv business potential

According to students interested in the solar PV sector, this course offers a comprehensive understanding of the business potential of solar photovoltaics. It aims to equip learners with knowledge on key drivers and challenges within the global PV market, helping them anticipate changes and identify new business opportunities. The curriculum is designed to support learners in developing various PV projects and is particularly suited for those seeking to advance their professional careers in solar energy. It promises an in-depth understanding of the sector's commercial opportunities, making it highly relevant for career-focused individuals.
Geared towards professionals, with less emphasis on deep technical aspects.
"I understand this course is for those interested in commercial potential, not deep engineering specifics."
"I'm looking for a business-oriented view of solar PV, so I expect this course will suit my goals perfectly."
"It appears designed for a professional audience seeking an in-depth understanding of sector opportunities rather than technical design."
Aims to provide skills for developing solar PV projects.
"I'd expect practical guidance on how to develop various types of PV projects, from concept to execution."
"This course appears ideal for advancing my professional understanding and capabilities in the solar energy field."
"It looks like it will help underpin my future career trajectory in the renewable energy sector."
Focuses on the commercial and market aspects of solar PV.
"I would anticipate gaining insights into the commercial side of solar PV, which is crucial for my professional development."
"The course seems to offer a great overview of market drivers and challenges in the global PV sector, which is exactly what I need."
"I expect to learn how to identify and capitalize on new business opportunities in the dynamic solar market."

Career center

Learners who complete Go Solar PV: The Business Potential of Solar Photovoltaics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Go Solar PV: The Business Potential of Solar Photovoltaics.
This highly-regarded book provides a quantitative and data-driven approach to understanding energy consumption and the potential of renewable energy sources. It is known for simplifying complex issues and offering clear comparisons of different energy options. While not a traditional textbook, it is an essential read for anyone wanting to grasp the scale of the energy challenge and the feasibility of renewable solutions. It is particularly valuable for solidifying understanding through data analysis.
Provides a foundational visual framework, the Business Model Canvas, for understanding and designing business models. It's highly valuable for gaining a broad understanding of how businesses create, deliver, and capture value. It serves as a practical reference tool and is often used in academic settings and by professionals for its clear and actionable approach.
A companion to Business Model Generation, this book focuses specifically on the crucial element of creating value for customers. It provides tools and processes for understanding customer needs and designing compelling value propositions, essential for successful business development. It's a practical guide for both students and professionals.
Presents a collection of the most substantive solutions to global warming, based on extensive research and analysis. It offers a hopeful and practical perspective on addressing climate change through existing technologies and practices. This book is highly valuable for understanding concrete actions and strategies for achieving sustainability and useful reference tool for students and professionals working on climate solutions.
Presents a framework for creating new market spaces rather than competing in existing ones. It's highly relevant for contemporary business development by encouraging innovative thinking and strategic shifts to achieve high growth and profitability. It's a valuable read for those looking to differentiate their business.
Based on extensive research, this book argues that the most successful salespeople challenge their customers' thinking. It offers a contemporary approach to sales that is highly relevant to business development professionals who need to provide insights and solutions to complex customer problems. It's a widely discussed and influential book in modern sales.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of solar cells, including the physics of solar cells, the different types of solar cells, and the applications of solar cells.
This provocative book argues that the climate crisis is not just an environmental issue but a call to transform our economic and political systems. It provides a critical analysis of the relationship between capitalism and climate change. is essential for understanding contemporary debates about the systemic drivers of environmental problems and is highly relevant for advanced students and professionals.
A comprehensive guide based on the Customer Development methodology, this book provides detailed steps for building a startup. It's a valuable resource for entrepreneurs at all stages and is often used as a textbook.
Focusing on the sales pipeline and lead generation, this book offers practical strategies for building a scalable sales process. It's particularly useful for those looking to deepen their understanding of the revenue generation side of business development and is considered a modern classic in sales methodology.
Compiles insights from leading Silicon Valley operators and investors on scaling startups. It's highly relevant to contemporary business development in fast-growing companies, offering practical advice on challenges like hiring, management, and fundraising. It serves as a valuable reference for those in hyper-growth environments.
This classic addresses the unique challenges of bringing disruptive technology products to wider markets. It's essential for understanding the dynamics of technology adoption and how to bridge the gap between early adopters and the mainstream market. While not a recent publication, its insights remain highly relevant for contemporary business development in tech.
Teaches entrepreneurs how to conduct effective customer interviews to get honest and unbiased feedback about their business ideas. It's a crucial skill for validating assumptions and avoiding building something nobody wants.
Focuses on the integration of renewable energy into electric power systems. It covers key technologies, economic and environmental impacts, and grid stability. It is highly relevant for those interested in the technical challenges and solutions of incorporating renewables into the existing energy infrastructure.
Offers a comprehensive overview of sustainable development, covering its history, key concepts, and practical challenges. Written by a leading economist, it provides valuable insights into the economic dimensions of sustainability and the role of policy. It can serve as a core textbook for undergraduate and graduate programs, offering a solid foundation for understanding the multifaceted nature of sustainable development. It useful reference for exploring various aspects of the topic.
This बुक presents a stark and urgent picture of the potential impacts of climate change if significant action is not taken. It synthesizes scientific research and explores the potential social, economic, and environmental consequences of a warming planet. is important for understanding the severity of the climate crisis and serves as a call to action, particularly relevant for contemporary discussions on climate impacts and adaptation.
This comprehensive book delves into the technical aspects of renewable energy resources, conversion, and storage. It also covers energy planning and the social, economic, and environmental impacts of energy use. It must-read for those seeking in-depth knowledge and is suitable for students and professionals.
Offers a practical framework for scaling a business, focusing on four key decision areas: People, Strategy, Execution, and Cash. It's a valuable resource for those looking to deepen their understanding of the operational aspects of business development and managing growth effectively. It provides actionable tools and techniques.
Challenges traditional economic models and proposes a new framework for economic thinking that integrates social and planetary boundaries. It is highly relevant for contemporary discussions on sustainable economic systems and offers a fresh perspective on achieving well-being within ecological limits. This book is valuable for deepening understanding of alternative economic approaches to sustainability and is often used as supplementary reading in relevant courses.
A classic in the field of sales, this book presents a research-based methodology for complex B2B sales. While focused on sales, the principles of understanding customer needs and asking effective questions are fundamental to business development. It's an essential read for anyone involved in the sales cycle within a business development context.
Reframes the concept of sales, arguing that everyone is involved in 'moving' others in some way. It provides a broader perspective on influence and persuasion, valuable for various aspects of business development beyond traditional sales roles. It's an accessible and insightful read for a general understanding of modern influence.
Based on research into successful growth companies, this book identifies the key characteristics that enable sustained expansion. It's valuable for understanding the internal challenges of scaling and how to maintain the entrepreneurial spirit as a company grows, offering insights relevant to long-term business development strategy.
Delves into the physics and engineering of solar photovoltaic systems. It specialized text for those seeking a deep understanding of solar energy technology. It is particularly useful for students and professionals focusing on solar power.
Understanding human behavior is key in business development. delves into the psychology behind why people say 'yes' and outlines universal principles of persuasion. It provides valuable background knowledge for sales, marketing, and negotiation aspects of business development. This classic text with enduring relevance.
This Pulitzer Prize-winning book explores the ongoing extinction crisis and its causes, highlighting the profound impact of human activity on biodiversity. It provides a crucial understanding of the ecological consequences of unsustainable practices. is important for deepening understanding of the environmental challenges related to sustainability and is often recommended as essential reading on biodiversity loss.
Covers the fundamentals of renewable energy and is suitable for undergraduates and non-specialists. It provides a wide-ranging overview of technologies and includes discussions on policy and environmental impacts. The latest edition incorporates recent developments and addresses climate change, making it a relevant introductory text.
Provides a comprehensive overview of concentrator photovoltaics, including the different types of concentrator PV systems, the design and optimization of concentrator PV systems, and the applications of concentrator PV technology.
Understanding systems thinking is crucial for comprehending the complex and interconnected nature of sustainability challenges. provides a clear and accessible introduction to the principles of systems thinking and how they can be applied to environmental and social issues. It is highly recommended as foundational reading to develop a holistic perspective on sustainability. It serves as a valuable tool for analyzing the root causes of unsustainable practices and designing effective interventions.
This handbook explores the financial dimension of renewable energy projects, including infrastructure investment, public policies, and legal aspects. It is essential for understanding the economic feasibility and financial mechanisms of renewable energy deployment, particularly for professionals and those interested in the business side.
While broader than just business development, this book by Bridgewater Associates founder Ray Dalio outlines principles for decision-making and management that can be applied to building and scaling organizations. It offers a structured approach to problem-solving and creating an effective culture, relevant for leaders in business development.
Written by key figures in the Paris Agreement negotiations, this book outlines two potential future scenarios based on our response to the climate crisis. It offers a hopeful yet realistic perspective on the actions needed to create a sustainable future. is relevant for understanding the global efforts to address climate change and provides insights into potential pathways forward.
This guide offers an accessible overview of essential aspects of renewable energy, including major sources and challenges. It is suitable for a diverse audience, from field personnel to students, providing a solid understanding without technical jargon. It is particularly useful for those seeking a broad, less technical introduction.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to the core concepts and activities of business development in an accessible format. It's an excellent starting point for those seeking a broad understanding of the field, covering various aspects from strategy to sales and marketing. It serves as a helpful guide for beginners.
Offering an in-depth introduction, this book provides broad coverage of major renewable energy systems, resources, and related topics. It useful reference tool with features designed to aid understanding. can help solidify an understanding of the technical aspects of renewable energy.
Also known as the Brundtland Report, this publication landmark document that popularized the concept of sustainable development. It provides a comprehensive overview of the interconnected environmental and development challenges facing the world. This report is essential reading for gaining a broad understanding of the definition and scope of sustainable development as widely accepted internationally. It crucial reference for understanding the historical context of sustainability policy.
Examines the different ways we produce and consume food, tracing four different meal sources to their origins. It provides a critical look at the industrial food system and explores alternatives, connecting food choices to environmental sustainability and personal health. This book is valuable for understanding the complex relationship between food, agriculture, and sustainability and is often used in courses on food systems and environmental studies.
Presents a vision for a new industrial revolution based on the principles of resource efficiency, ecological design, and biomimicry. It provides practical examples of how businesses can adopt sustainable practices and improve profitability. This book is useful for understanding the business case for sustainability and offers insights for professionals in various industries.
This collection of speeches by the young climate activist Greta Thunberg offers a powerful and urgent voice on the need for immediate climate action. It reflects the perspective of a new generation on the climate crisis and the call for accountability. is valuable for understanding the youth climate movement and provides inspiration for individual and collective action, highly relevant for contemporary discussions and a broad audience.
Challenges traditional business mindsets and argues for a shift towards embracing sustainability, ESG, and resilience for long-term business success. It provides a framework for transforming businesses to thrive in a complex and interconnected world. This book is particularly useful for business leaders and professionals seeking to integrate sustainability into their corporate strategy.
Examines the legal landscape surrounding renewable energy, including legislation, policy, and case studies. It is essential for understanding the regulatory and legal challenges and frameworks influencing renewable energy development. It is particularly relevant for professionals and those interested in the policy aspects.
Is designed for undergraduate and high school students, providing a user-friendly introduction to how renewable energy systems work. It covers power production technologies and includes non-scientific aspects to consider. It good starting point for gaining a broad understanding.
A revised and updated guide covering the essentials of starting a business in the modern landscape, including topics like social media, crowdfunding, and cloud computing. It offers practical advice and insights from an experienced entrepreneur and investor.

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