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Organic Solar Cells - Theory and Practice

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Suraj Manikandan

Suraj Manikandan

The goal of the course is to give students awareness of the largest alternative form of energy and how organic / polymer solar cells can harvest this energy. The course provides an insight into the theory behind organic solar cells and describes the three main research areas within the field i.e. materials, stability and processing.

NOTE: This course is a specialized course on organic solar cells. If you are looking for a more general solar cell course, we strongly recommend Introduction to solar cells (https://www.coursera.org/learn/solar-cells).

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What's inside

Syllabus

Solar Cells and Life Cycle Analysis

By the end of the module we have set the following goals for you: -You should have gained knowledge on solar cells, and their place as a renewable energy -Be able to distinguish between different solar cell technologies -Describe the difference between the three generations of solar cells -Identify the four steps of life cycle analysis -Determine differences between embedded energy, energy return factor, and energy payback time.

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Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Helps learners understand organic and polymer solar cells

Suitable for learners who want to expand their knowledge in solar cells

Students are expected to have basic knowledge in solar cell technology

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Reviews summary

Specialized deep dive into organic solar cells

According to learners, this course provides a strong theoretical foundation and a deep dive into organic solar cells, specifically covering materials, stability, and fabrication. Students often highlight the clear explanations provided in the lectures and the well-structured modules as key strengths. Reviewers frequently point out that the course is highly niche and requires a solid background in physics, chemistry, or materials science to be fully accessible and beneficial. While not suitable for beginners in solar energy, it is considered excellent preparation for specialization in the field and provides very valuable knowledge for professionals.

Lectures and concepts are explained well.

"The instructors explain complex topics in a very clear and understandable way."

"Lectures were easy to follow, even for the more advanced material."

"I appreciated how clearly the theoretical concepts were broken down."

"Visual aids and explanations in the videos were helpful."

Detailed information on materials, stability, fabrication.

"The modules on materials, stability, and processing were particularly insightful."

"Learning about the different types of polymers and acceptor materials was very useful."

"The section on degradation and stability standards (ISOS) is highly relevant to the field."

"It covers the main research areas within organic solar cells comprehensively."

Provides a solid understanding of underlying theory.

"The course gives a very strong theoretical background on how organic solar cells work."

"I found the theoretical modules explained the fundamental principles clearly."

"Excellent coverage of the physics and chemistry behind OSC devices."

"Really helped solidify my understanding of the different steps involved theoretically."

Needs background in science/engineering.

"Definitely requires a solid background in physics, chemistry, or materials science."

"This course is best suited for those already working or studying in a related technical field."

"I struggled a bit with some concepts because my background wasn't strong enough in chemistry."

"Builds significantly on general scientific principles; not entry-level science."

Course is highly specialized, not a general overview.

"This course focuses purely on organic solar cells; it's not an introduction to solar energy overall."

"Very specific topic, which is great if that's what you need, but not for beginners in the field."

"As stated in the description, this is a specialized course and builds on prior knowledge."

"It's a deep dive into a very particular area of solar cell technology."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Organic Solar Cells - Theory and Practice with these activities:

Review basic chemistry

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Reviewing basic chemistry can help you refresh your knowledge and build a stronger foundation for learning about organic solar cells.

Browse courses on Chemistry

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Review your notes from your previous chemistry courses.
Take practice problems to test your understanding.
Watch video tutorials or read articles to learn about the basics of organic chemistry.

Solve practice problems

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Solving practice problems can help you to reinforce your understanding of the core concepts of organic solar cells.

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Identify the key concepts of organic solar cells.
Find practice problems that cover these concepts.
Solve the practice problems.
Check your answers and identify any areas where you need additional practice.

Watch video tutorials

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Watching video tutorials can help you to learn about the basics of organic solar cells and get a hands-on view of the technology.

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Find video tutorials on organic solar cells.
Watch the tutorials and take notes.
Follow along with the tutorials and try out the techniques yourself.

Three other activities

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Review Course Equations

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Ensure you have a firm understanding of the underlying theory before delving into advanced concepts.

Browse courses on Solar Cells

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Go through the provided course notes and textbooks.
Solve practice problems related to the course content.

Write a blog post

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Writing a blog post about organic solar cells can help you to deepen your understanding of the topic and communicate your knowledge to others.

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Choose a topic for your blog post.
Research the topic thoroughly.
Write a draft of your blog post.
Edit and proofread your blog post.
Publish your blog post.

Explore Organic Solar Cell Fabrication Techniques

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Gain hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of the processes involved in organic solar cell fabrication.

Browse courses on Solar Cell Fabrication

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Enroll in online tutorials or workshops on solar cell fabrication.
Follow step-by-step guides and videos to practice the techniques.

Career center

Learners who complete Organic Solar Cells - Theory and Practice will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Solar Cell Engineer

Solar Cell Engineers design, develop, and test solar cells and solar panels. They may also work in research and development, developing new solar cell technologies. This course provides a foundation in the theory, materials, stability, and processing of organic solar cells, which may be useful if you are interested in pursuing a career as a Solar Cell Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solar Cell Engineer

Materials Scientist

Materials Scientists study the properties of various materials, including organic and polymeric materials used in solar cells. This course provides a foundation in the materials used in organic solar cells, including conjugated polymers, side chains, low band gap polymers, and acceptor materials. You will learn about common polymerization methods and characterization techniques used with these materials, which may be useful if you are interested in pursuing a career as a Materials Scientist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Scientist

Research Scientist

Research Scientists conduct research in a variety of fields, including materials science, chemical engineering, and solar energy. They may also work in research and development, developing new technologies. This course provides a foundation in the theory and practice of organic solar cells, which may be useful if you are interested in pursuing a career as a Research Scientist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist

Chemical Engineer

Chemical Engineers design and operate chemical plants and processes. They may also work in research and development, designing new materials and processes. This course provides a foundation in the materials and processes used in organic solar cells, which may be useful if you are interested in pursuing a career as a Chemical Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chemical Engineer

Professor

Professors teach and conduct research at universities and colleges. They may also work in research and development, developing new technologies. This course provides a foundation in the theory and practice of organic solar cells, which may be useful if you are interested in pursuing a career as a Professor.

See salaries and explore the career path for Professor

Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers are responsible for developing and implementing marketing strategies. They may work in a variety of industries, including technology, consumer goods, and healthcare. This course provides a foundation in the theory and practice of organic solar cells, which may be useful if you are interested in pursuing a career as a Marketing Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Energy Consultant

Energy Consultants advise clients on how to reduce their energy consumption and costs. They may also work in research and development, developing new energy technologies. This course provides a foundation in the theory and practice of organic solar cells, which may be useful if you are interested in pursuing a career as an Energy Consultant.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Consultant

Sales Manager

Sales Managers are responsible for leading and motivating sales teams. They may work in a variety of industries, including technology, consumer goods, and healthcare. This course provides a foundation in the theory and practice of organic solar cells, which may be useful if you are interested in pursuing a career as a Sales Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager

Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Consultants advise clients on how to reduce their environmental impact. They may also work in research and development, developing new sustainability technologies. This course provides a foundation in the theory and practice of organic solar cells, which may be useful if you are interested in pursuing a career as a Sustainability Consultant.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

Business Development Manager

Business Development Managers are responsible for developing and implementing business strategies. They may work in a variety of industries, including technology, consumer goods, and healthcare. This course provides a foundation in the theory and practice of organic solar cells, which may be useful if you are interested in pursuing a career as a Business Development Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Development Manager

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and its interactions with humans. They may also work in research and development, developing new environmental technologies. This course provides a foundation in the theory and practice of organic solar cells, which may be useful if you are interested in pursuing a career as an Environmental Scientist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development and marketing of products. They may work in a variety of industries, including technology, consumer goods, and healthcare. This course provides a foundation in the theory and practice of organic solar cells, which may be useful if you are interested in pursuing a career as a Product Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create documentation for technical products and services. They may write user manuals, technical reports, or other types of documentation. This course provides a foundation in the theory and practice of organic solar cells, which may be useful if you are interested in pursuing a career as a Technical Writer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Patent Attorney

Patent Attorneys help clients obtain patents for their inventions. They may also work in research and development, developing new technologies. This course provides a foundation in the theory and practice of organic solar cells, which may be useful if you are interested in pursuing a career as a Patent Attorney.

See salaries and explore the career path for Patent Attorney

Science Writer

Science Writers communicate scientific information to the public. They may write for newspapers, magazines, websites, or other media outlets. This course provides a foundation in the theory and practice of organic solar cells, which may be useful if you are interested in pursuing a career as a Science Writer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer

Reading list

We've selected nine 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 Organic Solar Cells - Theory and Practice.

Organic Chemistry

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This widely used textbook provides a comprehensive overview of organic chemistry, including the structure, properties, reactions, and applications of organic compounds. It provides a solid foundation for understanding the chemistry of organic solar cells.

Organic Chemistry

Organic Chemistry

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Materials Chemistry

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This textbook provides an introduction to the principles of materials chemistry, including the synthesis, structure, properties, and applications of materials. It provides a useful overview of the materials used in organic solar cells.

Materials Chemistry

Materials Chemistry

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Cover image

Third Generation Photovoltaics

Save

Offers a comprehensive overview of the materials, manufacture, and operation of solar cells, including organic solar cells. It provides a valuable resource for students, researchers, and professionals in the field.

Third Generation Photovoltaics

Third Generation Photovoltaics

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Introduction to Materials Science for Engineers,...

Save

This textbook provides an introduction to the principles of materials science, including the structure, properties, and applications of materials. It provides a useful overview of the materials used in organic solar cells.

Introduction to Materials Science for Engineers,...

Introduction to Materials Science for Engineers,...

Cover image

Cover image

Save

Provides an overview of the different renewable energy options available, including solar energy. It offers a valuable perspective on the role of organic solar cells in the transition to a more sustainable energy future.

The Eco Dollar: How the global green economy really...

Cover image

Cover image

Interpenetrating Polymer Networks and Related...

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of polymer science and technology, covering the basic principles, materials, fabrication, characterization, and applications of these materials.

Interpenetrating Polymer Networks and Related...

Interpenetrating Polymer Networks and Related...

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Cover image

Carbon nanotubes and graphene for photonic...

Save

Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of organic solar cells, covering the basic principles, materials, fabrication, characterization, and applications of these devices.

Carbon nanotubes and graphene for photonic...

Cover image

Cover image

Printing of Graphene and Related 2D Materials

Save

Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of polymer solar cells, covering the basic principles, materials, fabrication, characterization, and applications of these devices.

Printing of Graphene and Related 2D Materials:...

Printing of Graphene and Related 2D Materials:...

Cover image

Cover image

Save

Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of organic solar cells, covering the basic principles, materials, fabrication, characterization, and applications of these devices.

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Effort

10 hours videos and quizzes

Via

Coursera

Institution

Technical University of Denmark (DTU)

Instructor

Suraj Manikandan

Language

English

Transcripts

Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова magyar nyelv Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша اُردُو, فارسی বাংলা tiếng Việt پښتو آذربایجان دیلی

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Helps learners understand organic and polymer solar cells

Suitable for learners who want to expand their knowledge in solar cells

Students are expected to have basic knowledge in solar cell technology

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