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Mohammed Ayoub, Dr. Christos Fountoukis, Dr. Antonio Sanfilippo, Dr. Amir Abdallah, Dr. Benjamin Figgis, Ahmer Baloch, Dr. Luis Pomares (Ex HBKU), and Prof. Nouar Tabet (Ex HBKU)

Desert regions may seem optimal for solar energy and the deployment of photovoltaic (PV) applications. However, the heat and dust experienced in the region poses a challenge for the optimal performance of PV modules and reliability of the applications.

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Desert regions may seem optimal for solar energy and the deployment of photovoltaic (PV) applications. However, the heat and dust experienced in the region poses a challenge for the optimal performance of PV modules and reliability of the applications.

In this course, you will learn how to mitigate these challenges by understanding the components of solar radiation and the characteristics of solar cells and the solar spectrum. You will also learn about forecasting and nowcasting and how this influences selecting a site for PV application. The economic impact of PV applications is a key area of interest and this course provides you with knowledge on the costs and benefits of solar energy from PV applications.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • How to identify components of solar radiation and solar spectrum
  • How to analyse site specific data to determine the effect of atmospheric aerosols on surface irradiation
  • How to locate the most lucrative, effective and efficient sites for pv application
  • How to draw upon regional resources to conduct nowcasting and short-term forecasting
  • How to calculate the cost of energy from pv in hot desert environments and estimate its economic impact

Syllabus

Module 0:Getting StartedModule 1: Components of Solar Radiation and Solar SpectrumModule 2: Assessment and Forecasting of Ground Irradiation, Monitoring of Air Quality, Meteorology and Challenges in Harsh ClimatesModule 3: Site Selection Considerations for PV System Applications Module 4: Assessing the Effect of Atmospheric Aerosols on Surface IrradiationModule 5: Cost of Energy from PV Technology in Hot Desert Environments Module 6: Techno- Economic Models of PV Technology Diffusion in Fossil-Fuel Rich CountriesModule 7: Consolidate yourLearning

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Delves into solar applications for arid climates, which is pertinent to regions seeking renewable energy sources in harsh environments
Features an array of esteemed instructors, each with established expertise in photovoltaic (PV) applications within desert regions
Provides learners with practical knowledge and skills to address challenges specific to PV applications in arid environments, thus enhancing their competence in this specialized field
Incorporates forecasting and nowcasting techniques, empowering learners to optimize PV system performance and maximize energy yield in fluctuating desert conditions
Explores cost-benefit analysis for PV applications, equipping learners with the knowledge to assess the economic viability of these systems in desert regions
Emphasizes site selection considerations, assisting learners in identifying optimal locations for PV installations and maximizing energy production

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Reviews summary

Desert climate solar energy assessment

According to students, this course provides valuable information on assessing solar resources in desert climates. The course features qualified instructors and provides useful insights for both beginners and experienced professionals. While some learners found the course less challenging than expected, overall, the course is largely well-received by students.
Course instructors are knowledgeable and provide valuable insights.
"There are really qualified people lecturing..."
"I wanted to thank the authors and developers of the course..."
"Sincerely. Juanjo Coble."
Course provides useful information for assessing solar resources.
"It has been a very good experience for me that has given me a lot of very valuable information for my professional performance in the near future."
"In the past I worked in several big scale PV projects...still wanted to know more about things related to early stages that define where to go and spend millions of dollars."
"There is a lot on the table so I wanted to learn more about the factors to take in consideration before making such a big decision."
Some students found the course less challenging than expected.
"Never the less, I expected the course to be more challenging."
"Since there are really qualified people lecturing I had bigger expectations regarding the technical knowledge given."

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 Solar Resource Assessment in Desert Climates with these activities:
Review General Chemistry Concepts
Review important General Chemistry concepts so that you are better prepared to understand course materials
Browse courses on General Chemistry
Show steps
  • Review your notes from previous General Chemistry courses
  • Take practice quizzes or work through practice problems
Follow Tutorials on PV System Design
Following tutorials on PV system design will provide you with hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of the design process
Show steps
  • Identify reliable online tutorials or courses
  • Follow the tutorials step-by-step
  • Complete any exercises or assignments
Calculate PV System Performance Metrics
Calculating PV system performance metrics will reinforce your understanding of PV system operation and efficiency
Show steps
  • Gather data on PV system components and operating conditions
  • Use formulas and tools to calculate metrics such as energy yield, capacity factor, and efficiency
  • Analyze the results and identify areas for improvement
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Volunteer with a Solar Installation Company
Volunteering with a solar installation company will provide you with practical experience and insights into the real-world applications of PV systems
Show steps
  • Identify volunteer opportunities
  • Contact the organization
  • Attend training sessions
  • Assist with solar installations
Attend Solar Industry Conferences
Attending solar industry conferences will expose you to the latest trends and technologies and provide opportunities to connect with professionals in the field
Show steps
  • Identify relevant conferences
  • Register and attend sessions
  • Network with other attendees
Create a Solar Irradiation Database
Creating a database of solar irradiation data will solidify your understanding of how to collect and analyze this type of data
Show steps
  • Gather data from various sources
  • Clean and organize the data
  • Create a database structure to store the data
  • Implement data retrieval and analysis tools
Design a PV System for a Specific Site
Designing a PV system for a specific site will challenge your understanding of the factors involved in PV system design and implementation
Show steps
  • Gather site-specific data
  • Determine the energy requirements
  • Select appropriate PV modules and other components
  • Design the system layout
  • Estimate system performance and cost

Career center

Learners who complete Solar Resource Assessment in Desert Climates will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Solar Energy Engineer
Solar Energy Engineers design, install, and maintain solar energy systems. Solar Resource Assessment in Desert Climates provides expertise in siting solar energy systems to maximize efficiency and avoid environmental challenges, giving you useful knowledge that you can apply to site selection and troubleshooting during installation and maintenance.
Atmospheric Scientist
Atmospheric Scientists study the composition and behavior of the Earth's atmosphere. As an Atmospheric Scientist, you can use the skills you learn in Solar Resource Assessment in Desert Climates to study the behavior of aerosols in the desert climate, helping to develop better weather prediction models, monitor air quality, and support the development of better solar energy systems.
Environmental Consultant
Environmental Consultants evaluate the environmental impact of human activities. They can also help businesses to reduce their environmental footprint. The knowledge you gain in Solar Resource Assessment in Desert Climates will help you understand how to assess the environmental impact of solar energy systems and can also help you to develop strategies to reduce the impact of these systems on the environment.
Meteorologist
Meteorologists study the weather and make predictions about the future. Solar Resource Assessment in Desert Climates provides knowledge of weather patterns in desert climates, which can help you develop better forecasting models. This knowledge can also be used to help select the best locations for solar energy systems.
PV System Designer
PV System Designers design and install photovoltaic (PV) systems. Solar Resource Assessment in Desert Climates provides knowledge of the components of solar radiation, solar cells, and the solar spectrum. This knowledge is essential for designing PV systems that are efficient and reliable.
Renewable Energy Analyst
Renewable Energy Analysts analyze the potential of renewable energy sources and develop strategies to increase the use of these sources. Solar Resource Assessment in Desert Climates provides knowledge of the potential of solar energy in desert climates, which can help you develop effective strategies for increasing the use of solar energy.
Solar Energy Researcher
Solar Energy Researchers conduct research on solar energy technologies. Solar Resource Assessment in Desert Climates provides knowledge of the components of solar radiation, solar cells, and the solar spectrum, which is essential for conducting research on solar energy technologies.
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability Managers help organizations to become more sustainable. They develop and implement strategies to reduce the organization's environmental footprint. Solar Resource Assessment in Desert Climates provides knowledge of how to assess the environmental impact of solar energy systems, which can help you to develop strategies to reduce the environmental impact of your organization.
Climate Change Specialist
Climate Change Specialists study the effects of climate change and develop strategies to mitigate and adapt to these effects. Solar Resource Assessment in Desert Climates provides knowledge of the effects of climate change on solar energy systems, which can help you develop strategies to mitigate and adapt to these effects.
Building Energy Analyst
Building Energy Analysts analyze the energy efficiency of buildings and make recommendations for improvements. Solar Resource Assessment in Desert Climates provides knowledge of solar energy and the energy efficiency of solar energy systems, which can help you analyze the energy efficiency of buildings and make recommendations for improvements related to solar energy.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems. Solar Resource Assessment in Desert Climates provides knowledge of solar energy, air quality, and the environmental impact of solar energy systems, which can help you design and implement solutions to environmental problems related to solar energy.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists collect, analyze, and interpret data to help organizations make better decisions. Solar Resource Assessment in Desert Climates provides knowledge of data collection and analysis techniques, which can help you collect and analyze data related to solar energy.
Renewable Energy Project Manager
Renewable Energy Project Managers plan, implement, and manage renewable energy projects. Solar Resource Assessment in Desert Climates provides knowledge of solar energy and the development of solar energy projects, which can help you plan, implement, and manage renewable energy projects.
Energy Economist
Energy Economists analyze the economics of energy production and consumption. Solar Resource Assessment in Desert Climates provides knowledge of the economics of solar energy, which can help you analyze the economics of energy production and consumption related to solar energy.
Solar Energy Policy Analyst
Solar Energy Policy Analysts analyze the policies that affect the development and use of solar energy. Solar Resource Assessment in Desert Climates provides knowledge of solar energy and the policies that affect the development and use of solar energy, which can help you analyze these policies and develop recommendations for changes to these policies.

Reading list

We've selected 20 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 Solar Resource Assessment in Desert Climates.
This textbook provides a detailed overview of the basic principles and applications of solar radiation, including the physics of solar radiation, solar radiation measurements, and modeling techniques. It serves as a valuable resource for students and researchers in the field of solar energy.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the factors that need to be considered when selecting a site for a solar farm. It covers the technical, environmental, and economic aspects of site selection.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and applications of solar cells. It covers the basic principles of solar cell operation, as well as the latest developments in solar cell technology.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the design and installation of photovoltaic systems. It covers the basic principles of photovoltaic system design, as well as the latest developments in photovoltaic technology.
This textbook covers the fundamentals of solar photovoltaics, including the physics of solar cells, PV system design, and applications. It comprehensive resource for students, researchers, and industry professionals in the field of solar energy.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of renewable energy sources and technologies, including solar energy, wind energy, biomass energy, and geothermal energy. It valuable resource for students, researchers, and practitioners in the field of renewable energy.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the different renewable energy sources, including solar energy. It covers the basic principles of renewable energy, as well as the latest developments in renewable energy technology.
This textbook covers the fundamentals of solar energy, including solar radiation, solar thermal systems, and photovoltaic systems. It good introduction to the field of solar energy for students and practitioners.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the basics of solar power generation, including the technology, economics, and policies. It great resource for anyone interested in learning more about solar power generation.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the basics of solar photovoltaic systems, including how they work, how to design them, and how to install them. It great resource for anyone interested in learning more about solar photovoltaic systems.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the basics of solar energy, including how it works, how to harness it, and how to use it to generate electricity. It great resource for anyone interested in learning more about solar energy.
This textbook covers the engineering of photovoltaic systems, including the design, installation, and maintenance of PV systems. It valuable resource for students, researchers, and industry professionals in the field of solar energy.
Provides a comprehensive overview of photovoltaic solar energy, including the fundamentals, applications, and future prospects. It valuable resource for students, researchers, and industry professionals in the field of solar energy.
Provides a detailed overview of the basics, theory, and applications of solar cells. It valuable resource for students, researchers, and industry professionals in the field of solar energy.
Provides a comprehensive overview of solar radiation and daylighting models. It valuable resource for students, researchers, and industry professionals in the field of solar energy.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of solar energy. It valuable resource for students, researchers, and industry professionals in the field of solar energy.
Provides a comprehensive overview of solar cells and their applications. It valuable resource for students, researchers, and industry professionals in the field of solar energy.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the physics and engineering of photovoltaic conversion, technologies, and systems. It valuable resource for students, researchers, and industry professionals in the field of solar energy.

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