Using Photovoltaic (PV) Technology in Desert Climates from edX

The high insolation in desert regions can result in a lower cost of solar energy. While this may be a key motivation to deploying PV in desert climates, there are also several challenges related to the technology that must be considered.

In this course, you will learn what effect temperature and dust has on the solar cells and PV modules. The course looks at the cleaning methods used to reduce soiling, how to measure solar cell and PV module performance and optimize the design of the technology to enhance the energy yield. Finally, you will have the opportunity to consider how you would deploy PV technology in your specific context.

What you'll learn

How to use the data sheet of a PV module to predict its energy yield under specific conditions
Determine how the module temperature is affected by the cell and module design
How to optimize the configuration of monofacial and bifacial panels to reduce soiling and maximize the energy yield
Understand the impact of the desert climate on the degradation process of PV modules
How toapply the international standard tests for module performance and reliability assessment

What's inside

Learning objectives

How to use the data sheet of a pv module to predict its energy yield under specific conditions
Determine how the module temperature is affected by the cell and module design
How to optimize the configuration of monofacial and bifacial panels to reduce soiling and maximize the energy yield

Understand the impact of the desert climate on the degradation process of pv modules
How toapply the international standard tests for module performance and reliability assessment

How to use the data sheet of a pv module to predict its energy yield under specific conditions
Determine how the module temperature is affected by the cell and module design
How to optimize the configuration of monofacial and bifacial panels to reduce soiling and maximize the energy yield
Understand the impact of the desert climate on the degradation process of pv modules
How toapply the international standard tests for module performance and reliability assessment

Syllabus

Module 0: Getting Started Module 1: Understanding the Solar Cell Operation Principles Module 2: Measuring Solar Cell and PV Module Performance under Standard Test Conditions Module 3: Understanding the Differences of PV Technologies available in the Market Module 4: Energy Yield of Monofacial and Bifacial PV Modules Module 5: Measuring and Mitigating PV Soiling Module 6: Assessing PV Module Reliability and Degradation Module 7: Tailoring PV Cells and Modules for Desert Climates Module 8: PV in Desert Climates in your Context

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Tailors to the needs of students and professionals working in extreme climates, especially those in desert regions

Instructors come from academia and industry, ensuring a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience

Course topics have direct relevance to the challenges and opportunities of deploying solar energy in desert climates

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 Using Photovoltaic (PV) Technology in Desert Climates with these activities:

Revisit Semiconductor physics.

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Review the fundamentals of semiconductor physics to strengthen your understanding of solar cell operation principles.

Browse courses on Semiconductor Physics

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Go through lecture notes or textbooks on semiconductor physics.
Review concepts of charge carriers, bandgaps, and doping.
Solve practice problems related to semiconductor devices.

Review Optics and Heat Transfer

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Review the fundamentals of optics and heat transfer to enhance your understanding of solar cell operations.

Browse courses on Optics

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Read through textbooks or notes on optics.
Solve practice problems related to light and electromagnetic radiation.
Review concepts of conduction, convection, and radiation heat transfer.

Organize Course Resources.

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Gather and organize relevant materials from the course to improve retention and ease of reference.

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Collect lecture notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams.
Create a structured system for organizing and storing the materials.
Review the materials regularly to reinforce your understanding.

Five other activities

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Attend Solar Industry Meetups.

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Connect with professionals in the solar industry through meetups to expand your knowledge and stay updated on trends.

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Find local solar industry meetups or conferences.
Attend the events and engage with attendees.
Exchange ideas, learn about new technologies, and build your network.

Explore PV Measurement Techniques.

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Follow online tutorials to learn about different techniques for measuring PV module performance.

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Identify reputable sources for PV measurement tutorials.
Watch videos and read articles on techniques such as I-V curve tracing and electroluminescence imaging.
Apply the learned techniques to analyze PV module performance data.

Analyze PV Module Datasheets.

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Practice analyzing PV module datasheets to understand their performance characteristics in different conditions.

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Collect PV module datasheets from manufacturers.
Identify and understand the key parameters specified in the datasheets.
Calculate energy yield under specific conditions using the datasheet parameters.

Assist with Solar Installations.

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Gain hands-on experience by volunteering to assist with the installation and maintenance of PV systems.

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Contact local solar installers or non-profit organizations.
Offer your assistance with tasks such as equipment handling, system assembly, and site preparation.
Observe and learn from experienced professionals.

Design a PV System for a Specific Application.

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Create a proposal for a PV system design tailored to a specific application, considering factors like energy demand, site conditions, and environmental impact.

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Define the specific application and energy requirements.
Research and select appropriate PV modules and mounting systems.
Design the system layout, considering factors like shading, orientation, and tilt.
Estimate the system's energy yield and cost of electricity.
Write a comprehensive proposal outlining the design and its benefits.

Career center

Learners who complete Using Photovoltaic (PV) Technology in Desert Climates will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Solar Developer

Solar Developers acquire land and develop Solar PV projects. With the increasing adoption of Solar PV, Solar Developers are in high demand. This course will equip you with knowledge about the project development process in solar PV, as well as the unique considerations for desert climates.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solar Developer

Solar Photovoltaic Technician

Solar Photovoltaic Technicians install, maintain, and repair Solar PV systems. With the increasing need for clean energy solutions, Solar Photovoltaic Technicians are in high demand. This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the operation and maintenance of PV systems, with a particular emphasis on the challenges of operating in desert climates.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solar Photovoltaic Technician

Solar Technician

Solar Technicians maintain and repair Solar PV systems. With the increasing adoption of Solar PV, Solar Technicians are in high demand. This course will help you master the skills to succeed in these roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solar Technician

Renewable Energy Engineer

Renewable Energy Engineers design, build, and maintain renewable energy systems, such as solar PV. With increasing global adoption of renewable sources, Renewable Energy Engineers are in high demand. This course will help you understand how to apply PV technology specifically to the challenges and opportunities of desert climates.

See salaries and explore the career path for Renewable Energy Engineer

Solar Energy Consultant

Solar Energy Consultants provide advisory services for clients on the design and implementation of solar solutions. With growing awareness of the business case for Solar PV, globally, and particularly in desert climates, Solar Energy Consultants are in higher demand than ever before. The course will introduce the fundamentals of solar PV engineering and familiarize you with the key challenges of operating PV technology in desert climates, increasing your competitiveness in the marketplace.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solar Energy Consultant

Solar Sales Representative

Solar Sales Representatives sell Solar PV systems to customers. With the increasing adoption of Solar PV, Solar Sales Representatives who can provide expert advice to customers are in high demand. This course will strengthen your knowledge of PV technology, empowering you to succeed in these roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solar Sales Representative

Energy Analyst

Energy Analysts assess the energy needs of organizations and develop plans to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs. With increasing adoption of PV technology, Energy Analysts with a good understanding of this technology are highly sought after. This course will deepen your knowledge of PV technology and equip you to provide advisory services in the context of desert climates.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Analyst

Solar Installer

Solar Installers install and maintain Solar PV systems. With the increasing adoption of Solar PV, Solar Installers are in high demand. This course will provide valuable knowledge and enable you to enter this growing industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solar Installer

Project Manager

Project Managers plan and execute projects, ensuring that they are completed on time, within budget, and meet the desired quality standards. With the increasing scale of Solar PV projects, Project Managers with an understanding of PV technology are in high demand. This course will provide you with a thorough understanding of the key aspects of Solar PV projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Energy Storage Engineer

Energy Storage Engineers design and develop energy storage systems, such as batteries. With the increasing adoption of solar PV, Energy Storage Engineers are in high demand. The course will build your understanding of the relationship between Solar PV and energy storage, unlocking new career opportunities for you.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Storage Engineer

Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems. With the increasing deployment of solar PV, Environmental Engineers with a good understanding of this technology are in high demand. This course will provide you with a solid foundation in Solar PV and empower you to make impactful career decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer

Solar PV Engineer

PV Engineers specialize in the engineering and application of Solar PV panels in a variety of contexts. With a large increase in the adoption of solar PV to combat climate change, PV Engineers are in high demand. With this course, you can gain the advanced knowledge of Solar PV in desert climates, one of the most promising environments for PV solutions. This course may help you qualify for entry-level Solar PV Engineer roles with a focus on desert climates.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solar PV Engineer

Research Scientist

Research Scientists conduct research on new and emerging technologies. With the continuous research and development on PV technology, Research Scientists with expertise in this field are in high demand. This course will provide you with the knowledge of the research and development efforts in PV and provide a launchpad for your career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist

Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers develop and implement plans to reduce the environmental impact of organizations. With the increasing adoption of Solar PV as a sustainable energy source, Sustainability Managers with a good understanding of this technology are sought after. This course will provide you with a solid foundation in Solar PV technology and help you excel in these roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers are responsible for the design, installation, and maintenance of electrical systems. With the rapid growth of the solar industry, Electrical Engineers with expertise in solar PV are in great demand. This course will broaden your understanding of solar PV technology, and its operation in desert climates.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer