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Arno Smets
and
Thierry de Vrijer
In the third course of the program Solar Energy, you will learn to design a complete photovoltaic (PV) system for any application and location, from utility scale solar farms to residential scale systems. For these scales, both grid-connected and stand-alone solutions will be examined.
The operation and design of PV modules will be taught with respect to various aspects, including shading resilience, interconnection architectures, temperature dependence, mono- versus bi-facial and recyclability.
Read more
In the third course of the program Solar Energy, you will learn to design a complete photovoltaic (PV) system for any application and location, from utility scale solar farms to residential scale systems. For these scales, both grid-connected and stand-alone solutions will be examined.
The operation and design of PV modules will be taught with respect to various aspects, including shading resilience, interconnection architectures, temperature dependence, mono- versus bi-facial and recyclability.
Read more
In the third course of the program Solar Energy, you will learn to design a complete photovoltaic (PV) system for any application and location, from utility scale solar farms to residential scale systems. For these scales, both grid-connected and stand-alone solutions will be examined.
The operation and design of PV modules will be taught with respect to various aspects, including shading resilience, interconnection architectures, temperature dependence, mono- versus bi-facial and recyclability.
We will also review the function and operation of common components of PV Systems, such as inverters, DC-DC converters, maximum power point trackers, charge controllers and batteries. We will focus on the interaction of these components with both the photovoltaic modules and the grid. Batteries’ parameters and the role of the charge controller within the system will be covered as well.
The selection of the right inverter among different types will be discussed along with various methods of maximal power point tracking. Considering the losses caused by the different components, the overall efficiency of energy conversion of the system will be discussed.
We will also go back to metrics introduced in the first course and discuss the techno-economic-environmental performance of PV systems: their levelized-costs of electricity, return on financial investments, energy payback time and energy return on energy investment. Environmental considerations concerning PV systems will be discussed as well.
Finally, alternative routes to convert solar energy will be explored such as solar thermal systems. The principles of solar-to-heat conversion and heat storage will be introduced.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/9r2mvw/solar
What's inside
Learning objectives
- Describe the main components of a photovoltaic system and understand their interaction with the pv modules and the grid
- Select the appropriate pv system for a specific application based on your understanding of the differences between the types of pv systems
- Calculate the overall energy yield of a pv system taking into account all component efficiency and weather conditions
- Design a complete photovoltaic system for any particular application
- Assess the economic viability and environmental aspects of a pv system
- Describe the potential of solar thermal energy
- Describe the main components of a photovoltaic system and understand their interaction with the pv modules and the grid
- Select the appropriate pv system for a specific application based on your understanding of the differences between the types of pv systems
- Calculate the overall energy yield of a pv system taking into account all component efficiency and weather conditions
- Design a complete photovoltaic system for any particular application
- Assess the economic viability and environmental aspects of a pv system
- Describe the potential of solar thermal energy
Syllabus
Week 1
PV module design and operation conditions
Week 2
Components and concepts
Read more
Syllabus
Week 1
PV module design and operation conditions
Week 2
Components and concepts
Read more
Week 3
PV systems application design and solar thermal concepts
Week 4
Economic viability and environmental aspects
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Applies technical concepts to the real world by teaching about designing Photovoltaic systems
Taught by recognized experts on the topic of solar energy
Taught in a multi-modal format
Develops strong foundational knowledge for beginners
Examines economic viability alongside technical aspects
Introduces alternative routes to convert solar energy
Save this course
Save Solar Energy 3 to your list so you can find it easily later:
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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 Energy 3 with these
activities:
Organize course resources
Show steps
Keep all course materials well-organized for efficient learning and review.
Show steps
-
Create a dedicated folder or notebook for course materials.
-
Keep track of lecture notes, assignments, readings, and other resources.
-
Review materials regularly to reinforce understanding.
Review basic circuits
Show steps
Review the fundamentals of circuits to strengthen your understanding of PV system components.
Browse courses on
Circuits
Show steps
-
Go over Ohm's Law, Kirchhoff's laws, and AC/DC circuits.
-
Analyze simple circuit diagrams to understand current flow and voltage distribution.
-
Practice solving basic circuit problems using circuit analysis techniques.
Learn about PV module testing
Show steps
To evaluate PV module performance under various conditions.
Show steps
-
Explore online tutorials and resources on PV module testing procedures.
-
Follow step-by-step guides for conducting IV curve measurements and other tests.
-
Analyze test data to identify module characteristics, efficiency, and potential issues.
Two other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all five activities
Calculate energy yield for PV systems
Show steps
Master the calculations for determining energy yield based on system parameters and environmental factors.
Show steps
-
Use online calculators or spreadsheets to practice calculating energy yield.
-
Consider factors such as irradiance, temperature, and system efficiency.
-
Analyze the impact of different system configurations and locations on energy yield.
Design a residential PV system
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of PV system design to create a detailed plan for a residential installation.
Show steps
-
Determine the energy needs and available roof space for the residence.
-
Select appropriate PV modules, inverters, and other components based on technical and economic considerations.
-
Design the system layout, including module placement, wiring, and electrical connections.
-
Present the system design, including a detailed report and system specifications.
Organize course resources
Show steps
Keep all course materials well-organized for efficient learning and review.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Create a dedicated folder or notebook for course materials.
- Keep track of lecture notes, assignments, readings, and other resources.
- Review materials regularly to reinforce understanding.
Review basic circuits
Show steps
Review the fundamentals of circuits to strengthen your understanding of PV system components.
Browse courses on
Circuits
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Go over Ohm's Law, Kirchhoff's laws, and AC/DC circuits.
- Analyze simple circuit diagrams to understand current flow and voltage distribution.
- Practice solving basic circuit problems using circuit analysis techniques.
Learn about PV module testing
Show steps
To evaluate PV module performance under various conditions.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Explore online tutorials and resources on PV module testing procedures.
- Follow step-by-step guides for conducting IV curve measurements and other tests.
- Analyze test data to identify module characteristics, efficiency, and potential issues.
Two other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all five activities
Calculate energy yield for PV systems
Show steps
Master the calculations for determining energy yield based on system parameters and environmental factors.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Use online calculators or spreadsheets to practice calculating energy yield.
- Consider factors such as irradiance, temperature, and system efficiency.
- Analyze the impact of different system configurations and locations on energy yield.
Design a residential PV system
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of PV system design to create a detailed plan for a residential installation.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Determine the energy needs and available roof space for the residence.
- Select appropriate PV modules, inverters, and other components based on technical and economic considerations.
- Design the system layout, including module placement, wiring, and electrical connections.
- Present the system design, including a detailed report and system specifications.
Career center
Learners who complete Solar Energy 3 will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Solar Panel Installer
Solar Panel Installer
Solar Panel Installers assemble, set up, and maintain photovoltaic (PV) panels on rooftops, commercial buildings, or in fields. This course will provide the theoretical foundation that underpins the practical work of a Solar Panel Installer. You will learn about the components of a PV system, its operation, and how to calculate energy yield and efficiency.
Solar Thermal Engineer
Solar Thermal Engineer
Solar Thermal Engineers design, install, and maintain solar thermal systems, which use the sun's heat to generate hot water or space heating. This course will cover the principles of solar-to-heat conversion and heat storage, so it may be useful for someone looking to become a Solar Thermal Engineer.
Renewable Energy Engineer
Renewable Energy Engineer
Renewable Energy Engineers design, install, and maintain renewable energy systems, such as solar and wind farms. Knowledge of PV design and operation is essential to a Renewable Energy Engineer, so this course will provide you with the tools to be successful in this role.
Solar Salesperson
Solar Salesperson
Solar Salespeople sell and market solar energy systems to residential and commercial customers. Understanding the different types of PV systems, their costs, and benefits is key to success as a Solar Salesperson. This course will build a strong foundation for you to excel in this role.
Solar Energy Entrepreneur
Solar Energy Entrepreneur
Solar Energy Entrepreneurs start and run businesses that develop, manufacture, or sell solar energy products and services. This course may be useful for a Solar Energy Entrepreneur who wants to learn more about the technical aspects of solar energy. It will provide the foundation needed to understand the challenges and opportunities facing the solar energy industry.
Solar Energy Policy Analyst
Solar Energy Policy Analyst
Solar Energy Policy Analysts research and analyze policies related to solar energy. They may also develop and recommend new policies. This course may be useful for a Solar Energy Policy Analyst who wants to learn more about the technical aspects of solar energy. It will provide the foundation needed to understand the challenges and opportunities facing the solar energy industry.
Solar Energy Investor
Solar Energy Investor
Solar Energy Investors invest in solar energy companies and projects. This course may be useful for a Solar Energy Investor who wants to learn more about the technical aspects of solar energy. It will provide the foundation needed to understand the challenges and opportunities facing the solar energy industry.
Research Scientist
Research Scientist
Research Scientists conduct research on a variety of topics, including solar energy. This course may be useful for a Research Scientist who is working on a solar energy project. It will provide the foundation needed to understand the current state of the art in solar energy research.
Solar Thermal Installer
Solar Thermal Installer
Solar Thermal Installers design, install, and maintain solar thermal systems, which use the sun's heat to generate hot water or space heating. As this course will cover the principles of solar-to-heat conversion and heat storage, it may be useful for someone looking to become a Solar Thermal Installer.
Energy Consultant
Energy Consultant
Energy Consultants advise clients on how to reduce their energy consumption and costs. They may also help clients develop and implement renewable energy projects. This course may be useful for an Energy Consultant who wants to learn more about solar energy. It will provide the foundational knowledge needed to understand the technology and its applications.
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability Managers develop and implement plans and policies to help organizations reduce their environmental impact and improve their sustainability performance. Knowledge of solar energy can be an asset to a Sustainability Manager, and this course is a great place to begin to build that knowledge.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineer
An Environmental Engineer may work in an office or outside doing field work. They may investigate the environmental impact of construction projects, assess damage caused by pollution, or work to find ways to minimize the negative effects of human activities on the environment. They help businesses and government agencies comply with environmental regulations. This course on Solar Energy can help you to better grasp and understand the environmental impact of PV systems, which may give you a leg up on other candidates.
Energy Auditor
Energy Auditor
Energy Auditors assess the energy efficiency of buildings and make recommendations for improvements. Understanding PV systems can be an asset to an Energy Auditor, as they can be part of a building's energy-saving strategy. This course can help provide you with the knowledge you need to stand out in this role.
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the installation of electrical systems. They work on a wide range of projects, from small appliances to large power plants. This course in Solar Energy may be useful to an Electrical Engineer who hopes to work on PV systems. It will build a foundation of knowledge on which you can build your career.
Project Manager
Project Manager
Project Managers oversee the planning, execution, and completion of projects. This course may be useful to a Project Manager who is working on a solar energy project. It will provide the foundational knowledge needed to understand the project from start to finish.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/9r2mvw/solar
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
Solar Energy 3.
Offers a comprehensive overview of the materials, manufacturing techniques, and operation of solar cells, with a focus on their physical and electrical properties. It also discusses the latest developments in solar cell technology, including the latest advancements in materials and technology.
Comprehensively overviews the technological, economic, and policy aspects of solar power generation. It provides a detailed analysis of the current state of the solar industry, and discusses the potential for future growth.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the various renewable energy technologies and their role in mitigating climate change. It discusses the latest developments in renewable energy research and policy, and provides a detailed assessment of the potential for renewable energy to meet our future energy needs.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and applications of energy. It is an essential reference for students and researchers in energy studies and the social sciences.
This volume comprehensively overviews the latest advances and innovations in solar energy technology. It provides in-depth analysis of a wide range of topics, including the development of new solar cell materials, improvements in solar cell efficiency, and advancements in solar thermal energy.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and applications of renewable energy systems. It is an essential reference for students and researchers in engineering and energy studies.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and applications of power electronics. It is an essential reference for students and researchers in electrical engineering.
Provides a comprehensive overview of environmental science and the challenges facing our planet. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the environment and how to protect it.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and applications of electrochemistry. It is an essential reference for students and researchers in chemistry and engineering.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/9r2mvw/solar
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Effort
4 to 6 hours per week for 4 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Delft University of Technology
Instructors
Arno Smets
Thierry de Vrijer
Language
English
Transcript
English
Good to know
Applies technical concepts to the real world by teaching about designing Photovoltaic systems
Taught by recognized experts on the topic of solar energy
Taught in a multi-modal format
Develops strong foundational knowledge for beginners
Examines economic viability alongside technical aspects
Introduces alternative routes to convert solar energy
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