Solar Energy 3 from edX

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.

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

Week 3

PV systems application design and solar thermal concepts

Week 4

Economic viability and environmental aspects

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

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

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Keep all course materials well-organized for efficient learning and review.

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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

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Review the fundamentals of circuits to strengthen your understanding of PV system components.

Browse courses on Circuits

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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

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To evaluate PV module performance under various conditions.

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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

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Calculate energy yield for PV systems

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Master the calculations for determining energy yield based on system parameters and environmental factors.

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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

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Apply your knowledge of PV system design to create a detailed plan for a residential installation.

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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 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.

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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solar Thermal 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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