Solar Energy: Photovoltaic (PV) Energy Conversion from edX

The key factor in getting more efficient and cheaper solar energy panels is the advance in the development of photovoltaic cells. In this course you will learn how photovoltaic cells convert solar energy into useable electricity. You will also discover how to tackle potential loss mechanisms in solar cells. By understanding the semiconductor physics and optics involved, you will develop in-depth knowledge of how a photovoltaic cell works under different conditions. You will learn how to model all aspects of a working solar cell. For engineers and scientists working in the photovoltaic industry, this course is an absolute must to understand the opportunities for solar cell innovation.

This course is part of the Solar Energy Engineering MicroMasters Program designed to cover all physics and engineering aspects of photovoltaics: photovoltaic energy conversion, technologies and systems.

We recommend that you complete this course prior to taking the other courses in this MicroMasters program.

Earn a Microcredential

After finishing this course, and passing the related exam, you are eligible to receive one microcredential. A microcredential is a digital certificate that allows learners to demonstrate the knowledge and skills acquired after successfully completing a small unit of education. It describes the learning outcomes, educational level and scope of the course or program – and adds a quality mark, as it is bound to a recognized quality framework. For more information, please read the FAQ below.

What's inside

Learning objectives

The principles behind the potential loss mechanisms in photovoltaic devices
The semiconductor physics necessary to understand solar cell performance and engineering
The optics and light management tools necessary for optimal solar cell design

To model all aspects of a working solar cell, understanding the efficiency limits and design rules
Audit learners can develop their skills and knowledge in relation to the above learning objectives by having access to the video lectures, a limited number of practice exercises and discussion forums.
Verified learners are offered a number of study tools to demonstrate they have mastered the learning objectives. they will have access to all exercises: practice, graded and exam questions.

The principles behind the potential loss mechanisms in photovoltaic devices
The semiconductor physics necessary to understand solar cell performance and engineering
The optics and light management tools necessary for optimal solar cell design
To model all aspects of a working solar cell, understanding the efficiency limits and design rules
Audit learners can develop their skills and knowledge in relation to the above learning objectives by having access to the video lectures, a limited number of practice exercises and discussion forums.
Verified learners are offered a number of study tools to demonstrate they have mastered the learning objectives. they will have access to all exercises: practice, graded and exam questions.

Syllabus

EXAM

Week 1: IntroductionHow do solar cells convert solar energy into electrical energy? What are the basic building blocks of a solar cell?

Week 2: Semiconductor Basics What are semiconductors? What is a band diagram?

Week 3: Generation and RecombinationWhat are the physics of charge carriers?

Week 4: The P-N JunctionWhat is a diode? How does a diode change when we apply a voltage? What about when we illuminate it with solar energy?

Week 5: Advanced Concepts in SemiconductorsWhat happens when we connect a semiconductor to a metal? What other types of junctions of semiconductor materials are important for solar cells?

Week 6: Light management 1: Refraction/Dispersion/RefractionWhich optical phenomena are important for solar cells? How can we use them to make sure maximal light is absorbed.

Week 7: Light management 2: Light ScatteringWhich techniques can we use to scatter light in our solar cell to enhance optical path length?

Week 8: Electrical LossesPull all the concepts together to understand how to engineer solar cells.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines potential loss mechanisms in photovoltaic devices, giving learners tools for loss reduction

Taught by instructors recognized for their work in photovoltaic engineering

Explores key factors for improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of solar energy panels

Develops an in-depth understanding of how a photovoltaic cell operates under various conditions

Offers a hands-on approach with access to graded and practice exercises

Provides learners with the necessary background in semiconductor physics and optics

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: Photovoltaic (PV) Energy Conversion with these activities:

Create a comprehensive study guide

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Organize and synthesize course materials to enhance your comprehension and retention.

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Gather and review all relevant course materials, including lecture notes, slides, and assignments.
Identify key concepts and summarize them in a concise and structured manner.
Include practice questions, examples, and diagrams to reinforce your understanding.

Attend a solar industry conference

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Connect with professionals in the solar industry to learn about current trends and advancements.

Browse courses on Photovoltaics

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Research and identify relevant solar industry conferences.
Register and attend the conference.
Network with attendees, speakers, and exhibitors.

Review semiconductor physics

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Review the basics of semiconductor physics to strengthen your foundational understanding of solar cell operation.

Browse courses on Semiconductors

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Read textbook chapters or online resources on semiconductor physics.
Complete practice problems or simulations related to band theory and charge carrier transport.

Four other activities

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Read 'Photovoltaic Solar Energy: Fundamentals, Technologies, and Applications'

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of photovoltaic solar energy by reviewing this foundational text.

View Photovoltaic/Thermal (PV/T) Systems: Principles... on Amazon

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Read selected chapters or sections relevant to the course topics.
Summarize key concepts and advancements in photovoltaic technology.

Explore open-source solar cell design tools

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Familiarize yourself with open-source tools to enhance your solar cell modeling and analysis capabilities.

Browse courses on Open-Source Software

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Identify and install reputable open-source solar cell design tools.
Follow tutorials or documentation to learn the features and capabilities of the tools.
Use the tools to model and analyze solar cell performance.

Design a solar cell for a specific application

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Apply your knowledge to a practical project by designing a solar cell for a specific real-world application.

Browse courses on Solar Cell Design

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Identify an application and research the specific requirements.
Select appropriate solar cell materials and configurations.
Design the solar cell using simulation tools or analytical methods.
Evaluate the performance and optimize the design.

Develop a presentation on a solar cell-related topic

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Demonstrate your understanding by creating a presentation that explores a specific aspect of solar cell technology.

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Choose a topic and gather relevant information.
Structure the presentation with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
Use visuals, examples, and data to support your points.
Practice delivering the presentation.

Career center

Learners who complete Solar Energy: Photovoltaic (PV) Energy Conversion will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Solar Cell Engineer

A Solar Cell Engineer designs, develops, and tests solar cells and solar panels. They work to improve the efficiency and performance of solar cells, and to reduce their cost. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Solar Cell Engineer by providing a deep understanding of the principles behind the potential loss mechanisms in photovoltaic devices, the semiconductor physics necessary to understand solar cell performance and engineering, the optics and light management tools necessary for optimal solar cell design, and how to model all aspects of a working solar cell.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solar Cell Engineer

Photovoltaic System Designer

A Photovoltaic System Designer designs and installs photovoltaic systems, which convert sunlight into electricity. They work to ensure that the systems are efficient, cost-effective, and meet the needs of the customer. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Photovoltaic System Designer by providing a deep understanding of the principles behind the potential loss mechanisms in photovoltaic devices, the semiconductor physics necessary to understand solar cell performance and engineering, the optics and light management tools necessary for optimal solar cell design, and how to model all aspects of a working solar cell.

See salaries and explore the career path for Photovoltaic System Designer

Solar Energy Consultant

A Solar Energy Consultant advises clients on the design, installation, and maintenance of solar energy systems. They work to help clients understand the benefits of solar energy, and to choose the right system for their needs. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Solar Energy Consultant by providing a deep understanding of the principles behind the potential loss mechanisms in photovoltaic devices, the semiconductor physics necessary to understand solar cell performance and engineering, the optics and light management tools necessary for optimal solar cell design, and how to model all aspects of a working solar cell.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solar Energy Consultant

Energy Engineer

An Energy Engineer designs and develops energy systems, including solar energy systems. They work to improve the efficiency and performance of energy systems, and to reduce their cost. This course can help build a foundation for a career as an Energy Engineer by providing a deep understanding of the principles behind the potential loss mechanisms in photovoltaic devices, the semiconductor physics necessary to understand solar cell performance and engineering, the optics and light management tools necessary for optimal solar cell design, and how to model all aspects of a working solar cell.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Engineer

Electrical Engineer

An Electrical Engineer designs, develops, and tests electrical systems, including solar energy systems. They work to improve the efficiency and performance of electrical systems, and to reduce their cost. This course can help build a foundation for a career as an Electrical Engineer by providing a deep understanding of the principles behind the potential loss mechanisms in photovoltaic devices, the semiconductor physics necessary to understand solar cell performance and engineering, the optics and light management tools necessary for optimal solar cell design, and how to model all aspects of a working solar cell.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer

Solar Panel Installer

A Solar Panel Installer installs solar panels on rooftops and other structures. They work to ensure that the panels are installed safely and efficiently, and that they are connected to the electrical grid. This course may be useful for a Solar Panel Installer by providing a basic understanding of the principles behind the potential loss mechanisms in photovoltaic devices, the semiconductor physics necessary to understand solar cell performance and engineering, the optics and light management tools necessary for optimal solar cell design, and how to model all aspects of a working solar cell.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solar Panel Installer

Sales Engineer

A Sales Engineer sells technical products and services, including solar energy systems. They work to help customers understand the benefits of the products and services, and to choose the right solution for their needs. This course may be useful for a Sales Engineer by providing a basic understanding of the principles behind the potential loss mechanisms in photovoltaic devices, the semiconductor physics necessary to understand solar cell performance and engineering, the optics and light management tools necessary for optimal solar cell design, and how to model all aspects of a working solar cell.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Engineer

Project Manager

A Project Manager plans, organizes, and manages projects, including solar energy projects. They work to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This course may be useful for a Project Manager by providing a basic understanding of the principles behind the potential loss mechanisms in photovoltaic devices, the semiconductor physics necessary to understand solar cell performance and engineering, the optics and light management tools necessary for optimal solar cell design, and how to model all aspects of a working solar cell.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Quality Assurance Engineer

A Quality Assurance Engineer tests and evaluates products and services, including solar energy systems. They work to ensure that the products and services meet the required quality standards. This course may be useful for a Quality Assurance Engineer by providing a basic understanding of the principles behind the potential loss mechanisms in photovoltaic devices, the semiconductor physics necessary to understand solar cell performance and engineering, the optics and light management tools necessary for optimal solar cell design, and how to model all aspects of a working solar cell.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Engineer

Sustainability Manager

A Sustainability Manager develops and implements sustainability programs for organizations. They work to reduce the environmental impact of organizations, and to improve their sustainability performance. This course may be useful for a Sustainability Manager by providing a basic understanding of the principles behind the potential loss mechanisms in photovoltaic devices, the semiconductor physics necessary to understand solar cell performance and engineering, the optics and light management tools necessary for optimal solar cell design, and how to model all aspects of a working solar cell.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Patent Attorney

A Patent Attorney prepares and files patent applications for inventions, including inventions related to solar energy. They work to protect the intellectual property of their clients. This course may be useful for a Patent Attorney by providing a basic understanding of the principles behind the potential loss mechanisms in photovoltaic devices, the semiconductor physics necessary to understand solar cell performance and engineering, the optics and light management tools necessary for optimal solar cell design, and how to model all aspects of a working solar cell.

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Business Analyst

A Business Analyst analyzes business processes and systems, and works to improve their efficiency and effectiveness. This course may be useful for a Business Analyst by providing a basic understanding of the principles behind the potential loss mechanisms in photovoltaic devices, the semiconductor physics necessary to understand solar cell performance and engineering, the optics and light management tools necessary for optimal solar cell design, and how to model all aspects of a working solar cell.

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Environmental Scientist

An Environmental Scientist studies the environment and its components, and works to protect the environment from pollution and degradation. This course may be useful for an Environmental Scientist by providing a basic understanding of the principles behind the potential loss mechanisms in photovoltaic devices, the semiconductor physics necessary to understand solar cell performance and engineering, the optics and light management tools necessary for optimal solar cell design, and how to model all aspects of a working solar cell.

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Technical Writer

A Technical Writer writes technical documentation, including documentation for solar energy systems. They work to help users understand how to use and maintain the systems. This course may be useful for a Technical Writer by providing a basic understanding of the principles behind the potential loss mechanisms in photovoltaic devices, the semiconductor physics necessary to understand solar cell performance and engineering, the optics and light management tools necessary for optimal solar cell design, and how to model all aspects of a working solar cell.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Science Teacher

A Science Teacher teaches science to students at the primary or secondary level. They work to help students understand the principles of science, and to develop their critical thinking skills. This course may be useful for a Science Teacher by providing a basic understanding of the principles behind the potential loss mechanisms in photovoltaic devices, the semiconductor physics necessary to understand solar cell performance and engineering, the optics and light management tools necessary for optimal solar cell design, and how to model all aspects of a working solar cell.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Teacher