Solar Energy: Photovoltaic (PV) Systems from edX

In this course you will learn how to turn solar cells into full modules; and how to apply full modules to full photovoltaic systems.

The course will widely cover the design of photovoltaic systems, such as utility scale solar farms or residential scale systems (both on and off the grid). You will learn about the function and operation of various components including inverters, batteries, DC-DC converters and their interaction with both the modules and the grid.

After learning about the components, you will be able to correctly apply them during main design steps taken when planning a real PV installation with excellent performance and reliability.

Through modelling, you will gain a deeper understanding of PV systems performance for different solar energy applications, and proficiency in estimating the energy yield of a client's potential system.

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.

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 effects of the position of the sun and solar irradiance on pv module performance
Components of a pv system: pv modules, inverters, dc-dc converters, batteries, charge controllers and cables
The economics and impact on the grid of pv systems

How to design a pv system ranging from a residential rooftop system to a utility scale solar farm taking in to account:
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 exams.

The effects of the position of the sun and solar irradiance on pv module performance
Components of a pv system: pv modules, inverters, dc-dc converters, batteries, charge controllers and cables
The economics and impact on the grid of pv systems
How to design a pv system ranging from a residential rooftop system to a utility scale solar farm taking in to account:
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 exams.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Introduces the design of PV systems, which is in high demand as the industry grows

Builds a strong foundation for learners who want to work in solar energy engineering

Instructors Olindo Isabella and Ravi Vasudevan are highly respected in the field of solar energy engineering

Provides a solid foundation for learners who want to pursue the Solar Energy Engineering MicroMasters Program

Taught by experienced instructors with a strong track record in the solar energy industry

May not be suitable for learners with no prior knowledge of electrical and mechanical engineering principles

Reviews summary

Comprehensive pv systems design & engineering

According to students, this course provides a comprehensive and deep dive into Solar Energy: Photovoltaic (PV) Systems, making it highly valuable for professionals and those seeking a career in solar engineering. Many praise the clear explanations and instructor expertise, covering everything from PV module performance to utility-scale solar farm design and grid impact. While providing a strong theoretical foundation and practical design principles, some learners with limited electrical engineering background found the content challenging, suggesting a need for prior knowledge. Overall, it's considered highly relevant for understanding modern PV systems.

Robust theory, less direct hands-on implementation focus.

"I only wish there were more hands-on simulation exercises, but the theory is robust."

"Not enough practical guidance for someone looking to install residential systems themselves. Felt overwhelmed."

"The course strongly focuses on the underlying physics and engineering principles, which is excellent for a deep understanding."

Content largely relevant; minor updates could enhance.

"Some of the modelling exercises could be updated with newer software versions, but the principles remain sound. Still highly relevant."

"The core principles are still valid, though some examples felt a little dated."

"The course materials are up-to-date with current industry standards in solar PV engineering."

Taught by a knowledgeable instructor with clear explanations.

"The lectures are detailed and the instructor is knowledgeable."

"I found the instructor's explanations to be consistently clear and concise, making complex topics easier to grasp."

"His expertise shines through in every module, providing practical insights alongside the theory."

Highly beneficial for professionals and career advancement.

"Highly recommend for anyone serious about solar."

"Great for engineers wanting to pivot into solar."

"This course filled many gaps in my solar knowledge. The practical design considerations are invaluable."

"Solid course for understanding PV system design and economics. Good for professionals looking to deepen their understanding."

Offers a deep, wide-ranging understanding of PV systems.

"Excellent course, truly comprehensive. The explanations of inverters and batteries were clear and the system design principles were incredibly useful."

"Fantastic deep dive into PV. Covered everything from module performance to grid impact. The course structure is logical, building knowledge step-by-step."

"This course is a cornerstone for anyone serious about solar energy engineering. The comprehensive coverage and the clear explanations make complex topics accessible."

Best for learners with engineering or physics background.

"Sometimes the pace was a bit fast for a non-electrical engineering background. I had to do a lot of external reading to keep up."

"It's definitely not for complete beginners, despite the broad appeal."

"I struggled with this course. While the instructor is very knowledgeable, the content is extremely theoretical and assumes a lot of prior knowledge."

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) Systems with these activities:

Brush up on DC circuits

Show steps

This course assumes a basic understanding of DC circuits. Revisiting this topic will help you understand the fundamentals of PV systems.

Browse courses on DC Circuits

Show steps

Review the concepts of voltage, current, and resistance.
Analyze simple DC circuits using Ohm's Law and Kirchhoff's Laws.
Practice solving circuit problems involving series and parallel configurations.

Show all one activities

Career center

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

Solar Engineer

A Solar Engineer designs, installs, and maintains solar PV systems. This course would be a valuable resource for Solar Engineers, as it provides a comprehensive overview of PV system design, components, and economics. The course covers topics such as solar irradiance, PV module performance, inverter selection, and grid interconnection, which are all essential for successful solar system design and installation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solar Engineer

Solar Salesperson

A Solar Salesperson sells solar PV systems to customers. This course would be a valuable resource for Solar Salespeople, as it provides a comprehensive overview of PV system design, components, and economics. The course covers topics such as solar irradiance, PV module performance, inverter selection, and grid interconnection, which are all essential for effectively communicating the benefits of solar PV systems to customers.

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Solar Project Developer

A Solar Project Developer is responsible for the development and management of solar PV projects. This course would be highly beneficial for aspiring Solar Project Developers, as it provides a solid foundation in PV system design, components, and economics. The course covers topics such as solar irradiance, PV module performance, inverter selection, and grid interconnection, which are all essential for successful solar project development.

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Electrical Engineer

An Electrical Engineer designs, installs, and maintains electrical systems, including solar PV systems. This course would be a valuable resource for Electrical Engineers, as it provides a comprehensive overview of PV system design, components, and economics. The course covers topics such as solar irradiance, PV module performance, inverter selection, and grid interconnection, which are all essential for successful solar PV system design and installation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer

Photovoltaic Installer

A Photovoltaic Installer installs and maintains solar PV systems. This course would be highly beneficial for Photovoltaic Installers, as it provides a comprehensive overview of PV system design, components, and economics. The course covers topics such as solar irradiance, PV module performance, inverter selection, and grid interconnection, which are all essential for successful PV system installation.

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Mechanical Engineer

A Mechanical Engineer designs, installs, and maintains mechanical systems, including solar PV systems. This course would be a valuable resource for Mechanical Engineers, as it provides a comprehensive overview of PV system design, components, and economics. The course covers topics such as solar irradiance, PV module performance, inverter selection, and grid interconnection, which are all essential for successful solar PV system design and installation.

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Renewable Energy Consultant

A Renewable Energy Consultant provides advice and guidance to clients on renewable energy technologies, including solar PV. This course would be a valuable resource for Renewable Energy Consultants, as it provides a comprehensive overview of PV system design, components, and economics. The course covers topics such as solar irradiance, PV module performance, inverter selection, and grid interconnection, which are all essential for providing informed advice to clients on solar PV systems.

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Sustainability Consultant

A Sustainability Consultant provides advice and guidance to organizations on sustainability issues, including renewable energy. This course would be a valuable resource for Sustainability Consultants, as it provides a comprehensive overview of PV system design, components, and economics. The course covers topics such as solar irradiance, PV module performance, inverter selection, and grid interconnection, which are all essential for providing informed advice to clients on solar PV systems.

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Civil Engineer

A Civil Engineer designs, builds, and maintains infrastructure, including solar PV systems. This course would be a valuable resource for Civil Engineers, as it provides a comprehensive overview of PV system design, components, and economics. The course covers topics such as solar irradiance, PV module performance, inverter selection, and grid interconnection, which are all essential for successful solar PV system design and installation.

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Teacher

A Teacher educates students on a variety of subjects, including renewable energy. This course would be a valuable resource for Teachers, as it provides a comprehensive overview of PV system design, components, and economics. The course covers topics such as solar irradiance, PV module performance, inverter selection, and grid interconnection, which are all essential for effectively teaching students about solar PV systems.

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Energy Auditor

An Energy Auditor assesses the energy efficiency of buildings and makes recommendations for improvements. This course would be a valuable resource for Energy Auditors, as it provides a comprehensive overview of PV system design, components, and economics. The course covers topics such as solar irradiance, PV module performance, inverter selection, and grid interconnection, which are all essential for understanding the potential benefits of solar PV systems for buildings.

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Project Manager

A Project Manager plans, executes, and closes projects, including solar PV projects. This course would be a valuable resource for Project Managers, as it provides a comprehensive overview of PV system design, components, and economics. The course covers topics such as solar irradiance, PV module performance, inverter selection, and grid interconnection, which are all essential for successful solar PV project management.

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Policy Analyst

A Policy Analyst researches and analyzes public policy issues, including renewable energy. This course would be a valuable resource for Policy Analysts, as it provides a comprehensive overview of PV system design, components, and economics. The course covers topics such as solar irradiance, PV module performance, inverter selection, and grid interconnection, which are all essential for understanding the potential benefits and challenges of solar PV systems for public policy.

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Researcher

A Researcher conducts research on a variety of topics, including renewable energy. This course would be a valuable resource for Researchers, as it provides a comprehensive overview of PV system design, components, and economics. The course covers topics such as solar irradiance, PV module performance, inverter selection, and grid interconnection, which are all essential for conducting research on solar PV systems.

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Installation Manager

An Installation Manager oversees the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, ensuring that they are installed safely and efficiently. This course provides a comprehensive overview of PV system design, components, and economics, which would be valuable knowledge for an Installation Manager. The course covers the effects of solar irradiance on PV module performance, the different components of a PV system, and the impact of PV systems on the grid, all of which are important considerations for successful PV system installation.

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