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.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, 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

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solar Salesperson

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solar Project Developer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Photovoltaic Installer

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

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Renewable Energy Consultant

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Researcher

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Installation Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Auditor