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OSS Academy

In this course you will learn the following topics in detail:

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In this course you will learn the following topics in detail:

  • Introduction to Solar Photovoltaics Cell

  • Introduction to Semiconductors

  • Classification of Semiconductor

  • N Type Semiconductor

  • P Type Semiconductor

  • Doping of Semiconductors

  • Semiconductor Materials and Band Gap Energy

  • P-N Junction Diode

  • Working of P-N Junction diode

  • Photoelectric Effect

  • Working of Solar Cell

  • Materials use in Solar CellSolar Radiation and the Solar Spectrum

  • Historical Evolution of Solar cells

  • Advancements leading to the development of efficient photovoltaic cells

  • PV Cell Types

  • Solar Panel Manufacturing Technologies

  • Mono-Si Solar Panels

  • Poly-Si Solar Panels

  • Thin Film Solar Panels

  • Comparison of Si on the basis of crystallinity

  • Manufacturing of Solar Cell

  • Solar Cell Bus bar

  • Internal connection in Solar Cell

  • Characteristics of a Solar Cell

  • Effect of temperature on solar PV cell

  • Effect of Light Intensity on Solar PV Cell

  • Optical Losses

  • Antireflective Coatings

  • Recombination Losses

  • Technique to Reduce Recombination

  • Manufacturing of Solar Panel

  • Construction of Solar module

  • Selection Criteria for Solar Panel

  • Components of A Solar Panel

  • Components of A Solar Panel: Solar Cell

  • Components of A Solar Panel: Glass, Frame and Back Sheet

  • Levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for different PV technologies

  • Introduction to Solar Panel Manufacturing

  • Manufacturing of Solar Module

  • Automation and Robotics in Solar Panel Production

  • Quality Control and Standards

  • Types of Solar Cells and its Recent development

  • Monocrystalline Solar Cell

  • Recent Development in Monocrystalline Solar Cell

  • Polycrystalline Solar Cell

  • Recent Development in Polycrystalline Solar Cell

  • Amorphous Silicon Thin film Solar Cell

  • Recent Development in Amorphous Silicon Thin film Solar Cell

  • CdTeThin film Solar Cell

  • Recent Development in CdTeThin film Solar Cell

  • Nano crystal based Solar Cell

  • Recent Development in Nano crystal based Solar Cell

  • Polymer based Solar Cell

  • Recent Development in Polymer based Solar Cell

  • Pervoskite based Solar Cell

  • Recent Development in Pervoskite based Solar Cell

  • Dye Sensitized Solar Cell

  • Recent Development in Dye Sensitized Solar Cell

  • CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium Selenide) Solar Cell

  • Recent Development in CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium Selenide) Solar Cell

  • Organic Solar Cell

  • Recent Development in Organic Solar Cell

  • Concentrated Solar Cell

  • Recent Development in Concentrated Solar Cell

  • Tandem Solar Cell

  • Recent Development in Tandem Solar CellHalf Cut Solar Cell

  • Recent Development in Half Cut Solar Cell

  • Bifacial Solar Cell

  • Recent Development in Bifacial Solar Cell

  • Efficiency and Cost Considerations comparison for Crystalline Si Solar Cell

  • Efficiency and Cost Consideration comparison for Thin film Perovskite Solar cell

  • Efficiency & Cost Consideration for Organic, Bifacial & Concentrated Solar Cell

  • Nanotechnology in Solar Panel Manufacturing

  • Strategies for Maximizing Sunlight Absorption in solar cell

  • Tandem Solar Cells: Combining Multiple Technologies

  • Two-Junction Tandem Solar Cells

  • Triple-Junction Tandem Solar Cells

  • Four-Junction Tandem Solar Cells

  • Perovskite-Silicon Tandem Solar Cells

  • Organic-Inorganic Tandem Solar Cells

  • Quantum Dot Tandem Solar Cells

  • CIGS-CZTS/CGS Tandem Solar Cells

  • Advantages of Tandem Solar Cells in Boosting Efficiency

  • Impact on Overall Energy Yield in Different Conditions

  • Technological Innovations to Maximize Tandem Cell Performance

  • Recent Advancement in Solar Panel Manufacturing and Plant Development

  • IoT Integration in Solar Panel Systems

  • Smart Grids and Energy Management

  • Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence in Solar Energy

  • Environmental and Weather Adaptations

  • Challenges in Smart Solar Technologies

  • Opportunities for Innovation and Overcoming Barriers

  • Advancements in Smart Solar Technologies

  • Regulatory and Policy Considerations

  • Life Cycle Assessment in Solar Panel Manufacturing

  • Environmental Impact of Solar Panel Manufacturing

  • Key Stages in the Life Cycle

  • Identifying Key Stages with the Highest Environmental Impact

  • Mitigation Strategies

  • Technological Innovations for Sustainability

  • Recycling and Reuse of Materials in Solar Panel Production

  • Innovations in Water and Energy Efficiency

  • Design Principles for Recyclability

  • Advanced Manufacturing Techniques of Solar Panels

  • Inkjet Printing of Solar Cells

  • Screen Printing of Solar Cells

  • Gravure Printing of Solar Cells

  • Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)

  • Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD)

  • Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD)

  • 3D Printing Applications in Solar Panel Production

  • Industry 4.0 in Solar Manufacturing

  • Global Manufacturing Hubs in Solar Industry

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Introduction to solar photovoltaics cell
  • Introduction to semiconductors
  • Classification of semiconductor
  • N type semiconductor
  • P type semiconductor
  • Doping of semiconductors
  • Semiconductor materials and band gap energy
  • P-n junction diode
  • Working of p-n junction diode
  • Photoelectric effect
  • Working of solar cell
  • Materials use in solar cell
  • Solar radiation and the solar spectrum
  • Historical evolution of solar cells
  • Advancements leading to the development of efficient photovoltaic cells
  • Pv cell types
  • Solar panel manufacturing technologies
  • Mono-si solar panels
  • Poly-si solar panels
  • Thin film solar panels
  • Comparison of si on the basis of crystallinity
  • Manufacturing of solar cell
  • Solar cell bus bar
  • Internal connection in solar cell
  • Characteristics of a solar cell
  • Effect of temperature on solar pv cell
  • Effect of light intensity on solar pv cell
  • Optical losses
  • Antireflective coatings
  • Recombination losses
  • Technique to reduce recombination
  • Manufacturing of solar panel
  • Construction of solar module
  • Selection criteria for solar panel
  • Components of a solar panel
  • Components of a solar panel: solar cell
  • Components of a solar panel: glass, frame and back sheet
  • Levelized cost of electricity (lcoe) for different pv technologies
  • Introduction to solar panel manufacturing
  • Manufacturing of solar module
  • Automation and robotics in solar panel production
  • Quality control and standards
  • Types of solar cells and its recent development
  • Monocrystalline solar cell
  • Recent development in monocrystalline solar cell
  • Polycrystalline solar cell
  • Recent development in polycrystalline solar cell
  • Amorphous silicon thin film solar cell
  • Recent development in amorphous silicon thin film solar cell
  • Cdtethin film solar cell
  • Recent development in cdtethin film solar cell
  • Nano crystal based solar cell
  • Recent development in nano crystal based solar cell
  • Polymer based solar cell
  • Recent development in polymer based solar cell
  • Pervoskite based solar cell
  • Recent development in pervoskite based solar cell
  • Dye sensitized solar cell
  • Recent development in dye sensitized solar cell
  • Cigs (copper indium gallium selenide) solar cell
  • Recent development in cigs (copper indium gallium selenide) solar cell
  • Organic solar cell
  • Recent development in organic solar cell
  • Concentrated solar cell
  • Recent development in concentrated solar cell
  • Tandem solar cell
  • Recent development in tandem solar cell
  • Half cut solar cell
  • Recent development in half cut solar cell
  • Bifacial solar cell
  • Recent development in bifacial solar cell
  • Efficiency and cost considerations comparison for crystalline si solar cell
  • Efficiency and cost consideration comparison for thin film perovskite solar cell
  • Efficiency & cost consideration for organic, bifacial & concentrated solar cell
  • Nanotechnology in solar panel manufacturing
  • Strategies for maximizing sunlight absorption in solar cell
  • Tandem solar cells: combining multiple technologies
  • Two-junction tandem solar cells
  • Triple-junction tandem solar cells
  • Four-junction tandem solar cells
  • Perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells
  • Organic-inorganic tandem solar cells
  • Quantum dot tandem solar cells
  • Cigs-czts/cgs tandem solar cells
  • Advantages of tandem solar cells in boosting efficiency
  • Impact on overall energy yield in different conditions
  • Technological innovations to maximize tandem cell performance
  • Recent advancement in solar panel manufacturing and plant development
  • Iot integration in solar panel systems
  • Smart grids and energy management
  • Machine learning and artificial intelligence in solar energy
  • Environmental and weather adaptations
  • Challenges in smart solar technologies
  • Opportunities for innovation and overcoming barriers
  • Advancements in smart solar technologies
  • Regulatory and policy considerations
  • Life cycle assessment in solar panel manufacturing
  • Environmental impact of solar panel manufacturing
  • Key stages in the life cycle
  • Identifying key stages with the highest environmental impact
  • Mitigation strategies
  • Technological innovations for sustainability
  • Recycling and reuse of materials in solar panel production
  • Innovations in water and energy efficiency
  • Design principles for recyclability
  • Advanced manufacturing techniques of solar panels
  • Inkjet printing of solar cells
  • Screen printing of solar cells
  • Gravure printing of solar cells
  • Chemical vapor deposition (cvd)
  • Physical vapor deposition (pvd)
  • Atomic layer deposition (ald)
  • 3d printing applications in solar panel production
  • Industry 4.0 in solar manufacturing
  • Global manufacturing hubs in solar industry
  • Show more
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Syllabus

Introduction to Solar Photovoltaics Cell
Introduction to Semiconductors
Classification of Semiconductor
N Type Semiconductor
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores the recent developments in various solar cell technologies, which is highly relevant for electrical engineers working in renewable energy
Covers semiconductor materials and band gap energy, which are fundamental concepts for materials scientists working on solar cell development
Details solar panel manufacturing technologies, automation, and quality control, which are essential for manufacturing engineers in the solar industry
Discusses the life cycle assessment and environmental impact of solar panel manufacturing, which is relevant for environmental scientists and sustainability professionals
Begins with an introduction to semiconductors and P-N junction diodes, which builds a strong foundation for understanding solar cell technology
Examines levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for different PV technologies, which is a key economic consideration for professionals in the solar industry

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive overview of advanced solar pv tech

According to learners, this course offers a largely positive exploration of Advanced Solar Panel Technologies. Students highlight the comprehensive coverage, particularly the modules on recent developments in areas like perovskites, tandem cells, and the inclusion of IoT integration and life cycle assessment. Many found the material relevant and the explanations clear, especially for those with a prior technical background. However, some reviews indicate a warning regarding the course's depth, suggesting it functions more as a broad survey rather than a deep dive, with some topics feeling basic or lacking mathematical rigor expected from an 'Advanced' level. Despite this, the course is seen as well-structured and valuable for updating knowledge in the field.
Students recommend having a technical background.
"...although a background in semiconductors is definitely helpful."
"Requires a solid foundation."
"Perfect for someone with an engineering or physics background looking to specialize in solar PV."
"Requires prior knowledge."
Explanations by the instructor were often clear.
"The instructor explains complex concepts clearly..."
"I found the explanations of efficiency limits and loss mechanisms very valuable."
"The instructor's passion for the subject comes through."
"Instructor is knowledgeable."
Includes practical aspects like manufacturing and cost.
"The manufacturing processes section was also very detailed."
"The levelized cost of electricity part was a good addition, providing real-world context."
"The manufacturing techniques segments were surprisingly detailed."
"appreciated the inclusion of topics like life cycle assessment and regulatory considerations..."
"The coverage of manufacturing and economic factors provides a holistic view."
Course covers a wide range of relevant topics.
"This course provides an excellent overview of the latest advancements in solar panel technology."
"Good course covering a wide range of topics."
"Absolutely fantastic course! It's truly 'Advanced' and delves into cutting-edge areas like organic and quantum dot solar cells."
"A comprehensive course that touches on nearly every aspect of advanced solar tech."
"Truly advanced and comprehensive! Covered everything from semiconductor basics to cutting-edge research and market factors."
Content includes the latest research and industry trends.
"The sections on perovskites and tandem cells were particularly insightful."
"The modules on different solar cell types and their recent developments were very useful."
"delves into cutting-edge areas like organic and quantum dot solar cells."
"The updates on recent research and industry trends are a highlight."
"The tandem and perovskite cell modules were particularly interesting and up-to-date."
Could benefit from more hands-on examples or rigor.
"Could use more hands-on examples or case studies, but overall solid."
"Needs more mathematical rigor and practical problem-solving."
"While mostly theoretical, it provides a strong conceptual understanding..."
Covers many topics, but some lack sufficient depth.
"The course covers a lot of ground, maybe too much. While the breadth is good, I felt some topics weren't covered in enough depth..."
"Disappointing for an 'Advanced' course... When it gets to the 'advanced' parts, it's often just a brief description."
"It's okay. Covers a lot, but the depth is inconsistent."
"Useful as a broad survey, but don't expect deep dives into every topic."
"Felt like it was trying to be too many things at once."

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 Advanced Solar Panel Technologies with these activities:
Review Semiconductor Fundamentals
Reinforce your understanding of semiconductor physics and materials science, which are foundational to understanding solar cell operation.
Browse courses on Semiconductor Physics
Show steps
  • Review basic semiconductor concepts.
  • Study the properties of silicon.
  • Understand doping and carrier transport.
Review 'Photovoltaic Systems Engineering' by Messenger and Ventre
Gain a deeper understanding of the practical aspects of solar panel technology and system integration.
View Melania on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book.
  • Focus on chapters related to system design and performance.
  • Work through example problems and case studies.
Review 'Solar Energy Engineering' by Yen
Gain a broader understanding of solar energy systems and the engineering principles behind solar panel design and operation.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book.
  • Read the chapters on photovoltaics.
  • Take notes on key concepts and equations.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Follow Online Tutorials on Solar Panel Manufacturing
Enhance your understanding of solar panel manufacturing processes by following online tutorials and demonstrations.
Show steps
  • Search for reputable online tutorials on solar panel manufacturing.
  • Follow the tutorials step-by-step.
  • Take notes on key processes and techniques.
Simulate Solar Cell Performance
Apply your knowledge by simulating the performance of different solar cell types under varying conditions.
Show steps
  • Choose a simulation software (e.g., PVsyst, MATLAB).
  • Model a specific solar cell type.
  • Analyze the impact of temperature and light intensity.
  • Compare simulation results with real-world data.
Create a Presentation on Tandem Solar Cells
Deepen your understanding of tandem solar cells by researching and presenting on their design, advantages, and challenges.
Show steps
  • Research different tandem solar cell technologies.
  • Prepare slides with key information and visuals.
  • Practice your presentation.
  • Present your findings to peers or colleagues.
Design a Solar Panel Recycling Process Flowchart
Solidify your understanding of the environmental impact of solar panels by designing a recycling process flowchart.
Show steps
  • Research current solar panel recycling methods.
  • Identify key steps in the recycling process.
  • Create a flowchart illustrating the process.
  • Include information on material recovery and waste disposal.

Career center

Learners who complete Advanced Solar Panel Technologies will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Solar Panel Technician
A Solar Panel Technician installs, maintains, and repairs solar panels, and this course provides a strong foundation for excelling in this role. Technicians need a comprehensive understanding of solar cell technology, panel manufacturing, and the impact of environmental factors. This course delves into semiconductor principles, different solar cell types like monocrystalline and polycrystalline, and manufacturing processes, all directly applicable to the daily tasks of a solar panel technician. Furthermore, the course covers quality control and standards, crucial for ensuring optimal panel performance and longevity. The course may be particularly useful for those looking to enhance their troubleshooting and maintenance abilities.
Renewable Energy Engineer
Renewable Energy Engineers design, develop, and test renewable energy systems, and this course helps build a strong foundation for specializing in solar energy. This course's exploration of various solar cell technologies, including thin-film, perovskite, and tandem cells, helps engineers stay at the forefront of innovation. The sessions on maximizing sunlight absorption, nanotechnology in manufacturing, and advanced techniques like chemical vapor deposition (CVD) give engineers a competitive edge. A Renewable Energy Engineer also benefits from the course via learning about life cycle assessment, environmental impact mitigation, and recycling, crucial considerations for sustainable system design.
Solar Energy Consultant
Solar Energy Consultants advise clients on the feasibility, design, and implementation of solar energy solutions. This course introduces the core knowledge needed to assess solar technologies and their applications. The consultant benefits from studying the course's discussions of levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), efficiency comparisons across different cell types, and regulatory considerations. Consultants are often required to understand the technical aspects of solar panel manufacturing, including automation, quality control, and recent advancements covered in the course, enabling them to provide accurate and informed recommendations to their clients. Furthermore, the consultant can use the information about IoT integration to give advice about smart technologies.
Research Scientist
Research Scientists design and conduct experiments to advance scientific knowledge. Research scientists can use the course to research new materials, technologies, and methodologies for solar cells. The course's material on nanotechnology, tandem solar cells, and emerging material solar cells helps research scientists find new innovations. This knowledge will allow them to improve solar arrays and systems going forward.
Semiconductor Manufacturing Engineer
Semiconductor Manufacturing Engineers focus on optimizing the processes involved in producing semiconductor devices, which includes solar cells. This course provides relevant knowledge regarding semiconductor classification, doping, and P-N junction diode operation. Engineers will understand how these fundamentals translate into efficient solar panel manufacturing. They can also use the information about thin films, nanocrystals, and polymer based cells to understand design trade-offs. The course details various manufacturing techniques like inkjet printing, chemical vapor deposition, and physical vapor deposition, which may be invaluable for an engineer seeking to improve production yields and device performance.
Manufacturing Supervisor
Manufacturing Supervisors oversee production processes and ensure efficiency and quality in manufacturing facilities. This course gives supervisors key insights into solar panel manufacturing technologies, automation and robotics, and quality control standards. The course introduces supervisors to panel construction, material selection, and advanced manufacturing techniques. Learning about Industry 4.0 applications in solar manufacturing helps supervisors optimize production processes and maintain high standards, while understanding global manufacturing hubs provides them with a broader industry perspective.
Sustainability Specialist
Sustainability Specialists promote environmentally responsible practices within organizations. The course may provide valuable information for a specialist focused on renewable energy adoption. They can use the information about the life cycle assessment of solar panels, environmental impact mitigation strategies, and recycling/reuse of materials to inform their sustainability initiatives. A Sustainability Specialist leverages the course's insights into water and energy efficiency, design principles for recyclability, and technological innovations for sustainability to develop and implement effective strategies for reducing an organization's environmental footprint. The course may be beneficial for a Sustainability Specialist.
Product Manager
Product Managers guide the development and launch of new products. A product manager can utilize this work to guide solar panel products through their life cycle. The course introduces product managers to the various solar cell technologies, manufacturing processes, and recent developments in the industry. This information assists them in making informed decisions about product features, market positioning, and competitive strategies.
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineers design, develop, and test electrical equipment and systems. With the increasing demand for renewable energy solutions, electrical engineers often work on projects involving solar power. This course gives a great introduction to the function, design, and materials of solar cells. An Electrical Engineer can use their learning to help in the design, development, and testing of renewable energy systems.
Energy Policy Analyst
Energy Policy Analysts research and analyze energy-related issues to inform government regulations and policies. This course gives analysts a strong understanding of solar panel manufacturing lifecycle assessments, which helps them in creating informed and effective energy policies. The course's information about solar panel components, manufacturing processes, and levelized cost of electricity allows analysts to evaluate the economic and environmental impacts of solar energy. The course might be helpful for analysts.
Solar Panel Sales Representative
Solar Panel Sales Representatives market and sell solar panels to residential, commercial, or industrial clients. The course gives sales representatives a strong understanding of different solar cell technologies, manufacturing processes, and recent developments in the industry. The course might be helpful in conveying technical information to potential clients, addressing their concerns, and highlighting the advantages of different solar panel options.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineers develop solutions to environmental problems using engineering principles. This course may give engineers a better understanding of solar panel manufacturing lifecycle assessment, helping them assess and mitigate any environmental impacts. This course might be beneficial for helping engineers develop solutions for energy and the environment.
Project Engineer
Project engineers oversee the technical aspects of engineering projects. This course could provide knowledge about solar panel installation, manufacturing, and functionality. The course might be helpful in understanding the role of engineering in bringing a project to fruition.
Facilities Manager
Facilities Managers are responsible for the efficient operation and maintenance of buildings and facilities. This course may give facilities managers a better understanding of solar panel technology. Facilities Managers can use this knowledge to help the organization be more sustainable.
Investment Analyst
Investment Analysts evaluate investment opportunities and provide recommendations to investors. This course may help investment analysts who are interested in green technologies and renewable energy. The course may be helpful for analysts who want exposure to new and emerging technologies.

Reading list

We've selected two 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 Advanced Solar Panel Technologies.
Provides a comprehensive overview of solar energy technologies, including photovoltaics. It covers the fundamentals of solar radiation, solar cell operation, and solar panel design. It useful reference for understanding the engineering aspects of solar energy systems. This book provides additional depth to the course.

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