Photovoltaic solar energy from Coursera

The course is an introduction to the photovoltaic (PV) applications in the general mix energetic context dominated by climate warming mitigation.

The various uses of solar energy are firstly presented before a short description of the principle of the direct solar photon conversion into electricity (PV).

The various PV technologies are reviewed in the current context dominated by crystalline silicon cells. The perspectives of the various technologies are then analysed in terms of R&D investments.

From a more scientific point of view the basis of the solar cell operation is presented from the solar spectrum characteristics. The fundamentals of PV conversion are summarized. In particular the various sources of the conversion efficiency limitations are reviewed.

The solar PV systems, from cells to grids, are also addressed, with a particular emphasis on the challenges of grid-integration of PV and the development of storage technologies.

The environmental and social impacts of PV are compared to the competing energy sources. Generally PV is at advantage as referred to other fossil or renewable sources.

Finally the fast evolution of economics and financing of PV is presented together with the current key players, mostly Asian companies.

What's inside

Syllabus

Photovoltaic Solar Energy

General presentation of the solar energy and the photovoltaic cell technologies in the global context energetics

SOLAR CELL OPERATION

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Navigates the principles of photovoltaic applications in the context of climate change mitigation

Led by instructors Pr. Bernard Drevillon and Erik Johnson

Explores the scientific foundations of solar cell operations, efficiency limitations, and system integration challenges

Covers the economics and financing of photovoltaic (PV) systems, including key players in the industry

Reviews various PV technologies, their perspectives, and R&D investments

Compares the environmental and social impacts of PV to other energy sources, highlighting its advantages

Reviews summary

Insightful introduction to solar pv energy

According to learners, this course offers a largely positive overview of photovoltaic solar energy. Students appreciate the clarity of the lectures and the comprehensive coverage of topics ranging from the fundamentals of PV cell operation to the economics and grid integration challenges. Many find it a very good introductory course providing a solid foundation in the subject. The course is seen as highly relevant given the global context of climate change. While some reviewers found the pace slightly fast in certain sections, the overall feedback indicates it's a valuable learning experience for those new to the field.

Builds a strong base for further study.

"This course gave me a solid base upon which I feel I can pursue more specialized topics in solar energy."

"It provides enough detail to understand the core principles without getting lost in excessive complexity."

"I now have a good understanding of how PV works and its place in the energy landscape."

"An excellent starting point for anyone interested in renewable energy technologies."

Content is up-to-date and relevant.

"The course content feels current and addresses the most important aspects of PV today, including grid challenges and economics."

"Given the focus on climate change mitigation, the relevance of this course is very high."

"Discussing current technologies and market trends made the course highly practical."

"It covers the key players and the fast evolution of the industry."

Lectures are easy to follow and well-explained.

"The instructor explains everything in a very clear and understandable way, making complex topics accessible."

"I appreciated the clarity of the video lectures. They were well-structured and easy to follow."

"The explanations were concise and to the point, which helped me grasp the concepts quickly."

"The lectures were engaging and kept my interest throughout the course."

Provides a thorough foundation in solar PV.

"This course provides a very good introductory overview of photovoltaic solar energy, covering a wide range of relevant topics."

"I found the course to be a comprehensive introduction to the subject matter. It covered the basics effectively."

"This is a great course for beginners who want to understand the fundamentals and broader context of solar energy."

"Covers topics from the physics of cells to economics and grid integration, giving a full picture."

Some sections move quickly for beginners.

"While generally clear, some parts of the course felt a bit rushed, especially the more technical sections."

"I sometimes needed to rewatch lectures because the pace was a little fast for me as a complete beginner."

"A few modules could benefit from a slightly slower pace or more detailed examples."

"Might require some prior background knowledge to keep up easily with every part."

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 Photovoltaic solar energy with these activities:

Review Physics

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Review physics concepts to strengthen foundation for photovoltaic applications

Browse courses on Physics

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Go over your notes from previous physics courses
Practice solving physics problems
Take a practice quiz or exam

Read Solar Cells and their Applications

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Review a foundational book to deepen understanding of solar cell technologies and applications

View Solar Cells and Their Applications (Wiley... on Amazon

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Read the book's introduction and first few chapters
Take notes and highlight important concepts
Complete any end-of-chapter exercises or questions

Learn about Solar Cell Operation

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Follow tutorials to gain a deeper understanding of the principles of solar cell operation

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Find tutorials on solar cell operation
Watch the tutorials and take notes
Complete any practice exercises or quizzes

Three other activities

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Join a Study Group for Photovoltaics

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Join a study group to collaborate with peers, discuss concepts, and reinforce learning

Browse courses on Solar Energy

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Find a study group or create your own
Meet regularly with your study group
Review course materials together
Discuss concepts and ask questions

Volunteer at a Solar Energy Organization

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Volunteer to gain practical experience and connect with professionals in the solar energy field

Browse courses on Solar Energy

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Find a solar energy organization to volunteer for
Contact the organization and express your interest in volunteering
Attend volunteer training and orientation
Participate in volunteer activities

Solve Photovoltaic System Design Problems

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Practice designing photovoltaic systems to apply knowledge and improve problem-solving skills

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Find practice problems or design challenges
Solve the problems or complete the design challenges
Check your answers and learn from your mistakes

Career center

Learners who complete Photovoltaic solar energy will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Photovoltaic Engineer

The course Photovoltaic Solar Energy offers a thorough introduction to the principles of solar energy conversion and the operation of solar cells. This knowledge is fundamental for Photovoltaic Engineers, who design, develop, and test photovoltaic systems. The course provides a strong foundation in the physics of solar cells, including the various sources of conversion efficiency limitations. It also covers the economics and financing of PV, which is essential for Photovoltaic Engineers who need to make informed decisions about the viability of PV projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Photovoltaic Engineer

Solar Panel Installer

The course Photovoltaic Solar Energy provides a comprehensive overview of the solar photovoltaic (PV) industry, including the various PV technologies, system design, and installation procedures. This knowledge is essential for Solar Panel Installers, who are responsible for the safe and efficient installation of PV systems. The course also covers the environmental and social impacts of PV, which is important for Solar Panel Installers who want to understand the sustainability of the PV industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solar Panel Installer

Solar Energy Researcher

The course Photovoltaic Solar Energy provides a solid grounding in the fundamentals of solar energy conversion and the operation of solar cells. This knowledge is essential for Solar Energy Researchers, who conduct research and development on new and improved PV technologies. The course covers the basis of the solar cell operation from the solar spectrum characteristics and summarizes the fundamentals of PV conversion. It also discusses the challenges of grid-integration of PV and the development of storage technologies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solar Energy Researcher

Renewable Energy Consultant

The course Photovoltaic Solar Energy provides a comprehensive overview of the photovoltaic (PV) industry, including the various PV technologies, system design, and installation procedures. This knowledge is helpful for Renewable Energy Consultants, who advise clients on the feasibility and benefits of PV systems. The course also covers the environmental and social impacts of PV, which is important for Renewable Energy Consultants who want to understand the sustainability of the PV industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Renewable Energy Consultant

Sustainability Manager

The course Photovoltaic Solar Energy provides a comprehensive overview of the photovoltaic (PV) industry, including the various PV technologies, system design, and installation procedures. This knowledge is helpful for Sustainability Managers, who are responsible for developing and implementing sustainability initiatives within organizations. The course also covers the environmental and social impacts of PV, which is essential for Sustainability Managers who want to understand the sustainability of the PV industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Electrical Engineer

The course Photovoltaic Solar Energy covers the design and operation of photovoltaic systems, including the various PV technologies, system design, and installation procedures. This knowledge is helpful for Electrical Engineers, who are responsible for the design and installation of electrical systems. The course also covers the challenges of grid-integration of PV and the development of storage technologies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer

Mechanical Engineer

The course Photovoltaic Solar Energy covers the design and installation of photovoltaic systems, including the various PV technologies, system design, and installation procedures. This knowledge is helpful for Mechanical Engineers, who are responsible for the design and installation of mechanical systems. The course also covers the challenges of grid-integration of PV and the development of storage technologies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

Chemist

The course Photovoltaic Solar Energy covers the fundamentals of solar energy conversion and the operation of solar cells, including the solar spectrum characteristics and the fundamentals of PV conversion. This knowledge is helpful for Chemists, who are responsible for the development and testing of new materials for PV technologies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chemist

Physicist

The course Photovoltaic Solar Energy covers the fundamentals of solar energy conversion and the operation of solar cells, including the solar spectrum characteristics and the fundamentals of PV conversion. This knowledge is helpful for Physicists, who are responsible for the development and testing of new materials for PV technologies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physicist

Materials Scientist

The course Photovoltaic Solar Energy covers the fundamentals of solar energy conversion and the operation of solar cells, including the solar spectrum characteristics and the fundamentals of PV conversion. This knowledge is helpful for Materials Scientists, who are responsible for the development and testing of new materials for PV technologies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Scientist

Environmental Scientist

The course Photovoltaic Solar Energy covers the environmental and social impacts of PV. This knowledge is helpful for Environmental Scientists, who are responsible for assessing the environmental impact of new technologies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Policy Analyst

The course Photovoltaic Solar Energy covers the environmental and social impacts of PV. This knowledge is helpful for Policy Analysts, who are responsible for developing and implementing policies that promote the use of renewable energy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst