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

Description of the solar Spectrum and brief presentation of solar cell and solar module operations

SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS

Survey of the economics of the Photovoltaic industry. Social impacts, storage and grid integration of the PV energy.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, 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

Positive reviews of photovoltaic solar course

Learners say this course provides a good overview of photovoltaic solar energy with engaging assignments. The course starts with a good introduction of the basic concepts of solar energy and then delves into the technical aspects of solar panels. The course is well-paced, and the quizzes at the end of each module help to reinforce the concepts learned. Overall, learners found this course to be informative and useful for their understanding of solar energy.

Learners say this course is well-paced and easy to follow.

"The course is well-paced, and the quizzes at the end of each module help to reinforce the concepts learned."

The course has engaging assignments that help to reinforce the concepts learned.

"Learners say this course provides a good overview of photovoltaic solar energy with good assignments."

"The quizzes at the end of each module help to reinforce the concepts learned."

This course provides a good overview of photovoltaic solar energy, starting with the basics and then moving on to the more technical aspects.

"Learners say this course provides a good overview of photovoltaic solar energy..."

"The course starts with a good introduction of the basic concepts of solar energy and then delves into the technical aspects of solar panels."

Learners say this course is informative and helpful for their understanding of solar energy.

"Learners say this course provides a good overview of photovoltaic solar energy with good assignments."

"Overall, learners found this course to be informative and useful for their understanding of solar energy."

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

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

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

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