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Photovoltaic solar energy

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.

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Rating 4.0★ based on 47 ratings
Length 4 weeks
Effort Typically 3 weeks with 2 hours per week
Starts Oct 31 (22 weeks ago)
Cost $49
From École Polytechnique, École Polytechnique via Coursera
Instructors Pr. Bernard Drevillon, Erik Johnson
Download Videos On all desktop and mobile devices
Language English
Subjects Engineering
Tags Physical Science And Engineering Electrical Engineering

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What people are saying

hard to understand

Hard to understand the pronunciation.

though to follow and to ansewer the quiz of week 1, it was a good course Good course, basics of Photovoltaics are well discussed pretty hard to understand the english....

Learned a lot in a very short time.One speaker has an extremely strong accent, sometimes hard to understand.

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solar energy

Online course on "Photovoltaic Solar Energy" is a good introductory course on Solar PV systems.

I wasted 1 week on this, A MOOC that is really technical and scientifical and that gives a lot of notions about solar energy and renewables energies in general.

very good

Some questions have problems and it needs more exercises More support to the students would have been appreciated interesting content very good This is a good introductory course on Photovoltaics, however, I believe much more explanation is required for the topics.

Assignment and tests are very good.

information regarding

www.seazen.fr I was looking for information regarding the environment impact of the PV installation and production.

Amazing every good Course has great content and many historical information regarding PV solar energy, providing a great kick-off for people who are starting to study this field.

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really good

5* Its a really good course.

But overall, it was a really good course.

Careers

An overview of related careers and their average salaries in the US. Bars indicate income percentile.

Solar Administrative Coordinator $34k

Solar Canvasser $52k

Solar PV Sales $54k

Community Solar Specialist $57k

Solar Technician $65k

Solar PV Instructor $70k

Various 3 $70k

PV Systems Engineer $103k

PV Sales Engineer $107k

Electrical PV Designer $109k

PV Project Manager $109k

Senior Solar PV Technologies Analyst and Engineer $113k

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Rating 4.0★ based on 47 ratings
Length 4 weeks
Effort Typically 3 weeks with 2 hours per week
Starts Oct 31 (22 weeks ago)
Cost $49
From École Polytechnique, École Polytechnique via Coursera
Instructors Pr. Bernard Drevillon, Erik Johnson
Download Videos On all desktop and mobile devices
Language English
Subjects Engineering
Tags Physical Science And Engineering Electrical Engineering

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