Solar Energy 2 from edX

In the second course of the Solar Energy program, you will apply the design rules for a solar cell, mastered in the first course, on various photovoltaic (PV) technologies from cell up to module level.

You will be introduced to crystalline silicon, the leading technology on the market. We will cover the manufacturing process from sand to cell and from cell to module, as well as high-efficiency concepts.

You will also be familiarized with thin-film PV technologies, which are an alternative to crystalline silicon technology (III-V semiconductor materials, thin-film silicon, and chalcogenides like CdTe and CIGS, organics and perovskites materials will be covered.) The device architectures and processing methods of the PV technologies will be reviewed as well as novel future concepts for going beyond the conventional limits.

Finally, various metrics will be applied to compare different PV technologies. These are related to performance, costs, reliability and you will be able to evaluate the advantages and limitations of different PV technologies and their applications.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Understand the manufacturing process and the design rules of crystalline silicon and other pv technologies
Analyze the performance of solar cells and modules

Recognize and describe the various photovoltaic technologies and evaluate their applicability
Use various metrics related to performance, costs, reliability and circularity to evaluate the advantages and the limitations of different pv technologies

Understand the manufacturing process and the design rules of crystalline silicon and other pv technologies
Analyze the performance of solar cells and modules
Recognize and describe the various photovoltaic technologies and evaluate their applicability
Use various metrics related to performance, costs, reliability and circularity to evaluate the advantages and the limitations of different pv technologies

Syllabus

Week 1

Crystalline Silicon

Week 2

Thin-Film PV technologies 1

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Students interested in progressing in the solar energy sector or freshers wishing to enter

Students who have a background in the subject or are interested in material sciences

Students pursuing engineering streams may also find this course beneficial

Reviews summary

Advanced photovoltaic technologies deep dive

According to students, "Solar Energy 2" is a highly comprehensive and in-depth exploration of photovoltaic (PV) technologies, building seamlessly on foundational concepts. Learners consistently highlight the course's relevance for professionals and researchers, praising its detailed coverage of crystalline silicon manufacturing, various thin-film PV technologies (including emerging materials like perovskites), and valuable comparison metrics related to performance and costs. While many find the lectures clear and the material up-to-date, a notable few cautioned that the course has a high technical depth and assumes significant prior knowledge, making it less suitable for beginners. Some also suggested more real-world case studies or updated visuals. Despite minor suggestions for improvement, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive.

Highly relevant for careers in the solar energy sector.

"I found the final week on comparing technologies very practical for my work. This course is a gem for professionals."

"The comparison criteria for different PV technologies are particularly valuable."

"The information provided is highly relevant for professionals. It builds perfectly on the foundations laid in the first course, adding significant depth."

"I learned how to use practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work in PV."

Provides a thorough understanding of diverse PV technologies.

"The depth on crystalline silicon manufacturing and the detailed comparisons of thin-film technologies like CdTe and CIGS were particularly insightful."

"Absolutely essential for understanding modern PV. The coverage of manufacturing processes from sand to module was thorough..."

"An indispensable course if you are working in the solar industry or pursuing research. The depth is remarkable, covering everything from silicon to perovskites..."

"I learned a lot about different PV types and their pros and cons. The detailed breakdown of various thin-film technologies was impressive."

Some materials could benefit from refreshed examples or visuals.

"Some of the older video segments felt a bit dated."

"I think some diagrams could be clearer and perhaps more hands-on simulations would enhance the learning experience."

"I would have liked more recent case studies or industry trends, but the core technical content is solid."

"Some lectures could benefit from updated visuals or animations."

Challenging for beginners, best with strong technical background.

"I found the pacing too fast, and I felt lost in the technical jargon in the thin-film sections."

"I struggled with this course. It assumed too much prior knowledge, even from 'Solar Energy 1'."

"It's definitely for someone with a strong engineering background, not a casual learner."

"The technical depth is high, which is great for specialists but might overwhelm others. It's a niche course, but a good one."

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 2 with these activities:

Review Applied Physics

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Review prior knowledge of physics concepts to reinforce foundational understanding and prepare for the course.

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Review notes and textbooks from previous physics courses.
Solve practice problems related to applied physics concepts.
Identify areas where further review is needed and focus on those topics.

Show all one activities

Career center

Learners who complete Solar Energy 2 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Solar Energy Researcher

A Solar Energy Researcher conducts research on solar energy technologies. This course may be useful for this role, as it provides an understanding of the different photovoltaic technologies and their potential applications. This knowledge can help Solar Energy Researchers to develop new and innovative solar energy technologies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solar Energy Researcher

Semiconductor Device Engineer

A Semiconductor Device Engineer designs, develops, and tests semiconductor devices, including solar cells. This course may be useful for this role, as it provides an understanding of the manufacturing process and design rules of crystalline silicon and other photovoltaic technologies. This knowledge can help Semiconductor Device Engineers to develop more efficient and cost-effective solar cells.

See salaries and explore the career path for Semiconductor Device Engineer

Chemical Engineer

A Chemical Engineer designs and develops chemical processes, including processes used in the manufacture of solar cells. This course may be useful for this role, as it provides an understanding of the manufacturing process and design rules of crystalline silicon and other photovoltaic technologies. This knowledge can help Chemical Engineers to develop more efficient and cost-effective processes for the manufacture of solar cells.

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Materials Scientist

A Materials Scientist researches and develops new materials, including materials used in solar cells. This course may be useful for this role, as it provides an understanding of the different photovoltaic technologies and their potential applications. This knowledge can help Materials Scientists to develop new materials that improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of solar cells.

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Optical Engineer

An Optical Engineer designs and develops optical systems, including systems used in solar cells. This course may be useful for this role, as it provides an understanding of the different photovoltaic technologies and their potential applications. This knowledge can help Optical Engineers to design and develop optical systems that improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of solar cells.

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Electrical Engineer

An Electrical Engineer designs and develops electrical systems, including systems used in solar cells. This course may be useful for this role, as it provides an understanding of the different photovoltaic technologies and their potential applications. This knowledge can help Electrical Engineers to design and develop electrical systems that improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of solar cells.

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Renewable Energy Project Manager

A Renewable Energy Project Manager plans, coordinates, and manages the development of renewable energy projects. This course may be useful for this role, as it provides an understanding of the different photovoltaic technologies and their applications. This knowledge can help Renewable Energy Project Managers to develop and manage solar energy projects that are efficient and cost-effective.

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Mechanical Engineer

A Mechanical Engineer designs and develops mechanical systems, including systems used in solar cells. This course may be useful for this role, as it provides an understanding of the different photovoltaic technologies and their potential applications. This knowledge can help Mechanical Engineers to design and develop mechanical systems that improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of solar cells.

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Solar Cell Engineer

A Solar Cell Engineer designs, develops, and tests solar cells and modules. This course may be useful for this role, as it provides an understanding of the manufacturing process and design rules of crystalline silicon and other photovoltaic technologies. This knowledge can help Solar Cell Engineers to develop more efficient and cost-effective solar cells and modules.

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Solar Energy Policy Analyst

A Solar Energy Policy Analyst analyzes and develops policies related to solar energy. This course may be useful for this role, as it provides an understanding of the different photovoltaic technologies and their applications. This knowledge can help Solar Energy Policy Analysts to develop policies that promote the development and use of solar energy.

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Environmental Engineer

An Environmental Engineer designs and develops solutions to environmental problems, including problems related to the use of solar energy. This course may be useful for this role, as it provides an understanding of the different photovoltaic technologies and their potential environmental impacts. This knowledge can help Environmental Engineers to develop solutions that minimize the environmental impacts of solar energy.

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Solar Energy Consultant

A Solar Energy Consultant provides advice to clients on the design, installation, and maintenance of solar energy systems. This course may be useful for this role, as it provides an understanding of the different photovoltaic technologies and their applications. This knowledge can help Solar Energy Consultants to provide their clients with the best possible advice.

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Sustainability Manager

A Sustainability Manager develops and implements sustainability policies and programs. This course may be useful for this role, as it provides an understanding of the different photovoltaic technologies and their potential environmental impacts. This knowledge can help Sustainability Managers to develop and implement sustainability policies and programs that promote the use of solar energy.

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Energy Analyst

An Energy Analyst analyzes the production, distribution, and consumption of energy. This course may be useful for this role, as it provides an understanding of the different photovoltaic technologies and their potential applications. This knowledge can help Energy Analysts to analyze the role of solar energy in the energy mix.

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Solar Panel Installer

A Solar Panel Installer installs and maintains solar panels. This course may be useful for this role, as it provides an understanding of the different photovoltaic technologies and their advantages and limitations. This knowledge can help Solar Panel Installers to choose the right solar panels for a particular application and to install them correctly.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solar Panel Installer