Photovoltaic Systems from Coursera

This course offers you advanced knowledge within the field of photovoltaic system technology. We'll learn about the solar resource and how photovoltaic energy conversion is used to produce electric power. From this fundamental starting point we'll cover the design and fabrication of different solar cell and module technologies, the various photovoltaic system components, how to design a photovoltaic plant and carry out energy yield simulations, essentials in energy economics, O&M and reliability assessment, as well as the role of photovoltaic energy in sustainable energy systems.

This course is unique in that it takes you from the nanoscale physics of a solar cell to the modelling of a utility scale solar farm. The course is made up of 9 sections with an estimated workload of 2-3 hours each. The academic level is targeted at master students at technical universities and engineers from the energy industry. Passing this course offers you a great basis for a career in the field of photovoltaics.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Photovoltaics

These lectures serve as an introduction to the field of photovoltaics in general, which includes the most basic terminology, an overview of the history of PV as well as the industrial deployment of the technology.

The Solar Resource and Geometry

These lectures cover the physics of the solar resource as well as various irradiance models to calculate the optimal tilt angle necessary for maximizing PV power production.

Physics of Solar Cells

These lectures cover the physics necessary for understanding the working principles of solar cells, as well as an introduction to electrical characterization and modelling of photovoltaic devices.

Cell Interconnection and Module Design

These lectures cover the principles of cell interconnection and properties of various module components necessary for designing and fabricating photovoltaic modules. Optional content is provided dealing with the environmental variables impacting the performance of PV modules in the field.

PV Power Electronics

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops foundational PV science and technical principles; suitable for MS students & engineers starting in the field of photovoltaics

Excellent choice for engineers who want to build a career in the field of photovoltaics

Taught by instructors who are experts in the field of photovoltaic system technology

Provides comprehensive coverage of the topic, from fundamentals to advanced concepts

Reviews summary

Highly praised photovoltaics course

According to students, this engagingPhotovoltaic Systems course offers well prepared materials. Learners say that the informative course offers a great deal of technical detail in particular on solar semiconductors. A few reviews do mention that the challenging quizzes and some difficult to understand segments were the major drawbacks to their learning experience.

High Level of Technical Detail

"Very technical especially the Solar semiconductor technology, challenging but enjoyable"

"Highly informative, but still recommend to take beginner course before taking this."

"Rigorous and you will find that having a background in calculus / linear algebra and AP Physics equivalent will help a lot."

Mixed Instructor Quality

"Unfortunately, only two of the teachers have sufficient English proficiency. As for the others, they're hard to understand and that lowers the overall quality of the course."

"At times, some presenters are hard to follow due to the quality of recording and the density of the jargon used."

"in the middle of the course there are some quite technical issues and the teacher was very difficult to understand"

Difficult Quizzes

"Lecturers were clear, quizzes were hard but well prepared."

"The quizes were over the top difficult with questions not clearly explained in the video."

"Some of the exercises can take a whole day to crack but at the end its worth it."

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 Systems with these activities:

Photovoltaic System Design Discussion

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Engage with peers to discuss and exchange ideas on photovoltaic system design.

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Join a discussion group.
Present your design ideas.
Provide feedback to others.

Show all one activities

Career center

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

Photovoltaic Researcher

A photovoltaic specialist conducts research to improve the efficiency and performance of photovoltaic devices. This course is a perfect choice for researchers because it includes advanced knowledge in the field of photovoltaic system technology, covering everything from the solar resource itself to the physics of solar cells.

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Photovoltaic Engineer

A Photovoltaic Engineer creates, develops, and tests photovoltaic systems that convert the sun's energy into electricity. This course will prove useful for engineers in the field because it provides training in all aspects of photovoltaic design from the nanoscale physics of a single solar cell to the modeling of a utility-scale solar farm.

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Solar Project Developer

A Solar Project Developer manages the development of solar energy projects. This course provides an overview of the entire photovoltaic industry, as well as training in the design and fabrication of different solar cell and module technologies.

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Solar Designer

A Solar Designer creates designs for solar energy systems. This course would provide a great foundation in all aspects of photovoltaic design, from the nanoscale physics of a solar cell to the modeling of a utility-scale solar farm.

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Renewable Energy Engineer

A Renewable Energy Engineer designs and develops renewable energy systems. This course will be useful for renewable energy engineers because it provides advanced knowledge within the field of photovoltaic system technology.

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Solar Installer

A Solar Panel Installer installs and maintains solar panels. This course would provide the physics necessary for understanding the working principles of solar cells, as well as an introduction to electrical characterization and modeling of photovoltaic devices.

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Sustainability Consultant

A Sustainability Consultant advises businesses and organizations on how to reduce their environmental impact. This course would be helpful for sustainability consultants who want to learn more about the role of photovoltaic energy in sustainable energy systems.

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Energy Policy Analyst

An Energy Policy Analyst researches and analyzes energy policy issues. This course will prove useful for energy policy analysts because it provides an overview of the entire photovoltaic industry, as well as training in energy economics.

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Mechanical Engineer

A Mechanical Engineer designs, develops, and tests mechanical systems. This course may also be useful for mechanical engineers who want to specialize in the field of photovoltaics.

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Electrical Engineer

An Electrical Engineer designs, develops, and tests electrical systems. This course may be useful for electrical engineers who want to specialize in the field of photovoltaics.

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Project Manager

A Project Manager plans and executes projects. This course may be useful for project managers who are working on photovoltaic projects.

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Sales Engineer

A Sales Engineer sells technical products and services. This course may be useful for sales engineers who are selling photovoltaic systems.

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Energy Manager

An Energy Manager plans and implements energy efficiency programs. This course may be useful for energy managers who want to learn more about the role of photovoltaic energy in sustainable energy systems.

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Technical Writer

A Technical Writer creates technical documentation. This course may be useful for technical writers who need to write about photovoltaic systems.

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Teacher

A Teacher educates students. This course would be perfect for teachers who want to teach about photovoltaic energy. It provides training in all aspects of photovoltaic design, from the nanoscale physics of a single solar cell to the modeling of a utility-scale solar farm.

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