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.

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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

Advanced photovoltaic systems engineering

According to learners, this course offers a highly comprehensive and academically rigorous exploration of photovoltaic systems. Students say it provides a strong foundation for a career in PV, covering everything from nanoscale solar cell physics to the design and modeling of utility-scale solar farms. The curriculum is seen as highly relevant for engineers and master students in the energy industry, offering practical applications alongside deep theoretical understanding. While demanding, the estimated workload of 2-3 hours per section is considered manageable.

Estimated 2-3 hours per section, suitable for busy professionals.

"The estimated workload was accurate and allowed me to balance it with my job and other commitments."

"I found the modular structure with 2-3 hours per section very manageable for my schedule."

"The pacing worked well, enabling steady progress without being overwhelming."

Balances fundamental physics with practical system design and simulation.

"I particularly valued how the course integrated the underlying physics with real-world system design principles."

"It's not just theory; the course delves into how to design PV plants and carry out energy yield simulations."

"The blend of detailed physics and practical application makes this course stand out."

Offers a strong foundation for a career in photovoltaics and the energy sector.

"I feel well-prepared for a career in PV after completing this course."

"The insights into energy economics and O&M are highly relevant for industry professionals."

"This course gave me the essential basis to work in the expanding field of photovoltaics."

Designed for master students and engineers, requiring a solid technical background.

"This course is definitely geared towards those with a strong technical background in engineering."

"As an engineer, I found the content rigorous and perfectly pitched for professionals."

"It provides advanced knowledge, which is exactly what I was looking for as a master student in renewables."

Provides a thorough understanding from fundamentals to large-scale design.

"I gained a comprehensive understanding of PV systems, from cell physics to utility-scale project modeling."

"The course truly takes you from the nanoscale to the practical application of solar farms."

"I appreciated the breadth of topics, covering everything essential for the field, very well."

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.

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Career center

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

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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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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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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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 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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