4.5

stars

18 ratings

Rasmus Nielsen +1 more instructor

Offered By

Photovoltaic Systems

Technical University of Denmark (DTU)

About this Course

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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.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

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Flexible deadlines

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Intermediate Level

B.Sc. in the field of engineering or a few years of industrial experience from the energy sector

Approx. 12 hours to complete

English

Subtitles: English

What you will learn

Photovoltaic Energy Conversion

Modelling of the Solar Resource

Photovoltaic System Design and Energy Yield Simulations

Photovoltaic System Components

Skills you will gain

Renewable EnergyPhotovoltaicsEnergy Yield SimulationsThe Solar ResourcePV system design

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Intermediate Level

B.Sc. in the field of engineering or a few years of industrial experience from the energy sector

Approx. 12 hours to complete

English

Subtitles: English

Instructors

Instructor rating

4.4/5 (10 Ratings)

Rasmus Nielsen

M.Sc.Eng. Solar Energy

DTU Energy

1,333 Learners

1 Course

Sune Thorsteinsson

M.Sc. Physics

DTU Fotonik

1,333 Learners

1 Course

Offered by

Technical University of Denmark (DTU)

DTU focuses on research in technical and natural sciences that contributes to the development of society. As an industrially orientated university, our goal is to supply high-level international research based on combining theory with constructing models and empirical methods.

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Week

Week 1

1 hour to complete

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.

1 hour to complete

4 videos (Total 31 min)

Week

Week 2

1 hour to complete

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.

1 hour to complete

5 videos (Total 37 min)

Week

Week 3

3 hours to complete

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.

3 hours to complete

8 videos (Total 107 min)

8 videos

Formation of Solids and Electronic Band Structures10m

Light Absorption and the Photovoltaic Effect17m

Recombination and Transport of Charge Carriers17m

Doping of Semiconductors and pn-Junctions14m

Working principles of Solar Cells15m

Introduction: The IV-curve11m

The Maximum Power Point7m

The Non-ideal Diode Equation13m

3 practice exercises

Intrinsic Semiconductors30m

The Working Principle of Solar Cells30m

The IV-curve30m

Week

Week 4

3 hours to complete

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.

3 hours to complete

8 videos (Total 71 min)

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, Coursera provides financial aid to learners who cannot afford the fee. Apply for it by clicking on the Financial Aid link beneath the "Enroll" button on the left. You’ll be prompted to complete an application and will be notified if you are approved. Learn more.
Will I earn university credit for completing the Course?
This Course doesn't carry university credit, but some universities may choose to accept Course Certificates for credit. Check with your institution to learn more. Online Degrees and Mastertrack™ Certificates on Coursera provide the opportunity to earn university credit.

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Photovoltaic Systems

Photovoltaic Systems