4.2
stars
63 ratings

Pr. Bernard Drevillon +1 more instructor

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Physics of silicon solar cells

École Polytechnique

About this Course

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The first MOOC “Photovoltaic solar energy” is a general presentation of the solar photovoltaics technologies in the global energetic context, without extensive details. In particular the description of the solar cell operation is restricted to the ideal case 
In contrast this second MOOC allows a deep understanding of the properties of solar cells based on crystalline semiconductors. It consists in a general presentation of the physics of the photovoltaics devices with a particular emphasize on the silicon technology that currently represents more than 90% share of the market. Photovoltaic applications of III-V semiconductors are also mentioned. 
Indeed from a fundamental point of view, a solar cell can be considered as a semiconductor device (a diode) exposed to the sunlight. An introduction to the semiconductor physics is given, followed by the electron transport phenomena in a diode device. A detailed description of the solar cell operation is then provided, including the conversion efficiency limitations. A description of the solar spectrum and the optical properties of the cells are also presented. Finally the crystalline silicon technology is described from the bulk crystalline growth up to the preparation of heterojunctions combining crystalline and amorphous materials.

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Coursera Labs

Includes hands on learning projects.

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Approx. 13 hours to complete

English

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Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Coursera Labs

Includes hands on learning projects.

Learn more about Coursera Labs

Approx. 13 hours to complete

English

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Instructors

Instructor rating

4.05/5 (17 Ratings)

Pr. Bernard Drevillon

Professor at Ecole polytechnique

Former Director of the Thin Film Laboratory at Ecole polytechnique (LPICM)

28,008 Learners

3 Courses

Erik Johnson

CNRS Researcher

Laboratoire de Physique des Interfaces et des Couches Minces (LPICM)

28,787 Learners

4 Courses

Offered by

École Polytechnique

École polytechnique combines research, teaching and innovation at the highest scientific and technological level worldwide to meet the challenges of the 21st century. At the forefront of French engineering schools for more than 200 years, its education promotes a culture of multidisciplinary scientific excellence, open in a strong humanist tradition.\n

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Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Week1

Week 1

3 hours to complete

INTRODUCTION TO SEMICONDUCTOR PHYSICS

3 hours to complete

11 videos (Total 75 min)

Week2

Week 2

2 hours to complete

TRANSPORT PHENOMENA : THE p-n JUNCTION

2 hours to complete

9 videos (Total 70 min)

Week3

Week 3

1 hour to complete

ASYMMETRICAL DEVICES

1 hour to complete

5 videos (Total 38 min)

Week4

Week 4

3 hours to complete

SOLAR CELL OPERATION

3 hours to complete

10 videos (Total 68 min)

Reviews

4.2

22 reviews

5 stars
53.96%
4 stars
25.39%
3 stars
11.11%
2 stars
4.76%
1 star
4.76%

TOP REVIEWS FROM PHYSICS OF SILICON SOLAR CELLS

by NKJun 7, 2020

Except for the accent of the prof, everything is okay.

by DPJul 13, 2020

it is very relevant and i have come to know many unknown topics .

by VJJul 10, 2019

Loved it! Very informative. The only downside is Bernard's accent - but you get used to it.

by STOct 15, 2020

It's a great course for those who technically want to start their career in the Solar energy engineering field.

View all reviews

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Physics of silicon solar cells

Physics of silicon solar cells

About this Course