The key factor in getting more efficient and cheaper solar energy panels is the advance in the development of photovoltaic cells. In this course you will learn how photovoltaic cells convert solar energy into useable electricity. You will also discover how to tackle potential loss mechanisms in solar cells. By understanding the semiconductor physics and optics involved, you will develop in-depth knowledge of how a photovoltaic cell works under different conditions. You will learn how to model all aspects of a working solar cell. For engineers and scientists working in the photovoltaic industry, this course is an absolute must to understand the opportunities for solar cell innovation.
This course is part of the Solar Energy Engineering MicroMasters Program designed to cover all physics and engineering aspects of photovoltaics: photovoltaic energy conversion, technologies and systems. We recommend that you complete this course prior to taking the other courses in this MicroMasters program.
“I was able to familiarize myself with the latest theoretical knowledge on solar energy. This helped me to develop as an engineer and improve my skills.” Previous student
- The principles behind the potential loss mechanisms in photovoltaic devices.
- The semiconductor physics necessary to understand solar cell performance and engineering.
- The optics and light management tools necessary for optimal solar cell design.
- To model all aspects of a working solar cell, understanding the efficiency limits and design rules.
Solar Energy Engineering: Photovoltaic Energy Conversion/ by TU Delft OpenCourseWare is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Based on a work at https://ocw.tudelft.nl/courses/solar-energy-engineering-photovoltaic-energy-conversion/.