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Overview
Key facts
In this Solar Energy - Photovoltaic (PV) Energy Conversion 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.
MicroMaster Program
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.
What you'll learn:
- 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.
The Solar Energy-Photovoltaic (PV) Energy Conversion program is offered by the Delft University of Technology (TU Delft).
Programme Structure
Course Syllabus:
- Week 1:
- How do solar cells convert solar energy into electrical energy? What are the basic building blocks of a solar cell?
- Week 2: Semiconductor Basics
- What are semiconductors? What is a band diagram?
- Week 3: Generation and Recombination
- What are the physics of charge carriers?
- Week 4: The P-N Junction
- What is a diode? How does a diode change when we apply a voltage? What about when we illuminate it with solar energy?
- Week 5: Advanced Concepts in Semiconductors
- What happens when we connect a semiconductor to a metal? What other types of junctions of semiconductor materials are important for solar cells?
- Week 6: Light management 1: Refraction/Dispersion/Refraction
- Which optical phenomena are important for solar cells? How can we use them to make sure maximal light is absorbed.
- For more information please visit the program website.
Key information
Duration
- Part-time
- 3 months
Start dates & application deadlines
You can apply for and start this programme anytime.
Language
English
Delivered
Online
Disciplines
Electrical Engineering Energy Engineering Sustainable Energy View 9 other Short Courses in Sustainable Energy in NetherlandsAcademic requirements
We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.
English requirements
We are not aware of any English requirements for this programme.
Other requirements
General requirements
Prerequisites
- Bachelor's degree in Science or Engineering or the successful completion of TU Delft's MOOC Solar Energy.
Tuition Fee
To always see correct tuition fees
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International
FreeTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 0 EUR for the full programme during 3 months. -
EU/EEA
FreeTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 0 EUR for the full programme during 3 months.
Free | Earn certificate for $250
Funding
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