Photovoltaics

The course deals with various semiconductor materials and their suitability for solar cell manufacturing, absorption of solar radiation in semiconductors and the principles of solar cells and their physics. Different types of solar cells are studied, their characteristics and how they are assembled in photovoltaic modules. Identification and minimization of losses, degradation, as well as the interpretation and use of the module datasheets as well as manufacturing of photovoltaic modules and the use of photovoltaic modules in both off-grid and grid- connected systems are covered in the course. During the course, students study different types of batteries, regulators and inverters. The course ends with computer simulations of photovoltaic systems, the design and selection of components.