Solar Energy: Photovoltaic (PV) Technologies

The technologies used to produce solar cells and photovoltaic modules are advancing to deliver highly efficient and flexible solar panels. In this course you will explore the main PV technologies in the current market. You will gain in-depth knowledge about crystalline silicon based solar cells (90% market share) as well as other emerging technologies including CdTe, CIGS and Perovskites. This courseprovides answers to the questions: How are solar cells made from raw materials? Which technologies have the potential to be the major players for different applications in the future?

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.

• Design concepts and fabrication processes of various photovoltaic technologies,
• In-depth knowledge on the entire crystalline silicon solar cell landscape including,
  • Market-leading polycrystalline based cells
  • High efficiency/cutting edge monocrystalline based solar cells
• Application of thin film solar cells, like CIGS, CdTe, thin-film silicon, Perovskites,
• Concentrated PV and space applications for III/V semiconductor based solar cells.

Audit learners can develop their skills and knowledge in relation to the above learning objectives by having access to the video lectures, a limited number of practice exercises and discussion forum.

Verified learners are offered a number of study tools to demonstrate they have mastered the learning objectives. They will have access to all exercises: practice, graded and exam questions.