Program Overview

Program Overview

The Photovoltaic Solar Energy program is an introduction to the photovoltaic (PV) applications in the general mix energetic context dominated by climate warming mitigation.

Presentation

The course presents the various uses of solar energy, followed by a short description of the principle of the direct solar photon conversion into electricity (PV). The various PV technologies are reviewed in the current context dominated by crystalline silicon cells. The perspectives of the various technologies are then analyzed in terms of R&D investments.

Course Details

• Start date: 11/4/2019
• Duration: 3 weeks
• Rhythm: 2h/week
• Prerequisites: course on demand
• Discipline: Physics
• Course language: English

Syllabus

The syllabus includes:

• Photovoltaic Solar Energy
• Solar Cell Operation
• Solar Photovoltaic Systems

Teacher(s)

The course is taught by:

• Drťvillon Bernard
• Johnson Erik

Program Description

The program covers the basis of the solar cell operation, from the solar spectrum characteristics. The fundamentals of PV conversion are summarized, including the various sources of the conversion efficiency limitations. The solar PV systems, from cells to grids, are also addressed, with a particular emphasis on the challenges of grid-integration of PV and the development of storage technologies. The environmental and social impacts of PV are compared to the competing energy sources, and the fast evolution of economics and financing of PV is presented, together with the current key players.