About the Course: Design of Photovoltaic Systems

Course Description

This course, as a part of the Solar Energy program, dives deeply into designing complete photovoltaic (PV) systems suitable for various scales and applications, including residential setups and utility-scale solar farms. It covers both grid-connected and stand-alone system configurations. Essential components such as PV modules, inverters, and batteries are explored, alongside the necessary operational considerations like shading resilience, temperature influences, and system efficiency.

What Students Will Learn

  • Understanding of main photovoltaic system components and their interactions.
  • Skills to select and design tailored PV systems based on environmental and technical data.
  • Ability to evaluate the overall performance, including energy yield and system efficiency under real-world conditions.
  • Knowledge on economic analysis and environmental impact of PV installations.
  • Introduction to solar thermal energy and its applications.

Pre-requisites

It is recommended that participants complete the first and second courses of the Solar Energy program to fully benefit from this course.

Course Coverage

  • PV module adaptation to varying operational conditions.
  • Exploration of system components like inverters and batteries.
  • Maximal power point tracking and efficiency optimization.
  • Economic and environmental impact evaluations.
  • Design processes for various scales of PV systems.

Who is This Course For?

Designed for individuals interested in deepening their knowledge of photovoltaic systems, including engineering students, solar energy professionals, and enthusiasts aiming to design or implement solar power solutions either commercially or at home.

Application of Learned Skills in Real-World

Upon completion, learners will be able to undertake professional PV system design and implementation, assess potential economic returns, and consider ecological impacts, positioning them for careers in green energy sectors or personal projects in solar energy applications.

Syllabus Overview

  • Week 1: PV Module Design and Operation Conditions
  • Week 2: System Components and Concepts
  • Week 3: Application Design of PV Systems and Solar Thermal Concepts
  • Week 4: Economic Viability and Environmental Considerations