Photovoltaic electric systems have become an important area of engineering and are expected to become a mainstream source of energy in the near future. They are an example of interdisciplinary systems engineering, where basic electronic materials science is combined with power electronics, mechanical design, control systems and economic optimisation. The course will give an overview of the solar energy resource and photovoltaic approaches to conversion to electricity in detail. The physics and fabrication of silicon solar cells, including a discussion of the trade-offs between cost, fabrication complexity and performance will be presented. Economic, technical and societal issues that must be considered and dealt with in the design of Photovoltaic systems will be covered. Computer modelling of photovoltaic systems will be used to reinforce understanding and acquire a familiarity with engineering tools for PV system design.

Upon completion of this course the student will be able to:

1. explain the basic components and main performance parameters of photovoltaic systems.
2. apply this knowledge of basic components to predict behaviour under certain conditions.
3. appraise and design photovoltaic systems.
4. interpret and discuss the economic and social issues surrounding these systems.
5. discriminate between basic industrial processes for different photovoltaic technologies.
6. identify the potential of the solar resource and photovoltaic systems as a mainstream energy source for the future.

Online Quizzes (5%); Tutorials (9%); Exercises (20%); Group Project (20%); Exam (46%)

This course has the same workload expectations to that of a traditional course. The indicative time is 10-12 hours per week and is outlined in more detail on the WATTLE site.

Admission to the ME degree and permission of the course coordinator

Recommended reading:

• Markvart, T., Solar Electricity, second edition, John Wiley & Sons, Chichester, 2000.
• Wenham, S.R. et al, Applied Photovoltaics, second edition, Earthscan, 2007