This course offers you advanced knowledge within the field of photovoltaic system technology. We'll learn about the solar resource and how photovoltaic energy conversion is used to produce electric power. From this fundamental starting point we'll cover the design and fabrication of different solar cell and module technologies, the various photovoltaic system components, how to design a photovoltaic plant and carry out energy yield simulations, essentials in energy economics, O&M and reliability assessment, as well as the role of photovoltaic energy in sustainable energy systems.
Photovoltaic Systems
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.6
(148 reviews)
Intermediate level
Recommended experience
11 hours to complete
3 weeks at 3 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
Photovoltaic Energy Conversion
Modelling of the Solar Resource
Photovoltaic System Design and Energy Yield Simulations
Photovoltaic System Components
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Assessments
12 assignments
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV
Share it on social media and in your performance review
There are 5 modules in this course
These lectures serve as an introduction to the field of photovoltaics in general, which includes the most basic terminology, an overview of the history of PV as well as the industrial deployment of the technology.
What's included
4 videos1 assignment
These lectures cover the physics of the solar resource as well as various irradiance models to calculate the optimal tilt angle necessary for maximizing PV power production.
What's included
5 videos1 assignment1 plugin
These lectures cover the physics necessary for understanding the working principles of solar cells, as well as an introduction to electrical characterization and modelling of photovoltaic devices.
What's included
8 videos3 assignments
These lectures cover the principles of cell interconnection and properties of various module components necessary for designing and fabricating photovoltaic modules. Optional content is provided dealing with the environmental variables impacting the performance of PV modules in the field.
What's included
8 videos3 assignments1 plugin
What's included
13 videos4 assignments
Instructors
Instructor ratings
4.5 (66 ratings)
Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Environmental Science and Sustainability
University of Colorado System
Coursera Instructor Network
Coursera Instructor Network
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Learner reviews
4.6
148 reviews
- 5 stars
69.59%
- 4 stars
21.62%
- 3 stars
6.08%
- 2 stars
0%
- 1 star
2.70%
Showing 3 of 148
AA
4
Reviewed on Aug 27, 2021
Well prepared course which covers everything about PV world from A-Z. Thank you!
AC
5
Reviewed on Dec 14, 2023
one of the best course i have ever done online. Superb, immaculate quality content.
DG
5
Reviewed on Aug 24, 2022
Lecturers were clear, quizzes were hard but well prepared. Overall, that was a nice but a bit hard one. Highly recommended.
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
You will be eligible for a full refund until two weeks after your payment date, or (for courses that have just launched) until two weeks after the first session of the course begins, whichever is later. You cannot receive a refund once you’ve earned a Course Certificate, even if you complete the course within the two-week refund period. See our full refund policy.