Entry requirements

180 credits in science/engineering including Modern Physics and 20 credits at Master's level. Solar Energy - Technology and Systems (may be taken in parallel).

Learning outcomes

After a successfully completed course the student should be able to:

• analyse how different designs affect the performance of solar cells,
• calculate the performance of a solar cell using simulation tools,
• separate optical and electrical losses in a solar cell,
• compare the main processing methods to fabricate solar cells with high efficiency from an economic, technical and sustainability perspective,
• propose design changes to minimise losses,
• evaluate different module types with regard to function, application, economy and appearance.

Content

Fabrication of silicon based as well as thin film solar cells, the impact on performance. Concepts for high efficiency at cell level for both silicon and thin film based celss (point contacts, light scattering, 3D structures, tandem, bandgapsgradering). Advanced module concept (back contacted solar cells, I-module, flexible modules). Simulation of solar cell structures in one dimension with two different simulation programs.

Instruction

Lectures, seminars and computer simulations. Study visits. The course is given in English if necessary.

Assessment

Written and oral presentation of the simulation project (3 hp). Oral examination of processing methods and modular concept (2 hp).