Entry requirements

120 credits in science/engineering including Electromagnetism, Power Engineering, Energy System Physics/Modern Physics.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• explain the technical and physical principles of solar cells,
• measure and evaluate different solar cell technologies and relate these to underlying theory,
• calculate the required size of solar cell systems from a given power demand by using appropriate calculations and simulation software,
• communicate technical and socioeconomic issues of solar energy in a concise and comprehensible way by using poster presentations, Power Point or similar, in English.

Content

Solar radiation: Properties of sunlight. Absorption by the atmosphere. Calculation of solar irradiance at surfaces.

Solar cells and modules: The function of solar cells from semiconductor physics. Different solar cell technologies and fabrication methods. Concepts for increasing efficiency based on loss analysis. Wavelength sensitivity. Series connection of solar cells to modules. Module function and characteristics. Shading of cells and modules.

Solar cell systems: System components and their functions. Calculating output and dimensioning of solar cell systems. Analysis and computer simulation of a solar cell system.

Concentrated sunlight and solar power (CSP): Properties of optical concentration systems. Solar cells in concentrated sunlight. Overview of the different components in a CSP system and their functions. Examples of CSP-systems globally.

Active solar energy in systems: How large scale deployment of active solar cell energy is possible in Sweden and globally. Buying and selling electric energy. Grid aspects of large scale deployment of solar cells.

Instruction

Lectures and seminars. The seminars can be in the form of lessons or discussion sessions. Study visit. Laboratory exercises and computer simulations.

Assessment

Oral presentation of group task and written examination at the end of the course (4 credits). Lab exercises and computer simulation sessions (1 credt).

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the disability coordinator of the university.

Other directives

The course may not be included in the same degree as 1TE028 Solar Energy - Technology and Systems, or 1TE206 Solar Energy - Technology and Systems.