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École Polytechnique

Photovoltaic solar energy

The course is an introduction to the photovoltaic (PV) applications in the general mix energetic context dominated by climate warming mitigation. The various uses of solar energy are firstly presented before a short description of the principle of the direct solar photon conversion into electricity (PV). The various PV technologies are reviewed in the current context dominated by crystalline silicon cells. The perspectives of the various technologies are then analysed in terms of R&D investments. From a more scientific point of view the basis of the solar cell operation is presented from the solar spectrum characteristics. The fundamentals of PV conversion are summarized. In particular the various sources of the conversion efficiency limitations are reviewed. The solar PV systems, from cells to grids, are also addressed, with a particular emphasis on the challenges of grid-integration of PV and the development of storage technologies. The environmental and social impacts of PV are compared to the competing energy sources. Generally PV is at advantage as referred to other fossil or renewable sources. Finally the fast evolution of economics and financing of PV is presented together with the current key players, mostly Asian companies.

Status: Electrical Systems
Status: Environmental Science
BeginnerCourse6 hours

Featured reviews

SR

5.0Reviewed Jun 5, 2021

This course is very helpful, but a little bit difficult for the quiz and test

RU

4.0Reviewed May 27, 2020

I got some unseen sights of photovoltaics that has cleared all my doubts.

CD

5.0Reviewed Feb 21, 2021

Very Useful for my Research Work. I gain lot of information and knowledge

WA

4.0Reviewed Jun 10, 2019

Nice course with interesting information regarding photovoltaic solar energy. The course provides me a good knowledge on PV from global perspective.

MA

5.0Reviewed Aug 7, 2020

The course was very informative and engaging. As always, Coursera has done a great job of providing this MOOC.

NS

5.0Reviewed May 17, 2020

I have found it as one of the best course. Especially the module quizzes are well enough for designing PV System. Thanks to the course teachers.

SB

5.0Reviewed May 11, 2021

this course is very helpful to me to understand solar energy fundamentals. Quality of lecture and exercises is very good.

SS

4.0Reviewed May 24, 2020

This course gave me a quite brief idea about photovoltaic solar cell. The content of this course is totally upto mark and quite useful for understanding concept of solar energy.

MK

5.0Reviewed Dec 9, 2019

its a great course, although pronunciation of lecture is not really good but subtitles can cater this problem.

AR

4.0Reviewed Apr 29, 2020

Try to add more information in the videos of you are asking questions regarding to some formula or phenomenon.

RS

5.0Reviewed Sep 15, 2019

I am glad that i completed the course even i am busy and i summed up some knowledge on Photovoltaic and its development and importance in future.

XH

5.0Reviewed Oct 7, 2019

Great class ! Gave a high level about the photovoltaic but also a lot of details and calculation on how the technology works ! Highly recommend !

All reviews

Showing: 20 of 143

Débora Junqueira Gerbasi
2.0
Reviewed Mar 4, 2019
Mohammad Reza
2.0
Reviewed Mar 9, 2018
Greg Eckels
3.0
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3.0
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5.0
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5.0
Reviewed Sep 15, 2019
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Reviewed Sep 8, 2019
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Reviewed Jun 1, 2020
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5.0
Reviewed Apr 13, 2019
Shrihari J
5.0
Reviewed Apr 3, 2019
Vibushan A
4.0
Reviewed Apr 6, 2020
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Reviewed May 10, 2020
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5.0
Reviewed Aug 21, 2019
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5.0
Reviewed Jan 18, 2020
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5.0
Reviewed Apr 18, 2020