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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: Basic Electrical Systems
Status: Environmental Science
BeginnerCourse6 hours

Featured reviews

SB

5.0Reviewed May 12, 2021

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

SR

5.0Reviewed Jun 6, 2021

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

RU

4.0Reviewed May 28, 2020

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

WA

4.0Reviewed Jun 11, 2019

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

JR

5.0Reviewed Jul 24, 2020

Perfectly balanced. Takes on topics with important information about PV and their markets

XH

5.0Reviewed Oct 8, 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 !

SK

4.0Reviewed Aug 14, 2024

I have gained knowledge on load factor calculations, illuminations, materials used.

RS

5.0Reviewed Sep 16, 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.

MK

5.0Reviewed Dec 10, 2019

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

SS

4.0Reviewed May 25, 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.

MA

5.0Reviewed Aug 8, 2020

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

NS

5.0Reviewed May 18, 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.

All reviews

Showing: 20 of 143

Débora Junqueira Gerbasi
2.0
Reviewed Mar 5, 2019
Mohammad Reza
2.0
Reviewed Mar 10, 2018
Greg Eckels
3.0
Reviewed Mar 1, 2019
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3.0
Reviewed Jan 18, 2020
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5.0
Reviewed Jun 19, 2019
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3.0
Reviewed Jul 12, 2020
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5.0
Reviewed Mar 14, 2020
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5.0
Reviewed Apr 5, 2018
Inna Yazy
5.0
Reviewed Mar 3, 2019
Ramesh Suwal
5.0
Reviewed Sep 16, 2019
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5.0
Reviewed May 19, 2020
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5.0
Reviewed Sep 9, 2019
Aniket Rodey
5.0
Reviewed Jun 1, 2020
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5.0
Reviewed Apr 14, 2019
Shrihari J
5.0
Reviewed Apr 4, 2019
Vibushan A
4.0
Reviewed Apr 7, 2020
Rhys C Davies
5.0
Reviewed May 10, 2020
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5.0
Reviewed Aug 22, 2019
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5.0
Reviewed Jan 19, 2020
younsi ziyad
5.0
Reviewed Apr 18, 2020