Fundamentals of Photovoltaics

Massachusetts Institute of Technology via MIT OpenCourseWare

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Fundamentals of photoelectric conversion: charge excitation, conduction, separation, and collection. Lectures cover commercial and emerging photovoltaic technologies and cross-cutting themes, including conversion efficiencies, loss mechanisms, characterization, manufacturing, systems, reliability, life-cycle analysis, risk analysis, and technology evolution in the context of markets, policies, society, and environment. This course is one of many [OCW Energy Courses](/courses/energy-courses/), and it is an elective subject in MIT's undergraduate {{% resource_link "a50644fd-3c74-4d1e-807f-99bdd0863197" "Energy Studies Minor" %}}. This Institute–wide program complements the deep expertise obtained in any major with a broad understanding of the interlinked realms of science, technology, and social sciences as they relate to energy and associated environmental challenges.

Syllabus

Tutorial: Texturing.
Tutorial: Doping.
Tutorial: Photoconductivity.
Tutorial: Solar Cell Operation.
1. Introduction.
2. The Solar Resource.
3. Light Absorption and Optical Losses.
4. Charge Excitation.
5. Charge Separation, Part I: Diode.
6. Charge Separation, Part II: Diode Under Illumination.
8. Toward a 1D Device Model, Part II: Material Fundamentals.
7. Toward a 1D Device Model, Part I: Device Fundamentals.
9. Charge Extraction.
10. Wafer Silicon-Based Solar Cells, Part I.
11. Wafer Silicon-Based Solar Cells, Part II.
12. Thin Films: Material Choices & Manufacturing, Part I.
13. Thin Films: Material Choices & Manufacturing, Part II.
14. PV Efficiency: Measurement and Theoretical Limits.
15. Advanced Concepts.
16. Solar Cell Characterization.
17. Modules, Systems, and Reliability.
18. Cost, Price, Markets, & Support Mechanisms, Part I.
19. Cost, Price, Markets, & Support Mechanisms, Part II.
20. R&D Investment & Innovation in PV.
Student Project Presentations - Part 1.
Student Project Presentations - Part 2.

Taught by

Prof. Tonio Buonassisi

Reviews

4.7 rating, based on 34 Class Central reviews

Start your review of Fundamentals of Photovoltaics

Masud Rana @masud111

"Fundamentals of Photovoltaics (Fall 2013)" provides a comprehensive exploration of solar energy technology, offering a solid foundation for understanding photovoltaic systems. The course delves into the physics of solar cells, the mechanics of lig…

"Fundamentals of Photovoltaics (Fall 2013)" provides a comprehensive exploration of solar energy technology, offering a solid foundation for understanding photovoltaic systems. The course delves into the physics of solar cells, the mechanics of light absorption, and the conversion of sunlight into electricity. Professor [Insert Name] adeptly navigates through complex concepts, making them accessible to students. The inclusion of real-world examples and case studies enhances practical application. However, the course's limitation lies in its temporal specificity, as technology evolves. Nonetheless, it serves as an invaluable resource for grasping the core principles of photovoltaics, making it an excellent choice for those entering the renewable energy field.
Dhrubabar Singh K.C.

The Fundamentals of Photovoltaics course provided a comprehensive introduction to the science and engineering behind solar energy conversion. The training covered essential topics such as solar radiation principles, photovoltaic materials, PV cell operation, module and array design, system performance parameters, and economic aspects of PV deployment.

The course structure was well-organized, starting with basic solar concepts and gradually progressing towards advanced system-level understanding. Key design terminologies such as tilt angle, azimuth, performance ratio, efficiency, and DC/AC ratio were clearly explained, helping me understand how theoretical knowledge is applied in real-world system design.
TAMILARASI M

Helped more this videos Good for seeing Explanation are Good And more are Using Examples in this Videos Like Materials and more things are used. in this Videos
ADEL HAZAZI @ADELHAZAI

I thought the course was well organized, clear and easy to follow and the instructor was very knowledgeable with excellent presentation skills
PRAVEEN V @PRAVEEN123

It is very useful to me
I learn new think
I do the best
It is help full to my future
I like it very much
Yaad Vibes Development & Entrepreneur Network ({YDEN})

I recently completed the Fundamentals of Photovoltaic course, and I'm impressed with the comprehensive coverage of solar energy principles, panel design, and installation best practices. The course materials were well-structured, and the instructors were knowledgeable and supportive. I appreciated the hands-on exercises and real-world examples that helped me understand complex concepts. This course has given me a solid foundation to pursue a career in the solar industry. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in renewable energy.
Lazar Abdelouaheb

The "Photovoltaic Fundamentals" course is an excellent starting point for anyone interested in understanding solar energy systems. It provides a comprehensive overview of photovoltaic technology, including the science behind solar cells, system desi…

The "Photovoltaic Fundamentals" course is an excellent starting point for anyone interested in understanding solar energy systems. It provides a comprehensive overview of photovoltaic technology, including the science behind solar cells, system design, and practical applications. The course is well-structured, balancing theoretical concepts with real-world examples, making it accessible even for beginners. The instructors explain complex topics clearly, and the inclusion of quizzes and assignments enhances understanding. It’s particularly beneficial for students, engineers, and enthusiasts seeking to deepen their knowledge of renewable energy. Overall, this course equips learners with the foundational knowledge needed to explore photovoltaic systems further. Highly recommended!
Motsamai Johannes Mofokeng

Very much informative, can you please include steel structure and it's components and electrical wiring, thermal inspection of solar cells
MUHAMMAD TAHA AKMAL SIDDIQUI

The "Fundamentals of Photovoltaics" course offers a comprehensive introduction to the science and technology behind solar energy conversion. It covers the principles of how solar cells work, including the photovoltaic effect, semiconductor properties, and the design and function of various types of solar cells. The course delves into the manufacturing processes, system components, and the integration of photovoltaic systems into the electrical grid. Additionally, it addresses the economic and environmental aspects of solar energy, providing a holistic view of its role in sustainable energy solutions. Overall, it's a valuable course for anyone interested in renewable energy and solar technology.
Vedik Basetti

he "Fundamentals of Photovoltaics" course provides an accessible and comprehensive introduction to solar energy conversion through photovoltaic (PV) technology. The content is presented in a manner that is both simple and meaningful, making it easy…

he "Fundamentals of Photovoltaics" course provides an accessible and comprehensive introduction to solar energy conversion through photovoltaic (PV) technology. The content is presented in a manner that is both simple and meaningful, making it easy for learners to grasp even complex concepts.

One of the strengths of the course is its focus on foundational principles, which allows students to build a solid understanding of how solar cells work and how sunlight is converted into electricity. The inclusion of real-world examples and applications helps to reinforce learning and demonstrate the practical significance of PV technology.

Additionally, the course covers a broad range of topics, from the structure and function of solar cells to the different types of PV systems and their applications. This comprehensive approach ensures that students gain a holistic understanding of the subject matter and are well-prepared to apply their knowledge in various contexts.
Dowell Baptiste Odzaghe

it's a very good course.
Today, photovoltaics is a little clearer in my mind.

I was still wondering how all these lamps with solar panels work, but today I understand things better.
thanks to all of you
Abdelrizk Said
1

هذه الدورة مفيدة بالنسبة لي ، أنا طالب مهندس كهربائي ، لذا فإن هذه الدورة القائمة على الطاقة الكهروضوئية مفيدة جدًا لمصادر الطاقة الشمسية المتجددة لموضوعي ذي الصلة
BAELONGANDI ISANDA Julien

the course was very interesting but I did not see the part where we do the sizing, equipment such as the number of batteries, waveform and regulator
Vinit Vaidya

Completing this course has been an incredibly fulfilling experience. The content was comprehensive and well-structured, providing a deep understanding of the subject matter. The instructors were knowledgeable, engaging, and always available for support. The assignments were challenging yet rewarding, allowing me to apply what I learned. The course also offered valuable resources, such as online forums and additional readings. The assessments were fair and effectively measured my progress. Overall, this course has exceeded my expectations, equipping me with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in this field. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking to expand their expertise in the subject area.
Daniel Cristian

thank you for these wonderful tutorials, they were very helpful

thank you for these wonderful tutorials, they were very helpful
Mayank R. Ganvit

I learned so much from this course and the my knowledge of the fundamentals of photovoltaics is now a very good.
Efosa Allen Onaiwu

More illustrations should be included into the course, graphical explanation is more insightful than just speech.
Achare Satyajeet Pandurang

This is the first time I have attended a class in this format and wondered how effective it would be. It was very effective and therefore I would definitely be interested in attending other classes in the same format. The instructor was very knowlegeable and provided a wealth of information about the current version, especially since the last version I used was several releases ago
N. JAIRAJ

Solar cell and its

parameters are introduced. Discovery of

new materials lead to new solar cell

technologies. Efforts are made to

explain various solar cell technologies in

brief. The materials used in different

technologies are mentioned. The

developments in various technologies

are discussed. Some results from recent

journal publications are also included.

The paper is concluded with some

suggestions to improve the performance

of solar cells. It explains the the need of

further research in this area course
Vaibhav Gurudatta Basutkar

This was a great experience to learn about geometrical and astronomical stuff about planetary systems, mechanical and electrical properties and creation.

Where some technical parts were classified with logical facts and assumptions.

I will argue that, this might be the greatest explanation by expert's and in my opinion with logical examples and explanations any one can understand this Technology.