Solar Energy Engineering

Offered By: Delft University of Technology via edX

Course Description

Overview

Solar energy technology use is expanding rapidly. The Solar Photovoltaic (PV) sector is the largest and fastest growing renewable energy employer worldwide with an increasing need for experts that can support this growth.

In this MicroMasters program you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a career in the solar energy field and become a successful solar energy professional. This program will teach you what is expected from solar experts, and will prepare you for employment in various capacities including:

Systems design and engineering
Solar systems installation
Device fabrication and characterization
QA and reliability testing
Project management and consultancy as well as (technical) sales

The program includes diverse learning activities, including videos, readings, exercises and real-world applications. You will be guided through the content in an inspiring, hands-on, but rigorous manner. It is designed so knowledge is built gradually. We therefore recommend that students follow the courses in the suggested order. However, you may choose to enroll in any course of your choice based on your background knowledge or experience.

The program is taught by photovoltaics research experts from TU Delft with many years of experience working with industry partners. Among these experts is Professor Arno Smets, the first ever recipient of the edX Prize for Exceptional Contributions to Online Teaching and Learning.

Syllabus

Courses under this program:
Course 1: Solar Energy: Photovoltaic (PV) Energy Conversion

Learn how solar cells generate electricity, and about the semiconductor physics and optics required to design and manufacture solar cells.

Course 2: Solar Energy: Photovoltaic (PV) Technologies

Explore the main PV technologies in the current market, to gain in-depth knowledge on the design and processing methods of solar cells.

Course 3: Solar Energy: Photovoltaic (PV) Systems

Explore the wide range of solar energy applications and learn to design a real PV installation with excellent performance and reliability.

Course 4: Solar Energy: Integration of Photovoltaic Systems in Microgrids

Learn how to integrate a photovoltaic system into a microgrid of your design.

Course 5: Solar Energy Engineering: Comprehensive Exams

Finalize the Solar Energy Engineering program to become a MicroMasters graduate.

Courses

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9 weeks, 10-11 hours a week, 10-11 hours a week
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Photovoltaic systems are often placed into a microgrid, a local electricity distribution system that is operated in a controlled way and includes both electricity users and renewable electricity generation. This course deals with DC and AC microgrids and covers a wide range of topics, from basic definitions, through modelling and control of AC and DC microgrids to the application of adaptive protection in microgrids. You will master various concepts related to microgrid technology and implementation, such as smart grid and virtual power plant, types of distribution network, markets, control strategies and components. Among the components special attention is given to operation and control of power electronics interfaces.

You will be familiarized with the advantages and challenges of DC microgrids (which are still in an early stage). As a verified learner you will also have the opportunity to master the topic of microgrids through an exercise in which you will evaluate selected pilot sites where microgrids were deployed. The evaluation will take the form of a simulation assignment and include a peer review of the results.

This course is part of the Solar Energy Engineering MicroMasters program designed to cover all physics and engineering aspects of photovoltaics: photovoltaic energy conversion, technologies and systems.

Earn a Microcredential

After finishing this course, and passing the related exam, you are eligible to receive one microcredential. A microcredential is a digital certificate that allows learners to demonstrate the knowledge and skills acquired after successfully completing a small unit of education. It describes the learning outcomes, educational level and scope of the course or program – and adds a quality mark, as it is bound to a recognized quality framework. For more information, please read the FAQ below.
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11 weeks, 10-11 hours a week, 10-11 hours a week
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The technologies used to produce solar cells and photovoltaic modules are advancing to deliver highly efficient and flexible solar panels. In this course you will explore the main PV technologies in the current market. You will gain in-depth knowledge about crystalline silicon based solar cells (90% market share) as well as other emerging technologies including CdTe, CIGS and Perovskites. This courseprovides answers to the questions: How are solar cells made from raw materials? Which technologies have the potential to be the major players for different applications in the future?

This course is part of the Solar Energy Engineering MicroMasters Program designed to cover all physics and engineering aspects of photovoltaics: photovoltaic energy conversion, technologies and systems.

Earn a Microcredential

After finishing this course, and passing the related exam, you are eligible to receive one microcredential. A microcredential is a digital certificate that allows learners to demonstrate the knowledge and skills acquired after successfully completing a small unit of education. It describes the learning outcomes, educational level and scope of the course or program – and adds a quality mark, as it is bound to a recognized quality framework. For more information, please read the FAQ below.
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12 weeks, 10-11 hours a week, 10-11 hours a week
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The key factor in getting more efficient and cheaper solar energy panels is the advance in the development of photovoltaic cells. In this course you will learn how photovoltaic cells convert solar energy into useable electricity. You will also discover how to tackle potential loss mechanisms in solar cells. By understanding the semiconductor physics and optics involved, you will develop in-depth knowledge of how a photovoltaic cell works under different conditions. You will learn how to model all aspects of a working solar cell. For engineers and scientists working in the photovoltaic industry, this course is an absolute must to understand the opportunities for solar cell innovation.

This course is part of the Solar Energy Engineering MicroMasters Program designed to cover all physics and engineering aspects of photovoltaics: photovoltaic energy conversion, technologies and systems.

We recommend that you complete this course prior to taking the other courses in this MicroMasters program.

Earn a Microcredential

After finishing this course, and passing the related exam, you are eligible to receive one microcredential. A microcredential is a digital certificate that allows learners to demonstrate the knowledge and skills acquired after successfully completing a small unit of education. It describes the learning outcomes, educational level and scope of the course or program – and adds a quality mark, as it is bound to a recognized quality framework. For more information, please read the FAQ below.
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11 weeks, 10-11 hours a week, 10-11 hours a week
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In this course you will learn how to turn solar cells into full modules; and how to apply full modules to full photovoltaic systems.

The course will widely cover the design of photovoltaic systems, such as utility scale solar farms or residential scale systems (both on and off the grid). You will learn about the function and operation of various components including inverters, batteries, DC-DC converters and their interaction with both the modules and the grid.

After learning about the components, you will be able to correctly apply them during main design steps taken when planning a real PV installation with excellent performance and reliability.

Through modelling, you will gain a deeper understanding of PV systems performance for different solar energy applications, and proficiency in estimating the energy yield of a client's potential system.

This course is part of the Solar Energy Engineering MicroMasters Program designed to cover all physics and engineering aspects of photovoltaics: photovoltaic energy conversion, technologies and systems.

Earn a Microcredential

After finishing this course, and passing the related exam, you are eligible to receive one microcredential. A microcredential is a digital certificate that allows learners to demonstrate the knowledge and skills acquired after successfully completing a small unit of education. It describes the learning outcomes, educational level and scope of the course or program – and adds a quality mark, as it is bound to a recognized quality framework. For more information, please read the FAQ below.

Taught by

Arno Smets, Miro Zeman, René van Swaaij, Olindo Isabella, Ravi Vasudevan, Seyedmahdi Izadkhast, Laura Ramirez and Pavol Bauer