Topic outline

  • Fundamentals of Photovoltaics

    Credits: 6 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    The use of photovoltaic systems for converting sunlight into electricity has been expanding rapidly. This course includes an overview of progress in the field; basic information about the photovoltaic effect; discussion of several different types of solar cells, including single-crystal silicon, semicrystalline and polycrystalline silicon, thin-film solar cells, gallium arsenide PV cells, and multifunction devices; and information about modules, arrays and systems of solar PV cells.

    Topics:

    • Familiarizing with the photovoltaic effect and how it can be used to convert sunlight into electricity
    • Knowing the atomic description of silicon
    • Learning how light absorption creates charge carriers
    • Understanding how doping is used to create n-type and p-type silicon
    • Understanding the relationship between energy band gap level and type of solar radiation absorbed
    • Learning about the components of single crystal silicon cells
    • Familiarizing with the processes used to produce single crystal silicon cells
    • Learning about the components of semicrystalline and polycrystalline silicon cells
    • Familiarizing with the processes used to produce semicrystalline and polycrystalline silicon cells
    • Learning about the components of thin-film solar cells
    • Familiarizing with the processes used to produce thin-film solar cells
    • Understanding Gallium Arsenide solar cells and how they are produced
    • Learning about the multi-junction devices and how they are produced
    • Understanding the method of producing PV modules from single crystal silicon cells
    • Understanding the method of producing PV modules for thin-film solar cells
    • Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of flat-plate collectors as compared with concentrating solar collectors
    • Learning about the components of a solar PV system that are part of the “balance of systems”

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course:
    Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.
         NOTE: After the exam is completed, you will need to return to this page, in order to print (download) the certificate of completion.

    Print the Certificate of Completion


    Intended Audience: energy, civil, mechanical, construction, and electrical engineers, and would be of particular interest to engineers concerned with the design, maintenance and construction of PV solar components.
    Publication Source: US Dept. of Energy

    Harlan Bengtson PhD, PE
    • Topic 1