This course on Fundamentals of Photovoltaics aims to provide an understanding of solar cell operation, charge separation, material choices, manufacturing processes, efficiency measurement, and market dynamics. The course covers topics such as light absorption, charge extraction, solar cell characterization, and advanced concepts in photovoltaics. Through lectures, tutorials, and student project presentations, participants will develop skills in analyzing solar resources, designing solar cells, and evaluating the cost and market aspects of photovoltaic technologies. This course is intended for individuals interested in renewable energy, solar technology, or pursuing a career in the photovoltaics industry.
Overview
Syllabus
Tutorial: Texturing.
Tutorial: Doping.
Tutorial: Photoconductivity.
Tutorial: Solar Cell Operation.
1. Introduction (2.627 Fundamentals of Photovoltaics).
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
MIT open courseware
