In this online engineering PDH course, the basics of three solar energy technologies are described. The technologies are photovoltaics (PV), concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP) , and solar systems integration. The fundamentals of PV are given for solar cells, system design, manufacturing, performance and efficiency, soft costs, and solar rooftop potential. CSP is introduced through discussion of linear concentrator, power tower, dish/engine, and thermal storage systems. Solar systems integration is represented through description of solar resilience, distributed energy resources and microgrids, inverters and grid services, storage basics, solar-plus-storage systems, planning operations, cybersecurity, and silicon carbide in solar energy. This course is based on the document, “Introduction to Solar Energy Technologies,” by Mark Rossow.

Learning Objectives

• Learning how to apply basic principles of solar radiation in selecting location and orientation of PV cells
• Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of common semiconductor materials used in solar cells
• Understanding mounting-structure design
• Knowing PV system manufacturing steps
• Knowing the factors affecting conversion efficiency
• Understanding the major types of CSP systems
• Knowing thermal storage systems
• Analyzing electric power resilience
• Understanding grid services and inverters
• Appreciating the importance of energy storage to the use of solar power as a reliable source of energy
• Understanding the importance of bandgap in PV semiconductors