Course description
This course introduces you to the field of solar energy engineering and reveals some of the basic techniques and measures adopted by solar scientists and engineers to gauge and capture solar radiation. Begin by exploring the need for, and importance of, renewable energy sources in today's world and the global focus on solar energy. Learn about the nature of solar radiation, how it reaches the earth and the different ways it can be used. This section includes the employment of different instruments and devices for capturing and storing solar radiation, both in thermal and electrical forms. While you gain a basic understanding of how solar PV generators and solar power plants work, you will see how solar equipment designers predict and estimate the amount of solar energy available and the challenges they face. Learn about the empirical equations and correlations that relate the values of radiation (global or diffused), with meteorological parameters like sunshine hours, cloud cover and precipitation. Several numerical examples will give you ample practice in making calculations related to real-life problems and scenarios encountered by solar energy engineers.
As you progress, you will appreciate the need for estimating and predicting the availability of solar radiation, not only in the different parts of the world but also in extraterrestrial regions. Grapple with designing different photovoltaic systems for the conversion of solar energy into electricity, including the construction of PV cells and their manufacturing process, specifications of solar modules, arrays, their application, and the working principles of solar cells. To understand how solar cells work, you will dive into the fascinating field of semiconductor physics. Like all systems, PV conversion has its own challenges and you will be introduced to difficulties such as cell mismatch, the effect of shadows, maximization of solar PV output, and load matching. You will be shown certain solutions to these challenges, such as mechanical and electrical tracking and bypass diodes. Finally, you will learn the steps in the design process of stand-alone and grid-connected PV systems and their performance analysis.
Anyone with a basic knowledge of physics who understands the fundamentals of light, electricity and thermodynamics can take this course. The technology and engineering behind solar power and solar energy are enthralling. Building a career in energy engineering or a related field can be extremely rewarding as the need for energy engineers and technologists is gaining momentum. Furthermore, due to the current emphasis on sustainability, architects and town planners must also incorporate solar energy devices in all their designs and planning of green buildings and environments. This course will be also helpful to you should you wish to pursue a career in environmental studies, architecture or planning.
Upcoming start dates
Training content
Introduction to Solar Energy
Description: This module explains what solar energy is, how it reaches the earth, and how it is harnessed for human use. You will learn about the geometry and physics of the sun and the earth as well as their relationship. You will also learn about the different forms in which solar energy reaches us and receive an overview of how we can collect and store solar energy for maximum utilization.
- Learning Outcomes
- Energy Scenarios
- Solar Energy Conversion Devices and Applications
- Propagation of Radiation from the Sun to the Earth
- Lesson Summary
Solar Radiation Geometry
Description: In this module, you will learn how to measure and calculate solar radiation on any part of the earth, beginning with the various terms and definitions associated with Solar Geometry, particularly the different angles and their relationships. You will also learn about the different radiation-measuring instruments and tools, such as the sun-path diagrams. Some numerical problems will help you understand the calculations involved.
- Learning Outcomes
- Measurement of Solar Radiation
- Introduction to Solar Radiation Geometry
- Solar Radiation Geometry of Horizontal and Tilted Surfaces
- Lesson Summary
Solar Radiation Estimation
Description: This module is about the estimation of solar radiation on horizontal and inclined surfaces, under different climatic conditions. You will learn some empirical equations for predicting the availability of solar radiation. You will also learn how to calculate the monthly average of daily and hourly, global and diffuse radiation.
- Learning Outcomes
- Estimation of Radiation Under Different Climatic Conditions
- Estimation of Radiation on Horizontal and Inclined Surfaces
- Lesson Summary
Diploma in Solar Energy Engineering - First Course assessment
Description: This assessment enables you to review your learning so you can determine your knowledge and understanding of the first three modules from the following course:• Diploma in Solar Energy EngineeringIf you do not achieve the required grade after the first attempt, you can retake the assessment until a successful outcome is achieved.
- Assessment: Diploma in Solar Energy Engineering - First Course Assessment
Fundamentals of Photovoltaic Systems
Description: In this module, you will learn the basics of solar photovoltaic systems, starting from their construction to the principle of working, and the challenges of their proper functioning. You will get a fair idea about the methods employed worldwide to maximize the output of electricity generation from solar power. You will also learn about the recent developments in solar energy conversion techniques through the 3rd generation of PV modules.
- Learning Outcomes
- PV Cells
- Semiconductor Physics
- Performance Characterization of PV Cells
- Photovoltaic Modules and Arrays
- Lesson Summary
Standalone Photovoltaic Systems
Description: In this module, you will learn all about standalone (off-grid) photovoltaic systems. This includes the standard components and their specifications, design considerations, and utility. You will also be presented with numerical examples to strengthen your understanding of the selection of the right components and the process of designing a complete system.
- Learning Outcomes
- System Components
- System Design
- Lesson Summary
Grid-Connected PV System
Description: This module covers the design and construction of grid-connected photovoltaic systems. You will learn about the components of the system and their specifications, design parameters, and functioning. You will also learn how to analyze the performance of the system once designed. Numerical examples will help you strengthen your understanding of the selection and matching of the right components.
- Learning Outcomes
- Functioning and Components
- System Design
- Performance Analysis
- Lesson Summary
Diploma in Solar Energy Engineering - Second Course assessment
Description: This assessment enables you to review your learning so you can determine your knowledge and understanding of modules 4, 5, and 6 from the following course:• Diploma in Solar Energy EngineeringIf you do not achieve the required grade after the first attempt, you can retake the assessment until a successful outcome is achieved.
- Assessment: Diploma in Solar Energy Engineering - Second Course Assessment
Course assessment
- Assessment: Diploma in Solar Energy Engineering - Course Assessment
Certification / Credits
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Discuss the different available means of harnessing solar energy
- Describe the devices commonly used for solar energy collection and storage
- Explain how solar radiation reaches the surface of the earth from the surface of the sun
- Identify the different instruments used for solar radiation measurement
- Indicate the relationships between the different angles of solar radiation geometry
- Calculate the monthly average of solar radiation at a given place
- Explain the use of sun-path diagrams
- Describe the construction of PV cells and their manufacturing process
- Distinguish between the components of a stand-alone and a grid-connected PV system
- Explain the design principles of PV systems
- Outline the performance criteria of PV systems
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