Fundamentals of photoelectric conversion: charge excitation, conduction, separation, and collection. Lectures cover commercial and emerging photovoltaic technologies and cross-cutting themes, including conversion efficiencies, loss mechanisms, characterization, manufacturing, systems, reliability, life-cycle analysis, risk analysis, and technology evolution in the context of markets, policies, society, and environment.
This course is one of many [OCW Energy Courses](/courses/energy-courses/), and it is an elective subject in MIT's undergraduate [Energy Studies Minor](http://mitei.mit.edu/education/energy-minor/). This Institute–wide program complements the deep expertise obtained in any major with a broad understanding of the interlinked realms of science, technology, and social sciences as they relate to energy and associated environmental challenges.
Overview
Syllabus
Tutorial: Texturing.
Tutorial: Doping.
Tutorial: Photoconductivity.
Tutorial: Solar Cell Operation.
1. Introduction.
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
Prof. Tonio Buonassisi
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Reviews
4.7 rating, based on 29 Class Central reviews
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"Fundamentals of Photovoltaics (Fall 2013)" provides a comprehensive exploration of solar energy technology, offering a solid foundation for understanding photovoltaic systems. The course delves into the physics of solar cells, the mechanics of lig…
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I thought the course was well organized, clear and easy to follow and the instructor was very knowledgeable with excellent presentation skills
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It is very useful to me
I learn new think
I do the best
It is help full to my future
I like it very much -
MUHAMMAD TAHA AKMAL SIDDIQUIThe "Fundamentals of Photovoltaics" course offers a comprehensive introduction to the science and technology behind solar energy conversion. It covers the principles of how solar cells work, including the photovoltaic effect, semiconductor properties, and the design and function of various types of solar cells. The course delves into the manufacturing processes, system components, and the integration of photovoltaic systems into the electrical grid. Additionally, it addresses the economic and environmental aspects of solar energy, providing a holistic view of its role in sustainable energy solutions. Overall, it's a valuable course for anyone interested in renewable energy and solar technology. -
it's a very good course.
Today, photovoltaics is a little clearer in my mind.
I was still wondering how all these lamps with solar panels work, but today I understand things better.
thanks to all of you -
Vedik Basettihe "Fundamentals of Photovoltaics" course provides an accessible and comprehensive introduction to solar energy conversion through photovoltaic (PV) technology. The content is presented in a manner that is both simple and meaningful, making it easy… -
the course was very interesting but I did not see the part where we do the sizing, equipment such as the number of batteries, waveform and regulator
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Abdelrizk Saidهذه الدورة مفيدة بالنسبة لي ، أنا طالب مهندس كهربائي ، لذا فإن هذه الدورة القائمة على الطاقة الكهروضوئية مفيدة جدًا لمصادر الطاقة الشمسية المتجددة لموضوعي ذي الصلة -
Vinit VaidyaCompleting this course has been an incredibly fulfilling experience. The content was comprehensive and well-structured, providing a deep understanding of the subject matter. The instructors were knowledgeable, engaging, and always available for support. The assignments were challenging yet rewarding, allowing me to apply what I learned. The course also offered valuable resources, such as online forums and additional readings. The assessments were fair and effectively measured my progress. Overall, this course has exceeded my expectations, equipping me with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in this field. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking to expand their expertise in the subject area. -
Solar cell and its
parameters are introduced. Discovery of
new materials lead to new solar cell
technologies. Efforts are made to
explain various solar cell technologies in
brief. The materials used in different
technologies are mentioned. The
developments in various technologies
are discussed. Some results from recent
journal publications are also included.
The paper is concluded with some
suggestions to improve the performance
of solar cells. It explains the the need of
further research in this area course -
Daniel Cristianthank you for these wonderful tutorials, they were very helpful
thank you for these wonderful tutorials, they were very helpful -
More illustrations should be included into the course, graphical explanation is more insightful than just speech.
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This class was excellent--where have you been all my life? The instructor was incredibly knowledgeable and articulate. This was the first time I have taken a class in a remote format, and I was delighted with it and look forward to coming back for more classes in the future. I loved the fact that even though I was in a class with other people, the actual physical space was private and quiet and very conducive to learning
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This was a great experience to learn about geometrical and astronomical stuff about planetary systems, mechanical and electrical properties and creation.
Where some technical parts were classified with logical facts and assumptions.
I will argue that, this might be the greatest explanation by expert's and in my opinion with logical examples and explanations any one can understand this Technology. -
This is the first time I have attended a class in this format and wondered how effective it would be. It was very effective and therefore I would definitely be interested in attending other classes in the same format. The instructor was very knowlegeable and provided a wealth of information about the current version, especially since the last version I used was several releases ago
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The review on the fundamentals of the photovoltaic solar panel shows the step by step on the conceptuallizing, idealization and the making process of the solar panel. It also shows the calculation on the costing of every panel used in different application and the last part where the students present different stufy research were significant important.
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i study lot of things related to solar energy and it's importance in life and environment. most things of this course is study you in simple language and understand each point very quick .thanks
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Satyaranjan SahooVery beautiful explained about solar energy, how it works, what are the advantages, etc. So glad to did this course. Concept clear about solar energy -
Its very helpful and true to the intended goal of providing technical , social and economic knowledge of solar world
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I learned so much from this course and the my knowledge of the fundamentals of photovoltaics is now a very good.
