In this free online course, you will learn about learn about the principles, technologies and materials used in solar photovoltaics. The course will introduce you to solar energy, solar cells, solar radiation, the fundamental aspects of solar radiation, and identifying atmospheric effects on solar radiation. You will also learn about the effect of location on time, and measuring the Sun-Earth angular rotations.

Next, the course teaches you about the energy band diagram in semi-conductors, and the concept of carrier diffusion. You learn about the basics of P-N junctions including topics such as the characteristics of P-N junctions, forward and reverse bias on P-N junction devices, the effects of bias on P-N junctions, and determining I-V characteristics in dark and light / under illumination.

Finally, the course covers the manufacture of silicon, as well as the first, second and third generations of solar PV technologies. You will also be introduced to the manufacturing processes of various types of solar cells and issues involved in making organic solar cells including cadmium telluride solar cells, bilayer solar cells, multijunction solar cells, perovskite solar cells and CZTS solar cells. Start the course today and learn about the principles, technologies and materials used in solar photovoltaics.