Solar Technologies

Course aim

On completion of this course, students should be able to:

• explain the basic components and main performance parameters of photovoltaic systems
• apply this knowledge of basic components to predict behaviour under certain conditions
• appraise and design photovoltaic systems 
• interpret and discuss the economic and social issues surrounding these systems
• discriminate between basic industrial processes for different photovoltaic technologies
• identify the potential of the solar resource and photovoltaic systems as a mainstream energy source for the future

Course content

Photovoltaic electric systems have become an important area of engineering and are expected to become a mainstream source of energy in the near future. They are an example of interdisciplinary systems engineering, where basic electronic materials science is combined with power electronics, mechanical design, control systems and economic optimisation. The course will give an overview of the solar energy resource and photovoltaic approaches to conversion to electricity in detail. The physics and fabrication of silicon solar cells, including a discussion of the trade offs between cost, fabrication complexity and performance will be presented. Economic, technical and societal issues that must be considered and dealt with in the design of Photovoltaics systems will be covered. Computer modelling of photovoltaic systems will be used to reinforce understanding and acquire a familiarity with engineering tools for PV system design.

This course will be given in blended delivery mode. It is shared between UniSA and ANU.

Textbook(s)

Nil

Prerequisite(s)

Common to all relevant programs
Subject Area & Catalogue Number	Course Name
PHYS 2002	Physics of Materials and Technology

IT Physics (PHYS 2002) or equivalent.

Corequisite(s)

Nil

Teaching method

Component	Duration
INTERNAL, MAWSON LAKES
Tutorial	1 hour x 10 weeks
Workshop	2 hours x 10 weeks

Note: These components may or may not be scheduled in every study period. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Assessment

Exam prep problem solving , Examination, Group Project, Individual Exercises, Lecture Quizzes - online

Fees

EFTSL*: 0.125
Commonwealth Supported program (Band 2)
To determine the fee for this course as part of a Commonwealth Supported program, go to:
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Fee-paying program for domestic and international students
International students and students undertaking this course as part of a postgraduate fee paying program must refer to the relevant program home page to determine the cost for undertaking this course.

Non-award enrolment
Non-award tuition fees are set by the university. To determine the cost of this course, go to:
How to determine the relevant non award tuition fee. (Opens new window)

Not all courses are available on all of the above bases, and students must check to ensure that they are permitted to enrol in a particular course.

* Equivalent Full Time Study Load. Please note: all EFTSL values are published and calculated at ten decimal places. Values are displayed to three decimal places for ease of interpretation.