Solar Resource Assessment in Desert Climates (edX)

In this course, you will learn how to mitigate these challenges by understanding the components of solar radiation and the characteristics of solar cells and the solar spectrum. You will also learn about forecasting and nowcasting and how this influences selecting a site for PV application. The economic impact of PV applications is a key area of interest and this course provides you with knowledge on the costs and benefits of solar energy from PV applications.

This course is part of the Solar Energy in Hot Desert Climates Professional Certificate.

What you'll learn

- How to identify components of solar radiation and solar spectrum

- How to analyse site specific data to determine the effect of atmospheric aerosols on surface irradiation

- How to locate the most lucrative, effective and efficient sites for PV application

- How to draw upon regional resources to conduct nowcasting and short-term forecasting

- How to calculate the cost of energy from PV in hot desert environments and estimate its economic impact

Syllabus

Module 0:Getting Started

Module 1: Components of Solar Radiation and Solar Spectrum

Module 2: Assessment and Forecasting of Ground Irradiation, Monitoring of Air Quality, Meteorology and Challenges in Harsh Climates

Module 3: Site Selection Considerations for PV System Applications

Module 4: Assessing the Effect of Atmospheric Aerosols on Surface Irradiation

Module 5: Cost of Energy from PV Technology in Hot Desert Environments

Module 6: Techno- Economic Models of PV Technology Diffusion in Fossil-Fuel Rich Countries

Module 7: Consolidate yourLearning