Using Photovoltaic (PV) Technology in Desert Climates (edX)

In this course, you will learn what effect temperature and dust has on the solar cells and PV modules. The course looks at the cleaning methods used to reduce soiling, how to measure solar cell and PV module performance and optimize the design of the technology to enhance the energy yield. Finally, you will have the opportunity to consider how you would deploy PV technology in your specific context.

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

What you'll learn

- How to use the data sheet of a PV module to predict its energy yield under specific conditions

- Determine how the module temperature is affected by the cell and module design

- How to optimize the configuration of monofacial and bifacial panels to reduce soiling and maximize the energy yield

- Understand the impact of the desert climate on the degradation process of PV modules

- How to apply the international standard tests for module performance and reliability assessment

Syllabus

Module 0: Getting Started

Module 1: Understanding the Solar Cell Operation Principles

Module 2: Measuring Solar Cell and PV Module Performance under Standard Test Conditions

Module 3: Understanding the Differences of PV Technologies available in the Market

Module 4: Energy Yield of Monofacial and Bifacial PV Modules

Module 5: Measuring and Mitigating PV Soiling

Module 6: Assessing PV Module Reliability and Degradation

Module 7: Tailoring PV Cells and Modules for Desert Climates

Module 8: PV in Desert Climates in your Context