ENGIN 286
Fundamentals of Photovoltaic Devices
This course offers an in-depth exploration of the fundamentals of photovoltaic devices, covering topics such as charge generation, recombination in semiconducting materials, drift and diffusion currents, and p-n junctions. The course is designed for engineering graduate students and working professionals in the electronic/energy industry who seek to update their knowledge and skills. Emphasis will be given to different solar cell technologies, including monocrystalline, thin film, and third-generation solar cells, with a focus on their design, analysis, and application.
Topics
- Comprehend basic semiconductor physics relevant to photovoltaics, including charge generation, recombination, drift, and diffusion. Determine current-voltage characteristics and extract efficiency of photovoltaic cells. Design and optimize manufacturing processes for various photovoltaic technologies. Evaluate the manufacturing costs and performance metrics of different photovoltaic systems. Identify key requirements for solar cell systems across different market segments. Analyze the fundamental principles of solar energy harvesting, evaluate modern applications and primary photovoltaic markets, and apply this knowledge to design effective solar cell systems for the solar industry or related fields.
Official catalogue course objectives and student learning outcomes
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗2026-2027