Introduction to Photovoltaic Energy Systems

3 Credits

Basic principles for design, installation, and operation of photovoltaic energy systems. Properties of sunlight and physics of photovoltaic cells. Photovoltaic cells, modules, and arrays. Inverters and other system components. Site assessment. Design and installation of grid-connected and stand-alone PV systems. Systems operation. Maintenance, performance, and economic analysis. Relevant design and simulation tools are introduced. This course, a version of ECE 321 for graduate students, requires research projects and advanced assignments. Credit not given for both ECE 322 and ECE 422 . Prerequisites: ECE 081