The urgency of transitioning to renewable energy sources is more critical than ever in the face of climate change and dwindling fossil fuel reserves. Photovoltaic (PV) technology stands at the forefront of this movement, converting sunlight directly into electricity and playing a pivotal role in the global shift toward sustainability. As solar energy becomes increasingly vital to energy strategies worldwide, a deeper understanding of photovoltaic materials and technologies is essential for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

This course provided by The British Academy for Training and Development will provide participants with a comprehensive exploration of the various materials used in photovoltaic systems, their characteristics, and the technologies that harness their potential.

Who Should Attend?

• Engineering and science students pursuing degrees in electrical engineering, materials science, or related fields who seek to deepen their understanding of solar technologies.
• Engineers, researchers, and project managers involved in the solar energy sector, aiming to enhance their expertise in photovoltaic materials and technologies.
• Policy makers and advocates in governmental and non-governmental organizations who are interested in promoting sustainable energy solutions.

Knowledge and Benefits:

After completing the program, participants will be able to master the following:

• The basic principles of photovoltaic cells work and the science behind solar energy conversion.
• Recognize various photovoltaic materials, their properties, and their impact on the performance and efficiency of solar cells.
• Analyze different photovoltaic technologies, their applications in various sectors, and the trends shaping the future of solar energy.

• Basic Concepts of Solar Energy
  • Definition and importance of solar energy in the global energy landscape.
  • Overview of the photovoltaic effect and its role in energy conversion.
  • Key terms and definitions related to photovoltaics.
• History and Development of Photovoltaics
  • Timeline of significant advancements in photovoltaic technology.
  • Early inventions and breakthroughs leading to modern solar cells.
  • Current trends in the evolution of photovoltaic materials.
• Types of Solar Radiation
  • Explanation of solar irradiance and its measurement.
  • Understanding the spectrum of solar radiation and its relevance to photovoltaics.
  • Factors affecting solar radiation availability (e.g., location, weather).
• Silicon-Based Materials
  • Properties and advantages of crystalline silicon in solar cells.
  • Comparison of monocrystalline and polycrystalline silicon technologies.
  • Challenges associated with silicon production and waste management.
• Thin-Film Technologies
  • Overview of thin-film solar cell materials (e.g., CdTe, CIGS, amorphous silicon).
  • Benefits and drawbacks of thin-film photovoltaics compared to silicon.
  • Applications of thin-film technologies in various settings.
• Emerging Photovoltaic Materials
  • Exploration of novel materials such as perovskites and organic photovoltaics.
  • Advantages of using emerging materials in terms of efficiency and cost.
  • Research trends and potential future applications of new materials.
• Photovoltaic Cell Design
  • Structure and layers of a typical solar cell.
  • Importance of anti-reflective coatings and back contacts.
  • Techniques for optimizing cell design for maximum efficiency.
• Types of Photovoltaic Systems
  • Overview of grid-tied, off-grid, and hybrid systems.
  • Explanation of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV).
  • Discussion of solar tracking systems and their benefits.
• Balance of System (BOS) Components
  • Introduction to BOS components, including inverters and mounting systems.
  • Importance of energy storage systems in enhancing photovoltaic performance.
  • Key factors to consider when selecting BOS components.
• Measuring Photovoltaic Performance
  • Key performance indicators for solar cells (efficiency, fill factor, etc.).
  • Methods for testing and characterizing solar cell performance.
  • The role of standard testing conditions (STC) in performance assessment.
• Factors Affecting Efficiency
  • Influence of temperature, shading, and angle of incidence on cell performance.
  • Techniques for improving efficiency, including bifacial cells and multi-junction technologies.
  • Overview of research efforts aimed at enhancing solar cell efficiency.
• Lifespan and Reliability
  • Understanding the degradation mechanisms in photovoltaic materials.
  • Factors that influence the longevity of solar cells.
  • Importance of warranties and performance guarantees.
• Residential and Commercial Use
  • Overview of residential solar systems and their economic benefits.
  • Successful commercial installations.
  • Understanding net metering and incentive programs.
• Utility-Scale Solar Projects
  • Features of large-scale solar farms and their impact on energy supply.
  • Considerations for site selection and permitting.
  • Role of solar energy in the transition to renewable grids.
• Innovative Applications
  • Exploration of emerging applications such as solar water pumping and solar transportation.
  • Use of photovoltaics in remote and rural electrification.
  • Integration of photovoltaics in smart grid technologies.
• Cost Analysis of Photovoltaic Systems
  • Breakdown of costs associated with solar installation and maintenance.
  • Comparison of photovoltaic systems with other renewable energy sources.
  • Financial incentives and funding options for solar projects.
• Life Cycle Assessment
  • Understanding the environmental impacts of photovoltaic production.
  • Benefits of conducting a life cycle assessment (LCA).
  • Strategies for minimizing the environmental footprint of solar technologies.
• Regulatory Framework and Policies
  • Overview of government policies supporting solar energy deployment.
  • Discussion of international agreements and commitments to renewable energy.
  • Impact of regulatory environments on market dynamics.
• Advancements in Photovoltaic Technologies
  • Overview of cutting-edge research in solar energy.
  • Potential future breakthroughs in materials and efficiency.
  • The role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in optimizing PV systems.
• Market Trends and Projections
  • Analysis of current market trends in the photovoltaic sector.
  • Forecasting future growth and developments in solar energy.
  • Impact of global energy policies on the solar market.
• Challenges and Opportunities
  • Discussion of the challenges facing the photovoltaic industry.
  • Identifying opportunities for innovation and market expansion.
  • Strategies for addressing barriers to widespread adoption.