Photovoltaic electric systems have become an important area of engineering and are expected to become a mainstream source of energy in the near future. They are an example of interdisciplinary systems engineering, where basic electronic materials science is combined with power electronics, mechanical design, control systems and economic optimisation. The course will give an overview of the solar energy resource and photovoltaic approaches to conversion to electricity in detail. The physics and fabrication of silicon solar cells, including a discussion of the trade-offs between cost, fabrication complexity and performance will be presented. Economic, technical and societal issues that must be considered and dealt with in the design of Photovoltaic systems will be covered. Computer modelling of photovoltaic systems will be used to reinforce understanding and acquire a familiarity with engineering tools for PV system design.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Differentiate among basic components, main performance parameters, and basic industrial processes of photovoltaic systems and technologies.
- Proficiently apply advanced technical knowledge, science, and appropriate tools in photovoltaic technologies to predict system behaviours under different conditions.
- Professionally apply systematic engineering methods to appraise and design photovoltaic systems.
- Apply research skills to develop deeper understanding of current and emerging photovoltaic technologies beyond the scope of the lecture materials and critically analyse recent research outcomes.
- Work effectively and proactively within teams, demonstrating autonomy, professional conduct, well developed judgement, adaptability and responsibility to achieve engineering outcomes at a high standard.
- Relate the role of photovoltaic technologies to the broader energy context.
Other Information
Professional Skills Mapping
Mapping of Learning Outcomes to Assessment and Professional Competencies
Indicative Assessment
- Online Quizzes (5) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Tutorials (5) [LO 2,3,4,6]
- Exercises (30) [LO 2,3,4,5,6]
- Group Project (20) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6]
- Final Exam (40) [LO 1,2,3,4,6]
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Workload
130 hours including 2 lectures per week, up to 1 tutorial, 1 laboratory/computing session per week. 7 - 9 hours independent study per week
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Recommended reading:
- Markvart, T., Solar Electricity, second edition, John Wiley & Sons, Chichester, 2000.
- Wenham, S.R. et al, Applied Photovoltaics, second edition, Earthscan, 2007
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $5280 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $6720 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2233 | 17 Feb 2025 | 24 Feb 2025 | 31 Mar 2025 | 23 May 2025 | In Person | View |