COM4LAB: Photovoltaics

The COM4LAB course "Photovoltaics" gives an insight into the world of modern photovoltaic systems, providing basic knowledge about the utilisation of the sun's energy with photovoltaic systems. All important topics are covered, from the study of the setup and operation of individual solar cells, solar modules and photovoltaic systems. The course also provides an insight into the components that are important for photovoltaic systems, such as accumulators, charge controllers, boost converters and inverters. The course consists of 21 chapters.

Total duration: Up to 15 hours

Target audiences

The course can be used to support the training process for the following professions, among others:

• electronics technician for energy and building technology
• electronics technician for devices and systems

It can also be used in general education schools.

Learning objectives

The students should:

• understand the setup and operation of solar cells, solar modules and photovoltaic systems,
• be familiar with the setup and operation of necessary components such as accumulators, charge controllers, boost converters and inverters, and
• know modern applications for photovoltaic systems.

Topics

The course covers the following topics:

• solar energy and its utilisation
• solar cell

  setup - mode of operation - spectral sensitivity - polarity - energy conversion

• solar module

  characteristics - solar characteristic curve

• wiring of solar modules

  series connection - parallel connection - series and parallel connection

• external influences

  shading - tilt angle - temperature

• important components of a photovoltaic system

  accumulator - charge controller - boost converter - inverter

• applications

  solar-powered lighting systems - off-grid photovoltaic systems - grid-connected photovoltaic systems

Previous knowledge

Students need to have knowledge of the electronic circuits setup in order to successfully complete the course. Dealing with formulas is also required.