Vak: Specialisation Photovoltaics (Northumbria) credits: 30

The student will
♦ be able to discuss the properties of semiconductors which are important for PV applications.
♦ be able to describe the important PV devices.
♦ have a good understanding of semiconductors in equilibrium and non-equilibrium situations, homojunction and heterojunction solar cell devices and the differences between ideal and real devices.
♦ understand the need for purity and minimisation of crystal imperfections for making high performance devices.
♦ be able to describe and discuss the pros and cons of bulk crystal growth, epitaxial and low cost thin film deposition methods.
♦ at an introductory level outline how to make important solar cell devices.

Students will be able to:
♦ discuss the principles of operation and design of PV devices.
♦ discuss the main fabrication methods for advanced PV devices.
♦ describe and use the main characterisation methods used with semiconductor materials and PV devices.

The student will:
• Be able to complete basic design of both stand alone and grid connected systems
• Understand the requirements for construction, electrical connection and operation of systems
• Have experience of analysing system performance

The students will:
• Have an understanding of the economics of photovoltaic systems and their comparison with other electricity sources
• Be able to perform an environmental impact assessment or energy analysis for a PV system