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:
Upon completion of this course the student will be able to:
- explain the basic components and main performance parameters of photovoltaic systems.
- apply this knowledge of basic components to predict behaviour under certain conditions.
- appraise and design photovoltaic systems.
- interpret and discuss the economic and social issues surrounding these systems.
- discriminate between basic industrial processes for different photovoltaic technologies.
- identify the potential of the solar resource and photovoltaic systems as a mainstream energy source for the future.
Indicative Assessment
Online Quizzes (5%); Tutorials (9%); Exercises (20%); Group Project (20%); Exam (46%)
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
This course has the same workload expectations to that of a traditional course. The indicative time is 10-12 hours per week and is outlined in more detail on the WATTLE site.
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
Assumed Knowledge
Basic physics and mathematics
Majors
Minors
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Students continuing in their current program of study will have their tuition fees indexed annually from the year in which you commenced your program. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and 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). You can find your student contribution amount for each course 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 | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1994-2003 | $1650 | |
| 2014 | $2952 | |
| 2013 | $2946 | |
| 2012 | $2946 | |
| 2011 | $2946 | |
| 2010 | $2916 | |
| 2009 | $2850 | |
| 2008 | $2592 | |
| 2007 | $2298 | |
| 2006 | $2190 | |
| 2005 | $2190 | |
| 2004 | $2190 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 1994-2003 | $3450 |
| 2014 | $3762 |
| 2013 | $3756 |
| 2012 | $3756 |
| 2011 | $3756 |
| 2010 | $3750 |
| 2009 | $3618 |
| 2008 | $3618 |
| 2007 | $3618 |
| 2006 | $3618 |
| 2005 | $3534 |
| 2004 | $3450 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3898 | 17 Feb 2014 | 07 Mar 2014 | 31 Mar 2014 | 30 May 2014 | In Person | N/A |
