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:

On successful completion of this course, students should have the skills and knowledge to:

1. Differentiate among basic components, main performance parameters, and basic industrial processes of photovoltaic systems and technologies.
2. Proficiently apply advanced technical knowledge, science, and appropriate tools in photovoltaic technologies to predict system behaviours under different conditions.
3. Professionally apply systematic engineering methods to appraise and design photovoltaic systems.
4. 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.
5. Work effectively and proactively within teams, demonstrating autonomy, professional conduct, well developed judgement, adaptability and responsibility to achieve engineering outcomes at a high standard.
6. Relate the role of photovoltaic technologies to the broader energy context.

Professional Skills Mapping

Mapping of Learning Outcomes to Assessment and Professional Competencies

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying remotely, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Introductory Lecture (Dr Hieu Nguyen) 1.1 The Sun (Dr Hieu Nguyen)
2	1.2 Optimising PV (Dr Hieu Nguyen) 2.1.1 Solar cell IV (Dr Viqar Ahmad)	Exercise 1 Computer Lab: Solar resources (1.1, 1.2), Tutor: Khoa Nguyen Group project discussion forum opens
3	2.1.2 Parasitic resistances (Dr Viqar Ahmad) 2.2.1 Module design (Dr Viqar Ahmad)	Tute 1 (up to 1.2), Tutor: Jiali Wang Project suggestions (proposals) can be submitted
4	2.2.2 Module structure (Dr Viqar Ahmad)	Tute 2 (up to 2.1.2), Tutor: Jiali Wang Exercise 2 Practical Lab: Module performance (1.1 to 2.1.2) Weather dependent, Tutor: Kingsley Li Registration for project proposals
5	2.2.3 Types of modules (Dr Viqar Ahmad) 2.3.1 System peripherals (Thien Truong)	Tute 3 (up to 2.2.2), Tutor: Jiali Wang Project groups formed. Project group registration for group session
6	2.3.2a Stand-alone systems (Dr Thien Truong) 2.3.2b Grid connect systems (Dr Thien Truong)	Tute 4 (2.2.3, 2.3.1), Tutor: Jiali Wang Group Project Session 1, Tutor: Ary Wibowo
7	2.3.2c Concentrator systems (Dr Thien Truong) 3.1 The economics of solar PV energy (Dr Rabin Basnet)	Tute 5 (2.3.2a, 2.3.2b), Tutor: Jiali Wang Exercise 3 Computer lab: Analysis of data from solar installations (1.1, 1.2, 2.2.2, 2.2.3), Tutor: Khoa Nguyen
8	4.1 Silicon solar cell design (Dr Rabin Basnet) 4.2 Industrial silicon module fabrication (Dr Rabin Basnet)	Tute 6 (2.3.2a-c), Tutor: Jiali Wang Submission of interim reports via Wattle (20% of Group Project mark)
9	4.3 Thin film module fabrication (Dr Rabin Basnet) Guest Lecture 1 (TBA)	Tute 7 (3.1), Tutor: Jiali Wang Exercise 4 Computer lab: Module design with PSPICE (2.1.1 to 2.2.1), Tutor: Kingsley Li Group Project Session 2, Tutor: Ary Wibowo
10	Guest Lecture 2 (TBA)	Tute 8 (4.1, 4.2), Tutor: Jiali Wang
11	Guest Lecture 3 (TBA)	Tute 9 (4.1-4.3), Tutor: Jiali Wang
12	Guest Lecture 4 (TBA)	Tute 10 (sample exam questions from previous years), Tutor: Dr Hieu Nguyen Group project due, 80% of Group Project mark.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Learning Outcomes
Quizzes (x9)	5 %	1,2,3,4
Tutorials (x10)	5 %	2,3,4,6
Exercises (x4)	30 %	2,3,4,5,6
Group project (x1)	20 %	1,2,3,4,5,6
Exam (x1)	40 %	1,2,3,4,6

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Guideline and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using 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. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Assessment Task 1

Quizzes (x9)

Online quizzes will be used to test your understanding of the material presented in the lectures. They consist of typically 4 questions (multiple choice or short answer). You will have 2 attempts at each quiz. Each time you do the quiz you will not necessarily get the same questions, or in the same order. You must attempt the whole quiz before you can repeat your attempt.

Assessment Task 2

Tutorials (x10)

Tutorials (with typically 20-25 students per tutorial) will give you the opportunity to further test your understanding of the course material, and to discuss it face to face with other students and a tutor. They will be 1 hour in length. 

Each tutorial is marked out of 1, and worth 0.556% of the total course mark (except for the last tute, which is not marked). To get the mark for the tute, you must submit an answer to Tute Q1 before Sunday 11pm the week before the tute session. Your answer to Q1 doesn't have to be correct but must show evidence of a real attempt. Note: Attendance is not marked.

Assessment Task 3

Exercises (x4)

Exercises will give you the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the lecture material, and to extend your analytical skills. These are either computer based, individual exercises using modelling programs and/or accessing relevant data from suitable websites, or group based practical activities. They are usually 2 hours in duration. You will need to submit a report for each exercise.

Assessment Task 4

Group project (x1)

The group project will give you the opportunity to integrate many of the aspects of photovoltaic systems you will have covered in the course utilising a system approach. You will further need to develop your ability to work in a team, to use online tools for record keeping and project management, and to find and critically assess required information from web-based resources. Furthermore, the group should demonstrate a deep and broad understanding of the current state of the PV technologies and their future trends. This can be done by a literature review of the technologies they choose to work with, their prediction in the future based on a reliable database, and integrating these analyses throughout the project and the report appropriately. A tutor will be available to help guide you through the process.

Assessment Task 5

Exam (x1)

The final exam will be an online Wattle-based, Proctorio monitored exam, 2.5 hours in duration. All students will start and finish the exam on Wattle at the same time. Therefore, a late login to the exam will be a disadvantage.

This is an open book exam but a formula sheet will still be supplied for you. The exam will cover all aspects of the course. Some example exam questions will be made available for you to look at. You should expect to see a similar type of questions (multiple choices, short reasoning questions, and short calculation questions).

To facilitate a fair assessment, the order of each section will occur randomly.

If required, a supplementary exam will be held. The format of the supplementary exam will be the same as that of the final exam. A minimum mark of 50% will be required in the supplementary exam in order to pass the course.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.
• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Access and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students