Photovoltaics (PV) is rapidly becoming a major source of cheap electricity. This course provides the tools and methods to plan, design, build and operate PV power plants, with an emphasis on utility-scale plants. Within the course students execute a realistic PV plant project, including planning, design, licensing, construction, operation and maintenance, and financing. Most of the modules that compose the course are presented at a generic systems level, and are accessible to students with a non-engineering background. Some of the modules are complemented with more detailed technical contents, as required for professional engineers. The course intends to have a broad appeal, preparing students for policy, managerial or technical jobs in the fast-growing area of Solar PV systems.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Understand and discuss the current status, emerging trends, and key drivers of commercial photovoltaic power generation in Australia and internationally. 
2. Evaluate and justify the selection and integration of components for large-scale photovoltaic systems, considering technical performance, operational requirements, and project constraints. 
3. Apply and critically interpret modelling tools and data to predict the performance, yield, and reliability of photovoltaic systems, and evaluate the limitations and uncertainties of these approaches. 
4. Analyse and evaluate performance, maintenance strategies, and risk factors affecting the long-term operation of photovoltaic power plants. 
5. Understand, discuss and compare financial models and market mechanisms relevant to large-scale photovoltaic systems, and assess their implications for project viability and decision-making. 
6. Formulate and justify engineering decisions for photovoltaic system design and operation under conditions of uncertainty, incomplete information, and competing objectives. 
7. Collaborate effectively as a member or leader of a multidisciplinary team, and communicate and defend engineering decisions to technical and non-technical stakeholders. 
8. Investigate and synthesise information from diverse sources to address complex or unfamiliar engineering problems, demonstrating independent and reflective learning. 

Research-Led Teaching

This course implements research-informed and industry-oriented teaching using the following approaches to support student learning and professional skill development:

• using active learning, discussion-based activities, and real-world case studies to develop critical thinking and engineering judgement,
• using industry-relevant modelling and simulation tools to support applied learning and critical interpretation of engineering data and assumptions,
• using scaffolded and collaborative learning approaches informed by cognitive apprenticeship and constructivist principles to develop students’ ability to think and act like engineering professionals in complex and uncertain project environments.

Field Trips

Royalla Solar Farm, ACT (TBC)

Additional Course Costs

Reimbursement of individual student licenses for PVsyst software (45 AUD each). See "Required resources"

Examination Material or equipment

Closed book exam. A formula sheet (provided) is permitted.

Calculator (Non-Programmable).

Required Resources

Students need to use the PVSyst software. A student version of PVsyst can be downloaded from PVsyst Official Website and will be reimbursed by ANU. The software will be used during the semester for project work. PVsyst runs only under Windows. If you are using a Mac or Linux it can be run with a virtual machine for others OS (VirtualBox, Parallels, etc). Further installation instructions will be given in class.

Recommended Resources

A foundational reference for utility-scale PV project development processes and terminology. It is highly recommended to download and read this guide following closely the course content.

• Utility-Scale Solar Photovoltaic Power Plants, A Project Developer’s Guide, International Finance Corporation, World Bank Group, 2015. https://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/topics_ext_content/ifc_external_corporate_site/sustainability-at-ifc/publications/publications_utility-scale+solar+photovoltaic+power+plants

Supplementary Resources (optional but highly recommended for students’ learning)

• IEA Photovoltaic Power Systems Program (IEA PVPS) - Reports and Task Publications. https://iea-pvps.org/ (notably trends and insights)
• Textbook: H. Haeberlin, Photovoltaics : system design and practice, Wiley, 2012.
• Textbook: P. Gevorkian, Large-Scale Solar Power System Design: An Engineering Guide for Grid-Connected Solar Power Generation, McGraw-Hill, 2011.

Copies of the textbooks are available from Hancock library.

Students are expected to engage with evolving industry documentation, technical reports, and engineering guidance (IEA, ITRPV, etc).

Staff Feedback

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

• Written comments on individual assignments and group project.
• Verbal comments during the tutorials by the tutors.
• Verbal/email feedback to students who contact the Lecturer individually to discuss their work.
• Feedback to whole class via verbal comments in-class and responses posted in the course Teams channel.

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.

Other Information

The use of generative AI Tools in this course is permitted within clearly defined assessment conditions.

Assessments in this course are classified as AI-free, AI-assisted, or AI-integrated activities. This is specified in each assessment task description.

• In AI-free assessments, students must complete the work without generative AI assistance in order to demonstrate independent understanding and reasoning.
• In AI-assisted assessments, students may use generative AI tools to support activities such as information gathering, drafting, editing, coding support, or data organisation, provided all outputs are critically evaluated, are appropriately acknowledged and can be justified.
• In AI-integrated assessments, students are expected to critically engage with AI-generated outputs as part of the learning activity, including identifying assumptions, limitations, inaccuracies, and risks associated with AI use.

Students remain responsible for the accuracy, integrity, and originality of all submitted work.

Written assignments may require a short declaration describing the AI tools used, prompt strategies employed, and how AI contributed to the work. Marks will reflect the quality of student reasoning, judgement, critique, and understanding rather than the contribution of the tools. Guidance regarding appropriate citation and use of generative AI can be found on the ANU library website . Further guidance on appropriate use should be directed to the convener for this course.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	PV power plant basics (lecture)Site selection (lecture)	Group project kick-off: group formation and draft of initial project brainstorming (tutorial, group work)
2	Project development (lecture)Solar resource (lecture)	Problem solving (tutorial)
3	Components (lecture)Array sizing (lecture)	Problem solving (tutorial)
4	Group project check-point (in-class group project work)Cables and fuses (lecture)	Problem solving (tutorial)
5	Production modelling (lecture)PVSyst guided lab (in-class group project work)	Oral presentation (tutorial, group work)Group Project - part 1 due at the end of the week
6	Operation and maintenance (lecture)Performance monitoring (lecture)	N/A, this tutorial session will kick off individual assignment 1 which is due at the end of the mid-semester break.
7	Project management (lecture)Technical requirements and risks (lecture)	N/A, this tutorial session will kick off individual assignment 2.
8	Degradation analysis (lecture)EoL & recycling (lecture)	Short self-reflection after solar farm visit (request different topic by email to convenor if you cannot attend the visit)
9	Quality assurance (lecture)Solar farm finance (lecture)	Oral presentation (tutorial, group work)Individual Assignment 2 due at the end of the week
10	Group project check-point (in-class group project work)Market analysis and trends (lecture)	Oral presentation (tutorial, group work)
11	Review session (exam prep)Exam + Group project Q&A (exam prep)Trial exam (exam prep)
12	Trial exam correction (exam prep)Group project final touches (in-class project work)	Group project oral defense (group work) + in-class written self-reflectionGroup Project - part 2 due
13		Final exam (pen and paper)

Tutorial Registration

Students need to register for groups (of 3-4) on Canvas.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Tutorials	15 %	09/10/2026	23/10/2026	1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
Individual Assignments	20 %	05/10/2026	18/10/2026	 2,3,4,6,8
Group Project	25 %	30/10/2026	20/11/2026	 2,3,4,6,7,8 
Final Exam	40 %	20/11/2026	20/11/2026	1,2,4,5

* 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
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• 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 ‘Canvas’ 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.

Participation

Participation is assessed through tutorials, assignments (including group project) and presentations.

Examination(s)

In-person closed book exam. A provided formula sheet is permitted.

Assessment Task 1

Tutorials

Eight tutorial sessions consisting of individual problem solving, self-reflection and/or group activities (oral presentations).

2% weighting each (except the one following the solar farm visit with 1% weighting).

Tutorial materials need to be submitted through Canvas before 11:55 pm the Friday following each tutorial session. Students are highly encouraged to read through and prepare tutorials ahead of class. We will strive to return a grade within a week.

Two additional tutorials (week 6 and 7) will introduce and allow to progress in-class the individual assignments, hence will not be graded.

A rubric will be provided with each tutorial task.

Assessment Task 2

Individual Assignments

Two individual assignments with 10% weighting each.

IA1 is introduced in week 6 and due at the end of the mid-semester break (14/09/2026).

IA2 is introduced in week 7 and due 05/10/2026.

Assignments need to be submitted through Canvas before their respective due date.

Assignments will be returned as soon as possible and prior to the review period (week 12) to allow for questions in class.

A detailed rubric and mapping to relevant learning outcomes will be provided for each individual assignment.

Assessment Task 3

Group Project

Group project with the following elements:

• RFI (part 1) written report, 5% weighting, due week 4 (16/08/2026), to be submitted on Canvas (one per group).
• RFP (part 2) written report, 8% weighting, due week 13 (30/10/2026), to be submitted on Canvas (one per group).
• (in-class, final tutorial day in week 12) group oral defense, 8% weighting, slides to be submitted on Canvas (one per group).
• (in-class, final tutorial day in week 12) (hand)written individual self-reflection on provided paper, 4% weighting, collected in class.

Grades and feedback will be returned within 3 weeks of each step.

A detailed rubric and mapping to relevant learning outcomes will be provided for each step.

Assessment Task 4

Final Exam

The final exam will be closed-book and cover the content from the course. 40% weighting. Date to be determined by the university.

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 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 2 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. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

Marked reports are returned through Canvas.

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.

Resubmission of Assignments

Not applicable.

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 Accessibility 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 supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students