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:
- Identify and discuss the current status and development trends in commercial solar photovoltaic power generation in the Australia and internationally.
- Compare, evaluate and select individual components for large scale photovoltaic systems.
- Apply a range of calculation and modelling tools to evaluate and predict the performance, yield, and reliability of commercial photovoltaic systems.
- Assess the long-term operation and maintenance requirements of commercial photovoltaic systems.
- Discuss and compare the different financial operating models for large scale photovoltaic systems.
- Contribute effectively and pro-actively as a leader or member of a group to achieve high quality engineering outcomes.
- Engage in independent research and investigation to solve complex or unfamiliar problems.
Indicative Assessment
- Tutorial Assignments and Online Quizzes (20) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Individual Assignments (20) [LO 2,4,5,7]
- Group Project (20) [LO 2,3,5,6,7]
- Final Exam (40) [LO 1,2,5,7]
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
The typical workload for a 6 unit course is approximately 10hr/week throughout semester. This includes lecture and workshop/tutorial attendance, assessment preparation and individual study time.Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Prescribed Texts
None
Preliminary Reading
Learning resources and books
- Utility-Scale Solar Photovoltaic Power Plants, A Project Developer’s Guide, International Finance Corporation, World Bank Group, 2015
- IEA Photovoltaic Power systems Programme
- Fraunhofer ISE, Photovoltaics Report 2021
- International Technology Roadmap for Photovoltaic (ITRPV), 12th ed., 2021
Assumed Knowledge
Background knowledge in Photovoltaic Technology is useful.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you 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). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found 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 |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $5280 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $6720 |
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.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8897 | 21 Jul 2025 | 28 Jul 2025 | 31 Aug 2025 | 24 Oct 2025 | In Person | N/A |