Photovoltaic Solar Energy Systems

Calendar

SES #	TOPICS	KEY DATES
1	Introduction Types of Photovoltaic Systems History of PV Technology Development Current Status: Technology, Policy, Markets
2	The Solar Resource Solar Geometry - Direct Beam Flux onto a Surface “In Space” Earth-bound Flux - Kt, the “Clearness Index”	Exercise #1 due
3	The Solar Resource (cont.) Database - US Sites Monthly Average Daily Insolation, TMY Data
4	The Photovoltaic Module Current-voltage Characteristics, Insolation, Temperature Effects Module Efficiency, Module Rating, “Full Sun Hours” Output	Exercise #2 due
5	Photovoltaic Array Performance Series, Parallel Module Networking, Diode Placement Output as Function of Array Orientation, Tracking
6	Stand-alone System Elements Energy Storage, Battery Characteristics Load Requirements Charge Control, Max. Power Tracking, Load Management	Exercise #3 due
7	Stand-alone System Sizing First Order Estimation of Average Daily Performance
8	Stand-alone System Sizing (cont.) Probability of Loss of Load - Markov Process Model	Exercise #4 due
9	Stand-alone System Sizing (cont.) Effect of Day-to-day Correlation
10	Evaluation of PV Station Data Solar Resource Module Output - Temperature Effects
11	Grid-connected Systems Power Conditioning Utility Constraints
12	Grid-connected Systems (cont.) Architectural/Structural Considerations
13	PV Cost/Benefit Calculations Net Present Value - Ex: Almeda County Megawatt Facility Government Subsidies and Incentives	Exercise #5 due
14	Student Presentations	Final report due