Course content

Solar energy in a global, European and Norwegian perspective

Solar energy from an energy system perspective

Solar energy resource assessment

Solar cell and solar cell systems

Energy and power related to PV systems

Stand-alone and Grid-Connected PV Systems

Performance of solar PV systems

Use of Python programming in the solar energy context

Learning outcome

Knowledge: The candidate should understand:

• The availability and distribution of solar energy resources from a Global/European/Norwegian perspective
• The use of solar energy for energy purposes in the form of electricity and heat as well as the various applications of solar energy
• Different components of solar radiation
• How solar cells and solar collectors work
• Components of solar PV and their function
• Performance factors such as efficiency and capacity factor
• Integration of solar energy into the energy system
• The contribution and challenges of solar energy from an energy system perspective
• Environmental and climate perspective related to solar energy

Skills: The candidate should

• Be able to calculate incident solar radiation on a surface considering orientation, inclination, location, etc.
• Be able to perform performance analysis based on data from existing solar PV systems.
• Be able to Identify suitable components and configurations for the use of solar cells on buildings, ground and other areas
• Be able to calculate power, energy, efficiency, yields, losses, performance ratio and capacity factor in connection with solar PV systems, as well as be able to dimension the necessary system power for various purposes
• Be able to explain current-voltage characteristics and calculate power output from series/parallel connected solar panels
• Be able to explain the advantages and disadvantages of building and ground-mounted solar PV systems
• Be able to process data and make calculations related to solar energy using Python

General competence: The candidate

• Have a good understanding of the connection between the basic theory and the practical application of solar energy
• Have acquired an understanding of basic issues within solar energy and be able to communicate these to others within their own field
• Can use a basic relevant conceptual and formulaic apparatus within solar energy

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, exercises

Compulsory assignments

• Compulsory assignments

Specific conditions

Course materials

Oppgis ved semesterstart