This course is designed for first-year graduate and senior undergraduate students from engineering disciplines and is intended to educate students in the design and application of solar energy technology. It will focus on fundamentals of solar energy conversion, solar cells, optical engineering, photoelectrochemical cells, thermoelectric generators, and energy storage and distribution systems. The course covers solar energy insolation and global energy needs, current trends in photovoltaic energy engineering, solar cell material science, design and installation of solar panels for residential and industrial applications and connections to the national grid and cost analysis of the overall system. In addition, basic manufacturing processes for the production of solar panels, environmental impacts, and the related system engineering aspects will be included to provide a comprehensive state-of-the art approach to solar energy utilization. Same as ENG EC 573. Students may not receive credits for both.

Note that this information may change at any time. Please visit the Student Link for the most up-to-date course information.