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Physics of silicon solar cells
  • Level Foundation
  • Duration 13 hours
  • Course by École Polytechnique
  • Offered by

About

The first MOOC “Photovoltaic solar energy” is a general presentation of the solar photovoltaics technologies in the global energetic context, without extensive details. In particular the description of the solar cell operation is restricted to the ideal case In contrast this second MOOC allows a deep understanding of the properties of solar cells based on crystalline semiconductors. It consists in a general presentation of the physics of the photovoltaics devices with a particular emphasize on the silicon technology that currently represents more than 90% share of the market. Photovoltaic applications of III-V semiconductors are also mentioned. Indeed from a fundamental point of view, a solar cell can be considered as a semiconductor device (a diode) exposed to the sunlight. An introduction to the semiconductor physics is given, followed by the electron transport phenomena in a diode device. A detailed description of the solar cell operation is then provided, including the conversion efficiency limitations. A description of the solar spectrum and the optical properties of the cells are also presented. Finally the crystalline silicon technology is described from the bulk crystalline growth up to the preparation of heterojunctions combining crystalline and amorphous materials.

Modules

Introduction to Semiconductor Physics

    • 11 Videos
    • 3 Assignment
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3 Assignment

  • Band Structure
  • Doping
  • Test: Semiconductor Physics

11 Videos

  • 1. Introduction
  • 2. Band structure
  • 3. Band structure (cont.)
  • 4. Optical absorption
  • 5. Intrinsic semiconductors
  • 6. Semiconductor doping
  • 7. Carrier densities at thermal equilibrium
  • Worked Problem - Carrier Densities at Equilibrium
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
  • Appendix 3

Transport Phenomena. The p-n junction

    • 9 Videos
    • 3 Assignment
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3 Assignment

  • Impurities in Semiconductors
  • p-n Junction
  • Test - Quasi-Equilibrium

9 Videos

  • 1. Transport phenomena
  • 2. Carrier injection by light. Recombination
  • 3. The equilibrium p - n junction
  • 4. The non-equilibrium p - n junction
  • Appendix 1
  • Appendix 2
  • Appendix 3
  • Appendix 4
  • Worked Problem - Implied Open Circuit Voltage

Asymetrical Devices

    • 5 Videos
    • 2 Assignment
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2 Assignment

  • Metal-Semiconductor Contact
  • Test - Asymmetrical Junctions

5 Videos

  • 1. The metal-semiconductor contact at equilibrium
  • 2. Non-equilibrium metal-semiconductor contact
  • 3. Ohmic contacts
  • 4. The semiconductor surface - Heterojunctions
  • Worked Problem - Semiconductor Heterojunctions

Solar Cells

    • 10 Videos
    • 3 Assignment
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3 Assignment

  • Solar Spectrum
  • Conversion Efficiency
  • Solar Cell Optics

10 Videos

  • 1. Solar radiation
  • 2. Solar spectrum
  • Worked Problem - Total Irradiance
  • 3. Solar cell fundamentals
  • Worked Problem - The I-V Characteristic
  • 4. Multi-junctions - Conversion efficiency limitations
  • 5. Solar cell optics
  • Worked Problem - Solar Cell under Concentration
  • 6. From cell to module
  • Appendix 1

Crystalline Semiconductor Solar Cells

    • 7 Videos
    • 4 Assignment
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4 Assignment

  • Silicon Metallurgy
  • Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells
  • III-V Semiconductor Solar Cells
  • Test - Crystalline Solar Cell Operation

7 Videos

  • 1. Crystalline silicon metallurgy
  • 2. Crystal growth and wafering
  • 3. Crystalline silicon solar cells
  • 4. Crystalline silicon solar cells (cont.)
  • Worked Problem: VOC and Temperature
  • 5. Cells based on III-V compounds
  • 6. Use of microelectronic processes

Silicon Heterojunctions

    • 3 Videos
    • 2 Assignment
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2 Assignment

  • Heterojunctions
  • Test - Silicon Heterojunctions

3 Videos

  • 1. Silicon heterojunctions (HIT)
  • Worked Problem: Silicon Heterojunction
  • Appendix 1

Auto Summary

Delve into the "Physics of Silicon Solar Cells" course to gain a deep understanding of photovoltaic devices, with a focus on silicon technology. Led by Coursera, this foundational course explores semiconductor physics, electron transport, and solar cell efficiency, including insights into III-V semiconductors. Ideal for science and engineering enthusiasts, the course spans 780 minutes and offers Starter and Professional subscription options. Perfect for those eager to grasp the intricacies of solar energy technology.

Pr. Bernard Drevillon
Instructors

Pr. Bernard Drevillon

Erik Johnson
Instructors

Erik Johnson