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HBKUx: Solar Resource Assessment in Desert Climates

Learn how to use the components of solar radiation,solar spectrum, forecasting and meteorology to advocate and plan for deploying PV in desert climates

Solar Resource Assessment in Desert Climates
7 weeks
1–3 hours per week
Self-paced
Progress at your own speed
Free
Optional upgrade available

There is one session available:

After a course session ends, it will be archivedOpens in a new tab.
Starts Mar 27
Ends May 28

About this course

Skip About this course

Desert regions may seem optimal for solar energy and the deployment of photovoltaic (PV) applications. However, the heat and dust experienced in the region poses a challenge for the optimal performance of PV modules and reliability of the applications.

In this course, you will learn how to mitigate these challenges by understanding the components of solar radiation and the characteristics of solar cells and the solar spectrum. You will also learn about forecasting and nowcasting and how this influences selecting a site for PV application. The economic impact of PV applications is a key area of interest and this course provides you with knowledge on the costs and benefits of solar energy from PV applications.

At a glance

  • Language: English
  • Video Transcript: English
  • Associated programs:
  • Associated skills:Forecasting, Meteorology, Advocacy, Solar Radiation

What you'll learn

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  • How to identify components of solar radiation and solar spectrum
  • How to analyse site specific data to determine the effect of atmospheric aerosols on surface irradiation
  • How to locate the most lucrative, effective and efficient sites for PV application
  • How to draw upon regional resources to conduct nowcasting and short-term forecasting
  • How to calculate the cost of energy from PV in hot desert environments and estimate its economic impact

Module 0:Getting Started
Module 1: Components of Solar Radiation and Solar Spectrum
Module 2: Assessment and Forecasting of Ground Irradiation, Monitoring of Air Quality, Meteorology and Challenges in Harsh Climates
Module 3: Site Selection Considerations for PV System Applications
Module 4: Assessing the Effect of Atmospheric Aerosols on Surface Irradiation
Module 5: Cost of Energy from PV Technology in Hot Desert Environments
Module 6: Techno- Economic Models of PV Technology Diffusion in Fossil-Fuel Rich Countries
Module 7: Consolidate yourLearning

Who can take this course?

Unfortunately, learners residing in one or more of the following countries or regions will not be able to register for this course: Iran, Cuba and the Crimea region of Ukraine. While edX has sought licenses from the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to offer our courses to learners in these countries and regions, the licenses we have received are not broad enough to allow us to offer this course in all locations. edX truly regrets that U.S. sanctions prevent us from offering all of our courses to everyone, no matter where they live.

This course is part of Solar Energy in Hot Desert Climates Professional Certificate Program

Learn more 
Expert instruction
2 skill-building courses
Self-paced
Progress at your own speed
4 months
1 - 3 hours per week

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