Skip to main content

HBKUx: Using Photovoltaic (PV) Technology in Desert Climates

Learn how to mitigate the challenges related to PV technology and enhance the performance of solar cells and PV modules in desert climates.

Using Photovoltaic (PV) Technology in Desert Climates
8 weeks
1–3 hours per week
Self-paced
Progress at your own speed
Free
Optional upgrade available

There is one session available:

5,578 already enrolled! After a course session ends, it will be archivedOpens in a new tab.
Starts Mar 19
Ends May 28

About this course

Skip About this course

The high insolation in desert regions can result in a lower cost of solar energy. While this may be a key motivation to deploying PV in desert climates, there are also several challenges related to the technology that must be considered.

In this course, you will learn what effect temperature and dust has on the solar cells and PV modules. The course looks at the cleaning methods used to reduce soiling, how to measure solar cell and PV module performance and optimize the design of the technology to enhance the energy yield. Finally, you will have the opportunity to consider how you would deploy PV technology in your specific context.

At a glance

What you'll learn

Skip What you'll learn
  • How to use the data sheet of a PV module to predict its energy yield under specific conditions
  • Determine how the module temperature is affected by the cell and module design
  • How to optimize the configuration of monofacial and bifacial panels to reduce soiling and maximize the energy yield
  • Understand the impact of the desert climate on the degradation process of PV modules
  • How toapply the international standard tests for module performance and reliability assessment

Module 0: Getting Started
Module 1: Understanding the Solar Cell Operation Principles
Module 2: Measuring Solar Cell and PV Module Performance under Standard Test Conditions
Module 3: Understanding the Differences of PV Technologies available in the Market
Module 4: Energy Yield of Monofacial and Bifacial PV Modules
Module 5: Measuring and Mitigating PV Soiling
Module 6: Assessing PV Module Reliability and Degradation
Module 7: Tailoring PV Cells and Modules for Desert Climates
Module 8: PV in Desert Climates in your Context

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

Interested in this course for your business or team?

Train your employees in the most in-demand topics, with edX For Business.