EL 102 - Introduction to Photovoltaic Systems

Credit Hours: 3

This course will provide an overview of fundamental concepts of electrical theory and their applications to the Photovoltaic Systems. It will concentrate on the following topics: DC voltage, current, and power concepts; Ohm’s law; DC PV series, parallel and series/parallel circuits and DC electrical measurements; AC current, voltage, power; photovoltaic effect, solar cell design and manufacturing, history of solar power; solar radiation, site analysis; electric load analysis; PV system components (PV modules, batteries, inverters, charge controllers), PV systems safety; grid-tied and stand-alone systems; systems installation and safety issues.

Course Outcomes
Upon completion of the course, the students should be able to:

apply theoretical concepts as they apply to photovoltaic circuits;
demonstrate mastery of electrical PV terminology, symbols and units;
identify basic components and determine their function in various PV systems;
explain the effects of photovoltaic systems on the society;
reinforce theoretical concepts by applying them to actual circuits;
construct and troubleshoot photovoltaic circuits including solar modules, charge controllers, inverters, batteries;
apply safety procedures necessary for PV systems; and
write a well-organized report of experimental results.

S (N)