Overview of Lecture "Solar Energy Systems"

1. Potentials, Irradiance, Shadowing
2. Concentration, Solar thermal systems
3. Principle of photovoltaic energy conversion
4. Characteristics of photovoltaic conversion devices
5. Manufacturing of solar cells, solar modules
6. PV systems: components, set-up, performance
7. Performance: optical, thermal and electrical modeling, simulation, measurement
8. Durability of PV modules and systems: Standards, tests, degradation effects
9. PV for power supply: predictability of PV output, combination with other energy sources, storage, performance in large energy grids, individual power supply
10. Market development of PV: off-grid markets, markets triggered by feed-in tariffs (FiT), self-sustainable markets, cost and price development
11./12. Excursion to a PV power plant (visit, interview with the operator, documentation)