4X03/6X03 Introduction to Photovoltaics

Term II - 2011/2012

INSTRUCTOR:
R.R. LaPierre

LECTURES:
Tuesday, Wed, Friday

9:30 - 10:20

BSB/B140

TEXTBOOK:
There is no textbook assigned for this course.

COURSE OUTLINE:

Topics covered include:

1. Introduction to solar cells
2. Brief comparison with other renewables
3. Properties of sunlight
4. p-n junction physics; operation of solar cells
5. Cell characterization: I-V curve under dark and illumination conditions,
   cell efficiency, fill factor, short-circuit current, open-
   circuit voltage
6. PV technologies:
   Single crystalline Si cells
   Micro-, poly-, and multi-crystalline Si cells
   Amorphous Si cells
   III-V multijunction cells
   Concentrator PV
   CIGS solar cells
   CdTe solar cells
   Dye-sensitized solar cells
   Organic solar cells
   Nanotechnology and solar cells
7. Module manufacturing
8. PV Economics

EVALUATION AND ASSIGNMENT OF GRADES:

4X03:

6X03:

The instructor and university reserve the right to modify elements of the course during the term. The university may change the dates and deadlines for any or all courses in extreme circumstances. If either type of modification becomes necessary, reasonable notice and communication with the students will be given with explanation and the opportunity to comment on changes. It is the responsibility of the student to check their McMaster email and course websites weekly during the term and to note any changes.

POLICY REMINDERS:
Academic dishonesty consists of misrepresentation by deception or by other fraudulent means and can result in serious consequences, e.g. the grade of zero on an assignment, loss of credit with a notation on the transcript (notation reads: "Grade of F assigned for academic dishonesty"), and/or suspension or expulsion from the university.
It is your responsibility to understand what constitutes academic dishonesty. For information on the various kinds of academic dishonesty please refer to the Academic Integrity Policy, specifically Appendix 3, located at http://www.mcmaster.ca/senate/academic/ac_integrity.htm

The following illustrates only three forms of academic dishonesty:

1. Plagiarism, e.g. the submission of work that is not one's own or for which other credit has been obtained.
2. Improper collaboration in group work.
3. Copying or using unauthorized aids in tests and examinations.

The Faculty of Engineering is concerned with ensuring an environment that is free of all adverse discrimination. If there is a problem that cannot be resolved by discussion among the persons concerned, individuals are reminded that they should contact their Department Chair, the Sexual Harassment Officer or the Human Rights Consultant, as soon as possible.