The course presents the basics, and advances of solar-PV technologies, and systems. It starts from the basics of energy and the fabrication and then covers the major theoretical, and practical methods for successful implementation of solar-PV systems for electric energy production. Various modes of operation (off-grid, and grid-connected), load types (non-deferrable, and deferrable), system configurations are well covered. The course also provides several case studies, and use of computer software for modeling, analysis, and sizing of various solar-PV configurations. The topics of the course are coupled with relevant numerical examples to demonstrate the use of international online software modules and the given mathematical models. The course also presents practical sizing methods for the design of solar-PV systems. Relevant standards are considered in the sizing process. The overall outcome of the course is to facilitate to the students the required knowledge, skills, and tools for successful design, and implementation of various solar-PV systems.

The course consists of 15 lectures and two quizzes. The titles of the lectures are:

1. Course overview and ILOs.

2. Energy.

3. Classification of energy resources.

4. Solar-PV technological generations.

5. PV module (panel), and array.

6. Fabrication of solar cells.

7. Quantitative Characterization of solar-PV technologies.

8. Basic scheme of solar-PV generators and loads.

9. Sun tracking mechanisms.

10. MPPT and DC-DC converters.

11. PCU and Inverters.

12. Energy storage options.

13. Simplified PV Energy Production Models.

14. Off-grid systems supplying non-deferrable loads.

15. Grid-connected Solar-PV Systems and Battery Backup