This course provides a comprehensive overview of grid-connected and off-grid Photovoltaic (PV) technology with an emphasis on power electronics. The course is intended to accommodate students from a range of backgrounds with an interest in renewable energy.

Course topics include: I) Core PV technology (types of PV cells, concentrating/multi-junction PV, I/V characteristics, electrical models, basic semiconductor principles). II) PV System Overview (Economics and trends, PV forecasting, shading effects). III) Power Electronic Converters for PV Systems (micro-inverters, micro-converters, multi-port dc-dc converters, maximum power point tracking techniques, efficiency optimization, digital control techniques, practical issues, semiconductor devices).

Students may choose either a theoretical/simulation based final project or an experimental project. Students also have the opportunity to use the PV experimental platform on the roof of the Galbraith building.