Solar Resource Assessment in Desert Climates

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Free Online Course: Solar Resource Assessment in Desert Climates provided by edX is a comprehensive online course, which lasts for 7 weeks long, 1-3 hours a week. The course is taught in English and is free of charge. Upon completion of the course, you can receive an e-certificate from edX. Solar Resource Assessment in Desert Climates is taught by Dr. Luis Pomares, Mohammed Ayoub, Dr. Christos Fountoukis, Dr. Antonio Sanfilippo and Dr. Amir Abdallah.

Overview
  • Desert regions may seem optimal for solar energy and the deployment of photovoltaic (PV) applications. However, the heat and dust experienced in the region poses a challenge for the optimal performance of PV modules and reliability of the applications.

    In this course, you will learn how to mitigate these challenges by understanding the components of solar radiation and the characteristics of solar cells and the solar spectrum. You will also learn about forecasting and nowcasting and how this influences selecting a site for PV application. The economic impact of PV applications is a key area of interest and this course provides you with knowledge on the costs and benefits of solar energy from PV applications.

Syllabus
  • Module 0:Getting Started
    Module 1: Components of Solar Radiation and Solar Spectrum
    Module 2: Assessment and Forecasting of Ground Irradiation, Monitoring of Air Quality, Meteorology and Challenges in Harsh Climates
    Module 3: Site Selection Considerations for PV System Applications
    Module 4: Assessing the Effect of Atmospheric Aerosols on Surface Irradiation
    Module 5: Cost of Energy from PV Technology in Hot Desert Environments
    Module 6: Techno- Economic Models of PV Technology Diffusion in Fossil-Fuel Rich Countries
    Module 7: Consolidate yourLearning