Name: Basic physics of semiconductors : Solar Energy
Rating: 4.0 (1596 reviews)

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Basic physics of semiconductors : Solar Energy

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Trainers Rating: 4(1596)
Course type: Watch to learn anytime
Duration: 180 min
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Language: English
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Team EveryEngMechanical Engineering

Energy & Utilities

Metallurgy & Material Science

Why enroll

Discover how semiconductors enable the conversion of sunlight into clean electricity through advanced solar technologies.Understand the science behind photovoltaic materials and their role in sustainable energy solutions.Gain valuable insights into innovations shaping the future of renewable power generation.
Enroll now and take a step toward building a greener, energy-efficient world.

Your instructor

Team EveryEng

Senior Engineer

Mechanical Engineering

Location: India

Course details

This course on Basic Physics of Semiconductors: Solar Energy provides a foundational understanding of how semiconductor materials enable the conversion of sunlight into electrical energy. It begins with core concepts such as atomic structure, energy bands, charge carriers, and intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors. Participants will explore the behavior of electrons and holes, carrier generation, recombination, and transport mechanisms in semiconductor materials. The course then connects these principles to photovoltaic (PV) technology, explaining how p-n junctions form the basis of solar cells.Learners will gain insights into the working principles of solar cells, including light absorption, electron excitation, and current generation. Key performance parameters such as efficiency, fill factor, and open-circuit voltage will also be discussed. The course further introduces different types of solar cells, including silicon-based and emerging technologies. Practical aspects such as material selection, losses, and device optimization will be covered to bridge theory with real-world applications. By the end of the course, participants will have a clear understanding of semiconductor physics and its critical role in solar energy systems.

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Self-paced video, 180 min — watch anytime

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Course curriculum

The course is readily available, allowing learners to start and complete it at their own pace.

5 lectures3 hr

Solar Radiation Measurments
42 min
Introduction to Band Theory
35 min
Semiconductor Basics-I
44 min
Semiconductor Basics-II
29 min
Electrical Properties of Semiconductors
30 min

Key topics covered

Semiconductor Basics-I
Introduction to Band Theory
Electrical Properties of Semiconductors

Opportunities that await you!

Career opportunities

✎ Where this fits — what comes before, what comes next

Frequently asked questions

Q: You're on site for pre-commissioning of a 72‑cell crystalline silicon module. The FAT sheet looks fine, but your lead asks you to sanity‑check the IV curve before stringing. You're searching "how to verify IV curve at STC during solar module site acceptance". At 1000 W/m² and 25°C cell temperature, what do you verify first to confirm the semiconductor physics are behaving as expected?

A: Voc tracks junction quality and temperature, so at STC it's the cleanest first check that the p–n junction behaves. Isc feels intuitive because it's easy to measure, but irradiance mismatch or soiling skews it before telling you much about the semiconductor. Fill factor matters, yet it folds in series resistance and measurement setup, which complicates an initial acceptance check. The slope near Voc does relate to recombination, but ignoring Isc entirely misses gross optical or wiring issues that still matter later.

Q: During early design you’re comparing cell technologies for a hot desert site. You google "effect of bandgap on solar cell voltage temperature coefficient". Which semiconductor choice best explains a lower Voc temperature coefficient?

A: Bandgap drives how fast intrinsic carriers increase with temperature, so wider Eg directly moderates Voc loss. Mono‑Si processing quality helps efficiency but doesn’t change the underlying physics of Eg. Thin films can operate cooler, yet that’s a system‑level thermal argument, not a semiconductor one. High Isc doesn’t cancel a voltage coefficient; power still falls if Voc collapses.

Q: A utility‑scale PV plant near the coast shows 8% power loss after two monsoon seasons. You're searching "PID degradation mechanism in crystalline silicon solar modules coastal humidity". What degradation mechanism best matches the symptoms?

A: PID couples high voltage bias, humidity, and ion mobility, so coastal conditions accelerate it after commissioning. Frame corrosion looks plausible but rarely causes that magnitude of electrical loss so quickly. LID happens early and stabilizes; it doesn’t wait for monsoons. EVA yellowing is real, yet it trends slowly and mainly hits current, not the sharp voltage and power drops seen here.

Q: You're reviewing qualification reports and search "why IEC 61215 includes thermal cycling test for solar modules". What physical failure mode is that test primarily screening?

A: Thermal cycling stresses interfaces with different expansion rates, so cracks and solder fatigue show up there. UV tests exist but target polymer chemistry, not temperature swings. PID needs bias and humidity, which thermal cycling alone doesn’t provide. Hail impact is handled by mechanical impact tests, not repeated temperature ramps.