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Solar Cells
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:42
Abstract
Physics, technology, characteristics and applications of photovoltaic solar cells and systems.
Objective
The students will - understand the potential of solar radiation and photovoltaics, - learn the physics and technology of various solar cells, including commercially available and emerging technologies, - know design basics of PV modules and PV systems for different applications, - receive the latest updates about PV markets and economics.
Content
Introduction to photovoltaics and economic aspects, solar radiation, semiconductor physics and operation of solar cells, technology of wafer-based (Si, GaAs, multi-junction) and thin-film (CIGS, CdTe, perovskite) solar cells, emerging technologies, design of PV modules, systems and plants including system components such as inverters and controllers, engineering procedures with software demonstration, integration in buildings and other specific examples such concentrated photovoltaics and power generation for space applications.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Lecture slides (PDF files in English) will be available on Moodle and lecture recordings will be available on the ETH video portal.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- oral 30 minutes
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Solar Cells | No time listed | 3 h weekly |
Offered In
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Elective Courses (The students are free to choose individually from the entire course offer of ETH Zürich on the Master level. Please consult the study administration in case of questions.)
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Track: Electronics and Photonics (The core courses and specialisation courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialise in the area of "Electronics and Photonics", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
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Specialisation Courses (These specialisation courses are particularly recommended for the area of "Electronics and Photonics", but you are free to choose courses from any other field in agreement with your tutor. Semester / Research Projects are not allowed in this category. A minimum of 40 credits must be obtained from specialisation courses during the Master's Programme.)
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Track: Electric Energy Engineering (The core courses and specialisation courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialise in the area of "Electric Energy Engineering", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
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Specialisation Courses (These specialisation courses are particularly recommended for the area of "Energy and Power Electronics", but you are free to choose courses from any other field in agreement with your tutor. Semester / Research Projects are not allowed in this category. A minimum of 40 credits must be obtained from specialisation courses during the Master's Programme.)
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Electives (These courses are particularly recommended, other ETH-courses from the field of Energy Science and Technology at large may be chosen in accordance with your tutor.)
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