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227-0615-00L 3 Credits DR , MSC D-MAVT , D-ITET , D-MATL

Simulation of Photovoltaic Devices - From Materials to Modules

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Urs Aeberhard

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:39

Abstract

The lecture provides an introduction to the theoretical foundations and numerical approaches for the simulation of photovoltaic power conversion, from the microscopic description of component materials to macroscopic continuum modelling of solar cells and network simulation or effective models for performance prediction of entire solar modules.

Objective

Get an overview of the current status of photovoltaic technology. Understand the physics of photovoltaic energy conversion and solar cell device operation. Know how to obtain and assess by simulation the key material properties and device parameters. Be able to use standard device simulation tools to analyze, optimize, and predict the performance of solar cells and modules.

Content

Photovoltaic technology: history and overview; The solar spectrum; Thermodynamics of solar energy conversion; Detailed balance models and efficiency limit; Microscopic rates of charge carrier generation and recombination; Optical simulation of solar cells; Models for charge transport in semiconductor devices; High-efficiency wafer-based (silicon) photovoltaics; Thin film photovoltaics based on disordered materials (amorphous silicon, organic PV); High-efficiency thin film photovoltaics (CIGS, CdTe, metal-halide perovskites); PV beyond the single junction detailed balance (Shockley-Queisser) limit; Simulation of photovoltaic modules; Energy yield and performance modelling for PV systems; Quantum simulation of nanostructure-based solar cell devices (bonus lecture)

Resources

Literature

- P. Würfel &U. Würfel, „Physics of Solar Cells – From Basic Principles to Advanced Concepts“, Wiley-VCH, 2005. - J. Nelson, „Physics of Solar Cells“, Imperial College Press, 2003. - M. A. Green, „Solar cells: operating principles, technology, and system applications“, Prentice Hall, 1982. - B. K. Ridley, "Quantum Processes in Semiconductors", Oxford Science Publications, 1993. - P.T. Landsberg, "Recombination in semiconductors", Cambridge University Pr., 1991. - C. Hamaguchi, "Basic Semiconductor Physics", Springer, Berlin, 2001.

General Information

Language: English
Levels: DR , MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: oral 30 minutes

Compulsory continuous performance assessment task (must be passed on its own, assessed pass/fail):The students have to prepare and give a short presentation based on a recent paper about a topic of the lecture (teams of up to 3 students possible).

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture with exercise	Simulation of Photovoltaic Devices - From Materials to Modules	No time listed	2 h weekly

Offered In

Electrical Engineering and Information Technology Master
- 01 - Courses of specializations
  - 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.)
    - 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.)
  - 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.)
    - 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.)
Energy Science and Technology Master
- 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.)
  - Electrical Power Engineering
Doctorate Materials Science (Further information at: )
- Subject Specialisation
  - Science & Technology of the Small (MaP Doctoral School)