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227-0617-00L 4 Credits MSC D-ITET , D-MAVT , D-MATL
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Solar Cells

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Yaroslav Romanyuk, Dr. Romain Carron, Dr. Natasa Vulic
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:31:03

Abstract

Physics, technology, characteristics and applications of photovoltaic solar cells and systems.

Objective

The students will appreciate the potential of solar radiation and photovoltaics, will learn the physics and technology of various solar cells, and will get to know the design basics of PV modules and systems for different applications.

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
  • Wed 09:15-12:00 (HG D 7.2)
3 h weekly

Offered In

  • Materialwissenschaft Master
    • Wahlfächer (Den Studierenden steht das gesamte Lehrangebot der ETH Zürich auf Master-Stufe zur Auswahl offen. Bitte wenden Sie sich bei Unklarheiten ans Studiensekretariat.)
  • Elektrotechnik und Informationstechnologie Master
    • 01 - Fächer der Vertiefungen
      • Vertiefung: 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.)
        • Vertiefungsfächer (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.)
      • Vertiefung: 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.)
        • Vertiefungsfächer (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