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Photovoltaics and Solar Energy
 Photovoltaics

Description

Photovoltaic devices, otherwise known as solar cells, are devices that convert sunlight directly into electricity and are capable of powering essentially any electrical load. Photovoltaic Engineering is concerned with the production and use of solar cells and the design and implementation of photovoltaic systems.

Solar energy is a major renewable energy resource which may be harnessed and used in many ways. UNSW has been a world leader in silicon solar cell research for approximately 15 years, and developed the most successfully commercialised photovoltaic technology throughout the same period.
Photovoltaic Engineering covers a broad range of engineering tasks and disciplines but it can be summarised into 5 main areas:
  1. Device and system research and development.
  2. Manufacturing, quality control and reliability.
  3. PV system design (computer based), modelling, integration, analysis, implementation, fault diagnosis and monitoring.
  4. Policy, financing, marketing, management, consulting, training and education.
  5. Using the full range of renewable energy technologies including alternate energy technologies (such as wind, biomass and solar thermal) solar architecture, energy efficient building design and sustainable energy.
Worldwide, the Photovoltaics industry is growing at approximately 30% each year. Recent studies, publications and media releases indicate that large numbers of jobs are being created in all aspects of photovoltaic and renewable energy engineering. Job opportunities exist in PV system design and implementation for remote areas, manufacturing, , quality control, grid-connected systems, fault diagnosis and testing, maintenance, simulation and modelling, technology development, marketing, financing, policy, education, project management, etc.

Studying Photovoltaics and Solar Energy At UNSW

The study of Photovoltaics & Solar Energy is primarily though the School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering (www.pv.unsw.edu.au). Please refer to the table below for a list of research programs available at UNSW.



Photovoltaic Engineering can be studied in the following Programs 

Program Code & Name At the Level of Plan
1655 Photovoltaic Engineering Research SOLABR1655
2655 Photovoltaic Engineering Research SOLABR2655
2685 Engineering Research SOLAAR2685
   

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© The University of New South Wales (CRICOS Provider No.: 00098G), 2004-2011. The information contained in this Handbook is indicative only. While every effort is made to keep this information up-to-date, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary arrangements, programs and courses at any time without notice and at its discretion. While the University will try to avoid or minimise any inconvenience, changes may also be made to programs, courses and staff after enrolment. The University may also set limits on the number of students in a course.