An overview is given of solar energy, its harnessing and its conversion into electricity via various converter technologies. In particular, an overview is given of solar cells and their applications with emphasis on visual presentations and interesting case histories. The interesting area of "solar cars" is considered in detail as an example of a high profile application of photovoltaic (PV) devices and systems that deals with state-of-the-art technology.Trends in the PV industry are considered, particularly with regard to costs, industry growth and technology innovation. Insight is given into the types of jobs carried out by PV engineers including manufacturing, research, system design, system analysis and fault diagnosis, policy and analysis, marketing, quality control and testing, training/education, maintenance, electronics design and interfacing, etc. In general, one lecture each week will be given by guest lecturers who are experts from industry, end-user groups, research, government and other major areas of photovoltaics that are covered in this degree program.