What will I learn on this module?
This module considers the development of photovoltaic technology, in terms of photovoltaic cell design and manufacturing advances, the progress in economic and
environmental aspects and the definition and use of policy measures to aid market development. You will develop a wide range of skills from the understanding of
research directions and how these can lead to improvement of cell and system performance to the ability to conduct economic and environmental assessments of current and
new technologies. This wide range of subjects will equip the student to contribute to the development of photovoltaics as it becomes a mainstream energy source worldwide.
An overview of the subjects to be studied is provided below:
• Advanced photovoltaic cell design (high efficiency approaches, multijunction concepts, material reduction strategies, organic and polymer cells)
• Advanced characterisation methods (methods to determine the detailed performance of advanced cell concepts)
• Economic analysis methods (economic theory, production economics, financing mechanisms)
• Environmental impact assessment (process definition, hazard assessment, embodied energy and emissions analysis)
• Policy issues (market development, climate change and security aspects, government policies and market development approaches)
How will I learn on this module?
The module is delivered by a combination of lectures and seminars, including class based exercises. The format will encourage discussions in class regarding the major issues
of development and implementation of photovoltaics.
The you will also undertake two individual assignments. The first of these will be a literature review concerning one of the photovoltaic cell technologies under
development at the time of delivery of the module. This gives the experience in gathering and assimilating technical information. You will be asked to make a
critical comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of the technology under development with the current market standards. The second assignment will concern a
comparison of the economic and environmental aspects of photovoltaics with a different renewable energy option of their choice for a specific region or country. This allows
you to put into context their learning on photovoltaics and develop opinions on the strategy for implementation of renewable energy technologies and you will also make a presentation of their work, worth 20% of the total marks for this assignment.
Each assignment will be worth 50% of the marks for this module.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
In addition to direct contact with the module team during lectures and seminars, you are encouraged to make direct contact with the module team, usually via email in
the first instance, where further support is required. You will also be regularly referred to supporting resources including relevant texts and multimedia relevant to the
module. References to these resources will be made available through the e-learning portal and in lectures and seminars. Individual advice is provided where necessary during
the completion of the assignments.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)
What will I be expected to achieve?
1. Critical appraisal of the choices for materials, design, manufacture and characterisation of advanced photovoltaic devices.
(AHEP4 M2, M4)
2. Critical analysis of international policies for the development of photovoltaics, including their strategic economic and environmental aspects. (AHEP4 M2, M7)
3. Ability to perform economic and environmental assessment of processes.
(AHEP4 M2, M5, M7)
4. Ability to undertake a critical literature review
(AHEP4 M4)
5. Ability to present a clear argument (technical or nontechnical) in both written and oral format.
(AHEP4 M17)
How will I be assessed?
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
There are two forms of summative assessment:
Assessment 1 is a report which includes a literature review report and a written Policy report. Assessment 2 is a presentation.
1. .Coursework (CW): This is an individual report on a selected Advanced photovoltaic technology to enable guided independent learning of a technology not taught in the module. This will assess Los 1- 4. Feedback will be provided either in written form or electronically via the eLP.
2. .Presentation (CW): This will be a presentation of your project report. This will assess LO5. Feedback will be either in written form or electronically via the eLP.
Formative feedback will be provided via class
discussions. Individual written feedback will be provided
on both aspects of the summative assessment.
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
The module Photovoltaic Development and Implementation is designed to teach you the principles and processes that underpin the design and operation of advanced Photovoltaic solar technologies and the policy, environmental and economic factors that are associated with their deployment now and in the future.
The module is based on providing an overview via a literature review of key technologies that are emerging and policy, economics and environmental factors associated with the transition of the energy supply towards a dominant use of renewables and specifically photovoltaics through lectures and group discussions and exercises within seminars.
This module will help you to develop the foundation of wider and future factors related to photovoltaic technologies becoming a significant contributor to the energy mix and understanding needed to understand the barriers and opportunities for the technology bot within industry) and for developing research.
Course info
UCAS Code H605
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 4 years full-time or 5 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Mathematics, Physics and Electrical Engineering
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2024 or September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
Your Learning Experience
Find out about our distinctive approach at
www.northumbria.ac.uk/exp
Admissions Terms and Conditions
northumbria.ac.uk/terms
Fees and Funding
northumbria.ac.uk/fees
Admissions Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/adpolicy
Admissions Complaints Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/complaints
