Course content

Solar energy. The function of solar cells. Generation, transport and recombination of charge carriers. Reflection and absorption of light. Theoretical limits on solar cell efficiencies. Solar cell modelling. Fabrication of silicon for solar cells. Fabrication of silicon-based solar cells. Solar cell characterization. Solar cell design and optimization. Other solar cell technologies: high efficiency solar cells, thin film solar cells and electrochemical solar cells. Third generation photovoltaics. Solar panels. Applications of solar cells.

Learning outcome

The course aims at giving the student a thorough understanding of how solar cells function, as well as knowledge on solar cell fabrication and characterization. The course will mainly focus on silicon-based solar cells.

Admission

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.

Prerequisites

Recommended previous knowledge

FYS 1120 - Electromagnetism, FYS 2140 – Quantum physics and FYS 2160 – Thermodynamics and statistical physics. A basic knowledge of semiconductors will be an advantage (e.g. MEF 3020 – Energy materials, FYS 2210 – Semiconductor devices).

Teaching

2 hours of lectures and 1 hour of exercises every week.

Examination

Oral

Explanations and appeals

Resit an examination

Students who can document a valid reason for absence from the regular examination are offered a postponed examination at the beginning of the next semester.

Re-scheduled examinations are not offered to students who withdraw during, or did not pass the original examination.

Facts about this course

Credits
10
Level
Master
Teaching
Every autumn
Examination
Every autumn
Teaching language
Norwegian (English on request)