Photovoltaic Cells Education and Training

Acquiring the knowledge and credentials to work in the growing photovoltaic cell technology field

Employing the photovoltaic effect, photovoltaic cells (also called PV cells or solar cells) are semiconductor devices designed to convert solar energy into electricity. Driven by the demand for greener energy technologies as well as more economical power generation, research in PV cell technology has been brisk, having moved into its third technological generation.

Single-junction devices were replaced by thin film devices employing CdTe, DSC, or CIGS-CIS that had higher conversion efficiencies. In an effort to achieve higher efficiencies, these technologies are now giving way to newer technologies like silicon nanostructures, thermoelectric cells, hot carrier cells and up/down converters. Consequently, it is necessary for developers to stay abreast of these emerging technologies. To learn more about the latest in photovoltaic cell technology, let the following be your guide.

1. Obtain photovoltaic cells education and training.

2. Make sure entry level employees are knowledgeable in the basics of photovoltaic cell array systems.

3. Get up to speed on the codes and standards governing photovoltaic cells and systems.

 

Obtain photovoltaic cells education and training

A number of colleges and universities offer continuing education courses on solar energy, covering everything from the design of solar cells to optimizing the efficiency of solar systems. Students will also learn how to calculate the break even point and return on investment in case you or a client intends to buy solar cell array systems, depending on the size and complexity of the applications.
Try: New Mexico State University's Southwest Region Experiment Station (SWRES) is a three-acre R&D facility for photovoltaic systems, funded by Sandia Nat'l Laboratories. It's an excellent place to pursue training in the latest photovoltaic cell technologies. Florida Solar Energy Center offers a week-long course designed for engineers, utilities, electricians and contractors on designing and building solar technology photovoltaic cells power systems.

Send new employees to obtain a NABCEP PV Entry Level Certificate for working with solar cell systems

The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) provides entry level certifications for newcomers to the solar industry who wish to work for photovoltaic cell manufacturers or installation companies. Applicants are tested at a basic level on all facets of solar module technology, system design, PV markets, safety and performance analysis. This certification does not replace electrician, technician or engineering training.
Try: Boots on the Roof offers training and exam preparation to obtain the NABCEP PV Entry Level Certificate of Knowledge for basic work with solar photovoltaic cells. The National Electrical Contractors Association offers additional information about the NABCEP PV Entry Level Certificate.

Familiarize yourself with the codes and standards governing photovoltaic cells and systems

As with any area of engineering, the field of optoelectronics, photovoltaic cells being a major part, there are codes and standards that must be followed to ensure that components and systems will be constructed safely and will operate safely. They also help ensure that systems comprising photovoltaic cells will operate with optimal efficiency.
Try: PV Resources has a website that contains links to the EN, IEC, JRC and IEEE standards governing the design, testing and use of photovoltaic solar cells. Sandia National Laboratories provides a comprehensive list of links to codes and standards related to photovoltaic cells and systems. The Georgia Institute of Technology has a very educational news release describing the new technology of iron sulphide photovoltaic cells, which offer improved efficiency, smaller size and reduced complexity for solar systems.

 

• According to the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), you can obtain 65% efficiency by using photovoltaic cells based on nanocrystals called "quantum dots", as opposed to only a 33% efficiency from traditional photovoltaic cells and is consequently an important focus area for solar power research and training.

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