UCC MicroCreds courses

Photovoltaic Systems (NE6204)

Course Fact File
CodeNE6204
Duration15 weeks
Teaching ModePart-Time. See Additional Teaching Mode Information for more info.
NFQ LevelLevel 9
Fees€1,000 - HCI Subsidy initiative See Fees and Costs for full details.
Closing Date26/08/2024
Venue

Blended delivery

Credits5
Start DateProposed Date: 09/09/2024

Outline

Module Goal

  • The goal of this module is to introduce the fundamentals of photovoltaic energy conversion from the design and operation of individual cells to the implementation of utility-scale grid- connected photovoltaic systems.

Module Content

The solar resource; solar cell properties and design; photovoltaic (PV) modules; stand-alone PV System design; PV System components; grid-connected PV Systems; specific purpose PV applications; concentrator photovoltaics; solar tracking; monitoring and characterization; energy storage and recovery.

 

Additional Teaching Mode Information

  • 24 x 1Hrs Lectures
  • 2 x 2Hrs Tutorials

Practicalities

Total marks: 100 

  • Written examination: 70 marks

  • Continuous assessment: 30 marks - groupwork - 2 x problem based learning design exercises

Why Choose

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

  1. Describe and explain the operation of a variety of solar cell types.
  2. Design a solar cell module.
  3. Design a suitably sized PV system for a specific application.
  4. Characterize the performance of a solar cell.
  5. Analyse the performance of a PV system.
  6. Select and design a battery storage system for a specific application.
  7. Explain the concepts of photovoltaic energy conversion.

Skills and Careers Information

Learning Pathway:

Students completing this Micro Credential gain 5 credits exemption from the PG Cert in Offshore Renewable Energy. 

Read more about that programme here PG Cert Offshore Renewable Energy

Requirements

Applicants must have: 

  • A Second Class Honours Grade 2 (or equivalent) in a primary honours degree (NFQ Level 8) in any discipline
    of Engineering OR
  • a Second Class Honours Grade 2 (or equivalent) in a primary honours degree (NFQ Level 8) in areas of science
    that required having completed level 8 mathematical subjects deemed equivalent to those of engineering (e.g. Physics, Mathematical Sciences, some Computing Science degrees), pending assessment by Programme Director OR
  • a pass in any accredited level 8 Engineering degree followed by professional experience deemed of sufficient added value, pending assessment by the Programme Director.

A quota will be allocated to applicants who do not meet these entry requirements. These applicants will be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning and assessed on the following factors:

  • Academic achievement
  • Prior Work Experience
  • Letter of Reference
  • Personal Statement

Fees and Costs

The HCI Pillar 3 Micro-credential Learner Fee Subsidy has been introduced to enable more learners to address critical skills gaps and engage with lifelong learning.

The fee for this micro-credential is €1,000 but applicants who meet the subsidy requirements can attend this micro-credential for €200.

Check your eligibility on the HEA Website

How To Apply

Please select the following options during your online application (once you have created your profile)

 

Start a new Micro-credentials application by selecting as below

Application choice guide

In the application level tab select the options below and then select the programme/module you'd like to apply for

 

Apply Now

Contact Details

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