In this lecture, solar radiation is explored and how its abundance can help solve one of mankind's biggest problem.

In this lecture, the movement of the sun across the sky has been explored. Solar collectors are the most efficient when they are positioned such that sun rays land perpendicular on their surface. As the sun moves across the sky, it is important to track it. If tracking is not an option, than the best angle should be worked out at which solar radiation will remain perpendicular or near perpendicular for the most time during the year.  

In this lecture, the nature of solar radiation as it falls on the surface of the earth is discussed.  Incident solar radiation on a surface is called insolation in short. As sun rays enters the atmosphere, they get attenuated. As a result, the amount of solar energy reaching the surface is much less than solar constant (1357 w/m2). The three components of solar insolation are also discussed namely, direct, diffuse and reflected.  

There are many tools for determining the amount of solar radiation falling over an area. These tools are virtual as well as physical. Both of them have been discussed in this lecture. Virtual tools are software and pre-recorded datasets. Physical tools include metering instruments like pyranometers and pyrheliometers. There are hand held meters also that can furnish solar flux values fairly accurately.  

This is a very important lecture. This lecture covers the method by which optimal angle for maximizing solar gain can be evaluated. The lecture is applicable for all solar products (solar PV, solar water heater and solar cooker etc)

Solar PV is a fascinating technology. This article explores how the technology has progressed in the past 70 years and what future this technology holds. Solar PV  is dominated by Silicon (monocrystalline and polycrystalline) based panels. China manufactures more than 65%  of the panels used around the world. The cost of the solar cells have dropped almost 100 times in the last 60 years.

This lecture looks at some of the Photo-voltaic products available in the market. These include silicon panels, multi-junction solar cells, organic solar cells and Pervoskite solar cells. Most expensive are the multi-junction solar cells and are mostly used in satellites. The most efficient solar panels used in the domestic/commercial sector are Sunpower inc. panels. They are 23.4% efficient.

In this lecture we will be looking at Inverters. In a Solar AC system, Inverters are the central component be it an off line system, an online system or a hybrid system. There are a wide variety of inverters available in the market. This lecture will explain, which inverter is suitable for a particular application.

Solar Water Heater have the potential to give the biggest return on investment among all solar products.  This article explores one of the oldest solar products. In many countries, feed-in tariffs for solar heat are being considered. Many in regions, new building regulation include some form of solar heating.

Inter-seasonal storage heating has proven to be a success in many cold climate countries. This is the process in which water is heated and stored during the summer period and used during the cold winter periods.

In this lecture, different types of Solar Water Heaters and different types of plumbing systems have been explored.  There are at least four different types of solar water heaters available in the market. Each has its own utility for a particular application.

This lecture looks at one of the biggest problem mankind is facing i.e. Fresh Water Shortage. The solutions are also discussed. The biggest solution to this problem is utilization of solar desalination technology. If fossil fuels are used for desalinating sea water, than a lot of energy is consumed and high cost is incurred.

This lecture looks at the advantages of using solar cookers and ovens. Solar Cookers can be made easily or purchased from the market. The can be made in different sizes. The principals of efficient solar cookers have also been explored.

This lecture explores both AC and DC systems and wiring requirement for Solar PV.  Inverters, Solar micro inventers, by-pass diodes and charge controllers have been discussed.

This article looks at some of the practical considerations for solar system installation , both PV and hot water systems.

This lecture explores how to size solar PV systems. Similar technique can be used to size up solar hot water systems. Software like RETscreen can be used for quick calculations. In this lecture, a useful hand calculation method has also been discussed.

This video lecture covers the most efficient solar cell in the lab as well as most efficient solar panels available in the market. The list for them is downloadable in the resources. It should be noted that efficiency in not the best measure of performance. ROI and suitability to weather conditions should be the main objective when designing a PV system

This lecture discusses some fast moving solar energy products. Contrary to the popular belief, there are many products that can be sold for the price range of $3 -300.

In this lecture four methods by which excessive heat build up in a PV panel can be avoided are explored. This includes the very novel idea of using Phase Change Materials or PCM. 

A round up of all the major points of the course have been collated in this lecture