Global warming is known to be the major reason causing rapid climate system changes to occur in the past decades. As the global warming is jeopardizing the global sustainability, photovoltaic energy becomes one of the most popular sources to acquire clean and renewable electricity from solar emission. By using solar energy, users can reduce their dependence on the power provided by utility companies. Furthermore, the selected topics in this course cover the introduction of conventional power systems, simple solar panels, and comprehensive distributed solar electric systems used in real-world applications. This course also discusses computational algorithms designed for max power point tracking (MPPT) and solar tracker systems and their merits to enhance the effectiveness of a solar power system. Students who participate in this course are required to understand how to utilize an inverter in a solar power system, as well as how to interconnect solar power systems to power grids. Finally, the instructor will also assign research papers to students, so they can investigate new technologies used in practical applications of solar power systems.

Generally, students who enroll this course will learn:
1. Fundamental background of large-scale power networks
2. Semiconductor physics and photoelectric effect
3. Solar panels, solar electricity, and solar electric systems
4. Interconnecting technologies: grid-connected inverter, independent inverter, and control circuits
5. Algorithms for max power point tracking
6. Active, passive, and chronological solar tracking systems
7. Case studies: practical applications of solar power systems and paper reading reports

The detailed syllabus can be referred to the attachment.

Grade Assessment: 1. homework: 40%, 2. midterm exam and paper reading reports: 60%
Exam method: Closed book
Paper reading report: Topic to be approved by the instructor