Solar Resource Assessment for Desert Environments
Learn desert solar assessment fundamentals, from radiation measurement to PV system optimization, for maximizing photovoltaic performance in arid environments.
Learn desert solar assessment fundamentals, from radiation measurement to PV system optimization, for maximizing photovoltaic performance in arid environments.
This advanced course explores the complexities of implementing photovoltaic systems in desert environments. Students learn to analyze solar radiation components, assess site-specific data, and understand the impacts of heat and dust on PV performance. The curriculum covers solar spectrum analysis, forecasting techniques, and economic modeling for solar energy projects in hot desert climates, providing practical skills for optimizing PV installations in challenging conditions.
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What you'll learn
Identify and analyze components of solar radiation and spectrum
Assess site-specific data for atmospheric aerosol effects
Identify optimal locations for PV system deployment
Implement nowcasting and short-term forecasting techniques
Calculate energy costs and economic impact of desert PV systems
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
PreRecorded video
Graded assignments, exams
Access on Mobile, Tablet, Desktop
Limited Access access
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There are 8 modules in this course
This course provides comprehensive training in solar resource assessment for desert environments. It covers essential topics including solar radiation components, atmospheric effects, site selection criteria, and economic modeling. Students learn to analyze environmental challenges specific to desert climates, understand solar forecasting techniques, and evaluate the economic viability of PV projects. The course emphasizes practical applications and decision-making for optimal PV deployment in harsh desert conditions.
Getting Started
Module 1
Components of Solar Radiation and Solar Spectrum
Module 2
Assessment and Forecasting of Ground Irradiation, Monitoring of Air Quality, Meteorology and Challenges in Harsh Climates
Module 3
Site Selection Considerations for PV System Applications
Module 4
Assessing the Effect of Atmospheric Aerosols on Surface Irradiation
Module 5
Cost of Energy from PV Technology in Hot Desert Environments
Module 6
Techno-Economic Models of PV Technology Diffusion in Fossil-Fuel Rich Countries
Module 7
Consolidate your Learning
Module 8
Fee Structure
Instructors
-1729510539615.webp&w=256&q=75)
4 Courses
Solar Energy Expert Advancing Resource Assessment and Forecasting Techniques
Dr. Luis Martín Pomares is a distinguished Research Scientist at Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University, with over 15 years of experience in solar resources assessment and forecasting. Holding a BSc in computer science engineering from the University of Almeria and a PhD in solar radiation forecasting from the Complutense University of Madrid, Dr. Pomares has made significant contributions to the field of solar energy. His career began at Plataforma Solar de Almeria (PSA), where he developed data acquisition systems for PSA's BSRN station. At QEERI, he conducts comprehensive solar resource assessment and prediction tasks crucial for CSP and PV projects. Dr. Pomares' expertise spans solar radiation estimation from satellite data, creation of solar energy maps, analysis of ground measured data, and solar energy forecasting. His academic contributions include nearly 15 journal papers, 40 conference papers, one authored book, and one edited book in the field of solar resources, solidifying his position as a leading expert in solar energy research and application.
4 Courses
A Leading Authority in Solar Energy and Photovoltaic Technology Research
Dr. Benjamin Figgis serves as Research Program Manager at Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI), where he manages the 35,000 m2 Outdoor Test Facility, one of the world's leading solar research sites. After earning degrees from the University of Western Australia and Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, followed by a PhD in mechanical engineering from the University of Strasbourg, he helped establish the Qatar Science & Technology Park before joining QEERI. His pioneering research on photovoltaic soiling in desert environments has earned over 3,200 citations, with groundbreaking work on dust effects, soiling processes, and mitigation strategies. From 2009 to 2014, he collaborated with Chevron Qatar to establish the Solar Test Facility, which has since tested 85 different PV module types from 35 manufacturers. His expertise spans from fundamental research in PV soiling mechanics to practical applications in solar energy deployment, contributing significantly to Qatar's renewable energy initiatives including the 350 MW Siraj-1 PV power plant project. As a key member of QEERI's Solar Consortium, he continues to advance solar technology optimization for desert climates while fostering collaboration between research institutions and industry partners worldwide.
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