EME 897 - Solar Energy Integration and Economics
This is a sample syllabus.
This sample syllabus is a representative example of the information and materials included in this course. Information about course assignments, materials, and dates listed here is subject to change at any time. Definitive course details and materials will be available in the official course syllabus, in Canvas, when the course begins.
Overview
EME 897 is a collaborative virtual classroom course offered through Penn State’s World Campus and Distance Learning at the University of Freiburg. Experts from both universities will teach the technical and economic aspects of the integration of solar energy into the modern grid networks.
The course is designed to facilitate comprehension of the implications, challenges, and possible solutions for a predominantly renewable energy grid system, specifically focusing on the role of solar PV power. The course will compare the latest models for utilizing PV power, including utility-scale, community PV, and microgrid solutions.
Topics addressed in the course include:
- Characteristics of solar energy in power systems: generation patterns and forecasts, demand and supply matching, net load, grid parity, impact on electricity prices, the role of solar in highly renewable energy scenarios;
- Grid integration challenges: frequency control and possible contributions of solar PV, power quality in the distribution grid, inverter control strategies, storage;
- Economic assessment: investment appraisal, levelized cost of electricity, learning curves, value of solar generation/intermittency, market integration, optimal system sizing and design decisions, economic comparison of different PV technologies;
- Business models and applications of PV solar systems: self-consumption, communities, off-grid solutions, microgrids.
Objectives
Specific course and lesson objectives will be available in Canvas once the course opens.
Required Materials
Typically, there are no required materials for this course. If this changes, students will find a definitive list in the course syllabus, in Canvas, when the course begins.
Prerequisites
None
Expectations
We have worked hard to make this the most effective and convenient educational experience possible. How much and how well you learn is dependent on your attitude, diligence, and willingness to ask for clarifications or help when you need them. We are here to help you succeed. Please keep up with the class schedule and take advantage of opportunities to communicate with us and with your fellow students. You can expect to spend an average of 8 - 10 hours per week on class work.
Major Assignments
Model Project, broken into weekly assignments (50% of total course grade)
A comprehensive model spreadsheet will be built throughout several lessons with the final assignment combining all parts.
Exam after lesson 8 (50% of total course grade)
Course Schedule
| Week | Topic | Assignment |
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| 1 | Introduction |
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| 2 | Power Systems and Grid Integration |
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| 3 | Challenges of high solar penetration - transmission network level (Part 1) |
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| 4 | Challenges of high solar penetration - transmission network level (Part 2) |
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| 5 | Challenges of higher solar penetration - distribution network level (Part 1) |
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| 6 | Challenges of higher solar penetration - distribution network level (Part 2) |
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| 7 | Wholesale energy and capacity markets |
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| 8 | Electricity markets and Ancillary services |
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| 9 | The Importance of Policy and Regulation for Solar Industry |
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| 10 | Solar Finance |
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| 11 | Risk Management |
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| 12 | Interconnection of other non-traditional assets |
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