Solar Energy Conversion Course | IIT Kanpur | Prof. Jishnu Bhattacharya
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 551 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Mechanical Engineering, Energy Systems |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 19 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Master the Fundamentals of Solar Energy Technology
In an era defined by the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions, solar power stands at the forefront. For engineers and researchers aiming to contribute to this vital field, a deep, structured understanding of solar energy conversion is essential. The course Elements of Solar Energy Conversion, offered by the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, provides precisely this foundation.
Designed and taught by Prof. Jishnu Bhattacharya of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, this 12-week program bridges the gap between academic theory and industrial application, equipping participants with the knowledge to excel in both research and real-world installations.
Meet Your Instructor: Prof. Jishnu Bhattacharya
Prof. Bhattacharya brings a wealth of experience to this course. His expertise lies in energy storage and conversion through sustainable routes. Prior to joining IIT Kanpur, he held positions at other leading institutions including IIT Kharagpur, Northwestern University, University of Michigan, Indian Institute of Science, and Bengal Engineering College, Shibpur. He teaches a range of advanced topics including thermodynamics, heat transfer, and atomistic simulations for energy materials, making him uniquely qualified to guide students through the complexities of solar technology.
Who Should Enroll?
This course is meticulously designed for:
- Advanced Undergraduate Students in Mechanical Engineering or related fields.
- Postgraduate Students intending to specialize in solar energy or renewable energy systems.
- Professionals and researchers seeking a structured, in-depth refresher on solar energy conversion principles.
Course Prerequisites
To ensure you get the most out of this advanced course, a foundational knowledge in the following UG-level subjects is expected:
- Thermodynamics
- Heat Transfer
- Basic Electronics & Semiconductor Physics
- Engineering Mathematics
- Optics
Why This Course is Essential
As noted in the course description, a comprehensive curriculum dedicated to solar energy engineering is rare in India. This course was developed in response to direct feedback from industry professionals, highlighting a critical skills gap. It is supported by solar energy companies, ensuring the content is relevant and aligned with current industry needs and future challenges.
Detailed 12-Week Course Layout
The course is structured to build knowledge from fundamental principles to advanced applications and comparative analysis.
Weeks 1-5: Solar Radiation Fundamentals
The first module lays the essential groundwork, focusing on the source of all solar energy: the sun.
- Weeks 1 & 2: Sun-Earth relationships, solar geometry, spectral distribution, atmospheric effects, and prediction of solar radiation.
- Weeks 3 & 4: Diffuse and direct radiation, angle relationships, sun-path diagrams, shading analysis, and radiation measurement techniques.
- Week 5: Practical application: estimating total irradiance on tilted surfaces and understanding radiation augmentation.
Weeks 6-9: Solar Thermal Energy Conversion
This module delves into technologies that convert sunlight into heat.
- Week 6: In-depth thermal analysis of the ubiquitous Flat Plate Collector and the heat removal factor.
- Week 7: Focus on Solar Air Heaters, other thermal collectors, and standard testing procedures.
- Weeks 8 & 9: Introduction to Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) systems. Covers tracking, theoretical limits, and detailed analysis of key technologies like Parabolic Trough Collectors, Compound Parabolic Concentrators, Parabolic Dishes, and Central Receiver Towers.
Weeks 10-12: Photovoltaic & Comparative Analysis
The final module explores the direct conversion of sunlight to electricity and provides a holistic view.
- Week 10: Introduction to the photovoltaic effect, electron-hole pair formation, and carrier motion in semiconductors.
- Week 11: Physics of P-N junction diodes, band bending, and the effects of forward and reverse bias.
- Week 12: Analysis of IV characteristic curves, solar cell efficiency, impacts of temperature and spectrum, and a crucial comparative discussion on the state-of-the-art and future directions of all solar conversion technologies.
Recommended Textbooks & Reference Materials
The course is supported by a robust reading list from authoritative texts in the field:
| Book Title | Authors | Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| Solar Engineering of Thermal Processes, 4th Ed | Duffie and Beckman | Wiley |
| Solar Energy, 4th Ed | Sukhatme and Nayak | McGraw-Hill Education |
| Solar Photovoltaics, 3rd Ed | Solanki | PHI Learning |
| Solar Energy Engineering, 2nd Ed | Kalogirou | Academic Press |
| Solar Energy, 1st Revised ed | Garg & Prakash | McGraw-Hill Education |
Conclusion: Your Pathway to Solar Expertise
The Elements of Solar Energy Conversion course is more than just an academic module; it's a comprehensive toolkit for the next generation of energy engineers. By combining rigorous theory from a renowned instructor at IIT Kanpur with direct industry relevance, this program offers an unparalleled opportunity to build expertise in a field that is critical to our planet's future. Whether your goal is to drive innovation in research or to design and implement large-scale solar projects, this course provides the fundamental elements for success.
Enroll Now →