The courseware design and learning effectiveness of a network-monitoring solar photovoltaic system

Wu Ping-huang and Akcell Chiang
Tung Nan University
Shen-Keng, Taiwan

I-Fan Liu
National Taiwan University
Taipei, Taiwan

Among all the renewable energy resources, solar energy is the most easily obtainable. Solar photovoltaic systems convert solar energy into electricity, and feed it directly into the power supply network or store it in battery cells. In recent years, solar cell process technology has improved dramatically, and power electronics and control technology have advanced, but at the same time gasoline costs have risen steadily. As a result, it is becoming a trend to develop and use solar photovoltaic systems, and it is therefore urgent for such systems to be integrated into the curriculum of technical schools in Taiwan.

This research uses information on current industry needs closely related to network-monitoring solar photovoltaic systems and the future job outlook in industry to examine the suitability of lesson plans on solar photovoltaic systems, using the ‘Professional meeting’ and Delphi techniques. The lesson plans were designed and then improved by implementing comments from professionals and learners.

As computer and Internet technologies improve, e-learning is becoming more prevalent. Students can now learn through the Internet, not just in a classroom. In this study, we use a systematic teaching design as a model for the analysis, design and implementation of a web-based learning platform and solar photovoltaic experimental system.

Results gained from feedback on this form of teaching can act as a guide for future research and, hopefully, will be used widely in Taiwan’s electrical engineering departments to improve solar photovoltaic system classes.