From feedstock to photovoltaic modules – you will understand the whole value chain of the most widely used photovoltaic technology. Learn about the whole process – from the physical basics to the latest industrial standards.
Learning goals:
Get first-hand knowledge on silicon solar cell technologies from leading researchers from Fraunhofer ISE and Freiburg University
Explore the state-of-the-art technology for fabrication of crystalline silicon solar cells and modules
Get an understanding of the working principle of the Al-BSF and PERC solar cell concept, as well as advanced high efficiency cell concepts
Get hands-on experience during the two-day lab training in the state-of-the-art facilities of Fraunhofer ISE in Freiburg at the end of your certificate studies
Target group
This Certificate is an ideal choice for you if you are a working professional with:
Existing knowledge of the energy sector
Professional experience in the photovoltaic industry
In addition, the following skills will be particularly helpful to make your study experience a success:
Ability to manage your time on your own, to work independently and with self-discipline
Familiarity with engineering and mathematical ways of thinking
Ability to think critically and to adapt knowledge to your own disciplinary and cultural context and background
Ability for self-critical analysis and willingness to receive and consider constructive feedback
Fact Sheet
Start Mid April
Duration 6 Months
Degree Accredited Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS)
Learn from Germany’s leading experts in solar energy
The Certificate “CAS 3 – Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaics” consists of courses and an on-campus laboratory training at the end of your certificate studies: Course: Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaics (8 ECTS) The course conveys the state-of-the-art technology for the fabrication of crystalline silicon solar cell modules starting from quartz sand. Main topics are the solar cell wafer fabrication, the working principle of the Al-BSF and PERC solar cell concept, as well as advanced high efficiency cell concepts, inline fabrication of solar cells and photovoltaic modules. The course involves necessary simulation and characterization approaches to understand the limitations of solar cell devices as well as currently discussed trends in research and technology. Lab Training: Hands-on Solar Cell Processing (2 ECTS) Experience a two-day lab training in the-state-of-the-art facilities of the Fraunhofer ISE in Freiburg at the end of your certificate studies, during the Campus Phase. All lecturers are respected scientists in solar cell research from Fraunhofer ISE - as experts they are available for your personal questions during the online meetings: Dr. Martin Schubert, Head of Department Characterization and Simulation Prof. Dr. Stefan Glunz, Director, Division Photovoltaics – Research Dr. Ralf Preu, Director, Division Photovoltaics – Production Technology Dr. Harry Wirth, Director, Division Photovoltaics – Modules and Power Plants Dr. Jochen Rentsch, Head of Department, Production Technology – Surfaces and Interfaces
E-learning and online video lectures accompanied by readings, exercises, quizzes and online meetings with tutors and lecturers
Written exams (120 minutes in total) in a study center close to where you live
Mandatory attendance to a 2-day lab training at Fraunhofer ISE, Freiburg, Germany at the end of your certificate studies (around March)
You are being closely monitored and supported by the tutors and lecturers throughout the entire duration of your certificate studies. The various teaching styles and formats allow you to engage with the topic in many compelling ways.
Short 15-minute e-lectures combined with a great collection of reading material provide you with the latest theoretical understanding of each topic. Our lecturers have carefully selected the most relevant publications for you. References - incorporated into the videos - point you to the most relevant parts in the reading material.
Your growing expertise is put into practice in exercise sheets and quizzes. Regular online meetings and lively forum discussions with fellow students, tutors and lecturers will round off your learning experience.
Accredited Certificate Program:
A Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) is a subject-specific advanced training program which is compliant with the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). With a scope of 10 ECTS each, our Certificates correspond to an average study-workload of 250 hours - considering that 1 ECTS is equivalent to 25 hours.
These standards secure the high quality of CAS programs as well as their comparability and recognition across educational institutions offering academic continuing education for working professionals.
Thus it is possible to combine CAS programs from the same or different institutions from Germany and Switzerland to a more extensive degree in a modular fashion.
