CAS CM – Solar Cell Characterization and Modelling
This Certificate provides practical as well as theoretical insights to common characterization techniques used for solar cell characterization. It also introduces participants to numerical solar cell simulation.
Learning goals:
Gain insight about the common characterization techniques for feedstock, solar cells and modules
Learn about the numerical simulation of solar cells and get training in the software COMSOL
Get hands-on experience during the two-day lab training at 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:
A good mathematical understanding
Confident in handling quantitative data and complex simulation software
In addition, the following skills are particularly helpful to make your study experience a success:
Ability for time management, working independently and self-discipline
Familiarity with engineering, and mathematical ways of thinking
Ability to think critically and to adapt knowledge to your disciplinary and cultural context and background
Ability for self-critical analysis and willingness to receive and consider constructive feedback
Fact Sheet
Start Mid October
Duration 6 Months
Degree Accredited Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS)
Learn from Germany’s leading experts in solar energy
The Certificate “CAS CM – Solar Cell Characterization and Modelling” consists of two courses running in parallel and an on-campus laboratory training at the end of your certificate studies:
CM1.1 – Material and Solar Cell Characterization (3 ECTS) Lecturer: Dr. Martin Schubert | Head of the Department “Quality Assurance, Characterization and Simulation” at the Fraunhofer ISE. CM2.1 – Numerical Simulation of Solar Cells (5 ECTS) Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Jürgen Schumacher | Professor at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) and team leader “Electrochemical Cells and Energy Systems”. This Certificate provides practical as well as theoretical insights to common characterization techniques used for solar cell characterization. Participants will also learn how a simulation package for solar cell simulation works by being provided with insights to the numerical techniques to discretize the governing equations to describe solar cells. The Software COMSOL will be used intensively. The Certificate includes an on-campus laboratory training “Measurement Instrumentation” at the Fraunhofer ISE’s labs.
E-learning and online video lectures accompanied by readings, exercises, quizzes, self-assessments and online meetings with tutors and lecturers
Two written exams (45 and 75 minutes) in a study center close to your location
Mandatory attendance to a 2-day lab training at the Fraunhofer ISE, Freiburg, Germany at the end of your certificate studies (around March)
You are closely monitored and supported by tutors and lecturers throughout your entire certificate studies. Various teaching styles and formats allow you to engage with the topic in many compelling ways.
Short e-lectures combined with a great collection of reading materials provide you 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 sections in the reading material.
Your growing expertise is put into practice through exercise sheets, quizzes and self-assessments. 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 in Germany and Switzerland to a more extensive degree in modular fashion.
