Certificate of Advanced Studies
CAS 5 - Solar Energy Integration into the Power Grid
In scientific cooperation with
In scientific cooperation with
This certificate provides a comprehensive understanding of complex interactions between photovoltaic systems and the power grid. This certificate program's components focus on control aspects of PV systems and integration of a massive amount of PV energy into the electricity grid.
The certificate is offered in collaboration with PennState University, combining academic and practical expertise from both institutions to provide a global perspective on renewable energy integration.
This CAS is an ideal choice for you if you are a working professional with:
Also, the following skills are beneficial to make your study experience a success:
Throughout your certificate studies, you are closely supported by tutors and instructors. Online video lectures accompanied by readings, exercises, self-assessments, and online meetings with tutors and instructors allow you to engage with the topic in many compelling ways. A great collection of reading materials provide you the latest theoretical understanding of each topic. References that are incorporated into the videos point you to the most pertinent sections of the reading material. Regular online meetings and lively forum discussions with fellow students, tutors, and lecturers will round off your learning experience.
- Online Written exam
- Project Work
- Oral Exam
A Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) is a subject-specific advanced training program compliant with the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). With a scope of 15 ECTS , this certificate correspond to an average study-workload of 375 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 that offer academic continuing education for working professionals. Thus, it is possible to combine CAS programs from the same institution or other institutions in Germany and Switzerland to create a more extensive degree in a modular fashion.
The certificate curriculum consists of three courses, two worth 6 ECTS each and one course is 3 ECTS. Classes focus on different yet complementary aspects of the integration of solar PV into the power grid.
This course is structured to train students for solar energy integration, particularly in Solar PV and economics. Solar energy is expected to become the world’s primary energy resource in the upcoming decades. One of the most relevant problems is integrating photovoltaic (PV) power into the electric grid system. Information and education on technologies, control strategies, economic aspects, and stakeholder relationships that enable the adaptation of PV systems into existing grid infrastructure are in high demand by current and future energy professionals. The course will facilitate comprehension of the implications, challenges, and possible solutions for a predominantly renewable energy system, specifically focusing on the role of solar PV power.
After successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
✓ Understand the technical challenges of integrating solar power into the electricity grid
✓ Evaluate economic strategies to increase the share of renewable energies (in particular solar energy) in the energy mix
✓ Analyse the possible contribution of PV plants, inverter technologies, and control strategies from a cost-benefit viewpoint
✓ Compare the latest models for utilising PV power: Community PV and Micro grid solutions
This course is developed to give comprehensive knowledge about grid integration, control and it also includes simulation of power grid control systems.
This course provides comprehensive knowledge on power system control, including computer-based simulations distinguished by different voltage levels.
The course starts with an overview of different power system control targets, followed by a section on modelling connections and transformers. The next part deals with the global frequency control of power systems and explains inherent frequency control with synchronous machines. In the last part, voltage and current control in distribution grids will be explained. A detailed computer-based simulation is applied to deepen the understanding of the participants. After the simulation task, students will be requested to hand in a wiki article that will be peer-reviewed by other participants.
Grading will be done in three parts: An online test at the end of the course will count to 40 % of the grade, a presentation during one of the online meetings will count another 40 %. The Wiki article will also be graded and measures for the remaining 20 %.
After successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
✓ Understand the control hierarchy of power systems.
✓ Understand the planning criteria depending on the voltage level.
✓ Perform power system simulations.
✓ Develop grid integration strategies.
✓ Evaluate grid integration measures for distributed generators.
This course is about smart grids and Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). Smart grid deployment will play a vital role in the efficient management of the grid and transition to renewable energy. ICTs are also becoming an integral part of smart grid management since they increase the grid’s efficiency and control.
After successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
✓ Understand and optimize the grid-connected energy systems.
✓ Illustrate energy flow in distribution grids with decentralized generation.
✓ Describe and design energy management systems for optimized energy production and storage.
Participants have the option to select a single course from the range of courses available within this certificate program or from the entire master's program curriculum.
No, not except for your own travel, accommodation, and personal costs. During the Campus Phase week, students come to Freiburg to meet instructors and fellow students and to get a hands-on experience at our facilities.
Two times during the program, participation is mandatory since you will be attending the SEE Lab Workshops exclusive to the SEE students. So, you just need to consider the expenses for travel, accommodation and personal costs.
Unfortunately, at the moment, we do not offer any scholarships. So if you need extra help to finance your studies, we encourage you to begin your search for scholarships as early as possible. The international office of the university in your homeland, as well as the German embassy or consulate(s), may have information on scholarships for students who are specifically from your country or in your field of study.
Applicants can check the following links for third party scholarship opportunities:
The DAAD is an important German institution created for academic exchange. They provide a lot of information on their website about everything related to studying in Germany. They also have a database about scholarships; you can find information on various kinds of DAAD funding for international students, graduates, and postdocs, as well as on funding offered by other selected organizations here. They also host www.study-in.de, which is a website for international students in Germany.
The page offers a lot of information about scholarship possibilities. But it is only available in German.
The Student Service Center of the University of Freiburg offers advice about scholarships. You can find the page here.
In some cases, employees may finance a part of the education costs. If you need an official letter for applying for funding from your company, just let us know – we are happy to provide one.
If there is a public organization, either governmental or non-governmental, in your country which might be a potential sponsor – we also can provide you with a letter and try to support your case. But you need to initiate the contact!
Partially, yes. The smallest instalments are semesterly payments; this is due to the University’s regulations. So, you don't have to pay for the whole program in advance.
Payments are to be made before each semester at rates of 4000 to 3500€ for Full and Expert tracks. The master’s thesis semester is 2.000 € regardless of the study track.
An additional matriculation fee (currently 190 €) applies for each semester for both Maters and Certificates; the matriculation fee is subject to change according to the Baden-Württemberg state law. For additional semesters exceeding the official study duration, a fee of 500€ per semester will be charged.
Tuition fee payments must be made on time to maintain the student status.
We are purely an online program consisting of asynchronous courses, virtual meetings and more; we do not host any in-presence courses.
The M.Sc. and Certificates programs in Solar Energy Engineering (SEE) are designed to be studied simultaneously parallel to a full-time job, in the student’s desired location, anywhere with a sufficient internet connection. We believe in bringing the latest Solar Energy Engineering knowledge to all corners of the globe as we believe in a global energy transition for a better future.
However, students are required to join the on-campus week at least two times during their studies. Students can freely choose the semester they join. For details, see the question “Is it compulsory to come to Freiburg for the on-campus events?”
Certificates enable you to specialize on a particular topic in solar energy to consolidate your expertise and enhance your career opportunities without disrupting work or private life. With an accredited Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS), you earn a joint degree from two prestigious institutions: The University of Freiburg and the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE.
Each subject-specific certificate provides you with a flexible opportunity to fortify your knowledge within a short period, simultaneous to your job. CAS consists of 6 different accredited certificates with a study duration of 6 months (or 12 months) and a scope of 10 ECTS each. Discover our part-time and online study offers that are tailor-made for professionals like you! You can find the certificate programs here.
The admission requirements for the Certificate Programs are:
1. Eagerness to study with some of the most experienced solar energy instructors and leaders of the world.
2. English proficiency on an academic level (equals to minimum B2).
Whether you choose the M.Sc. or the Certificate programs, you are in for an exciting journey! Solar energy has been declared the “king of energy” and has a promising future. We are at the beginning of a critical decade; the decade of the energy transition, which will play a crucial part in the future of our planet. By studying with us, you can be a part of this transition and be at the heart of both academy and industry. You can be the change and bring the change, whether in your community or on a global level! Some specific benefits of our programs are:
• Accredited according to German universities' standards. Your degree or certification will be acknowledged in Germany as well as internationally.
• Our scientific cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems allows students to access the world’s leading research facilities in solar energy for hands-on experience.
• During the program, students will be guided by renowned academic instructors. Our instructors are international experts and scientists who are dedicated to our students’ development.
• The online learning environment gives the freedom to study wherever and whenever students want. Students will be able to learn online, at their pace, without disrupting their professional or private life.
• Students will receive comprehensive, interdisciplinary, technical, and scientific training in the solar energy field. They will acquire subject-relevant skills, from developing and designing photovoltaic and solar thermal systems to the assembly of complex plants, power stations, and energy networks.
• Tutors will closely support students in small and individual groups throughout their studies.
• Students will become a part of our international solar community with students and alumni from all over the world.
The fee for the Full Track is 25.000 € (7 semesters). For the Expert Track, the costs are 18.000 € (4-5 semesters). The type of track you can follow depends on your previous background and whether you have relevant knowledge of any of our Fundamental Modules (see the admission requirements for the required background and the Module Handbook for the Fundamental Modules).
Payments are to be made before each new semester (in August and in February) at rates of 4000 to 3500 € for respective tracks. The master’s thesis semester is 2.000 € for both tracks. An additional matriculation fee (currently 190 €) applies for each semester; the matriculation fee is subject to change according to the Baden-Württemberg state law. For additional semesters that exceed the official study time, a fee of 500€ per semester will be charged.
The cost of each Certificate Program ranges from 2750 € to 3750 €.. This changes according to ECTS credits which range from 11 ECTS to 15 ECTS credits. All certificates last one semester, except for the Solar Thermal Energy Technology which lasts two semesters; it's fees are 3,750 € in total.
Due to the admission regulations, students may only be admitted if they have the English language certificate of at least level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. English certificates must be handed in as officially notarized copies. Online versions - like, for example, the TOEFL “Test taker report” will not be accepted. Please carefully read the official requirements of the University for English language certificates here.
- Students from a country with English as an official language;
- Students holding a German or Luxembourgish “Abitur” with at least 7 Years of English;
- Students holding a previous degree (BSc) which was taught entirely in English (must be mentioned in the official transcript).
An official certification can be provided by any public body or government agency with an official seal or stamp (Dienstsiegel). Examples are registration offices (Bürgerbüros) or the local registration offices of the State Residents’ Registration Office (Einwohnermeldeamt), as well as embassies, consulates and sworn translators if foreign academic records are to be certified. German notaries are also authorized to perform certifications. The institution (school, higher education institution) that originally issued the record in question can also certify a copy of that record.
Certifications issued by attorneys, certified auditors, associations, health insurance companies, and DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) or from AStA (Allgemeiner Studierenden Ausschuss) are not recognized.
Every official certification must include at least:
1. Certification notice (this is a notice stating that the copy is as per the original);
2. Signature of the party certifying the document;
3. Official seal or stamp. (An official seal or stamp generally includes an emblem. A simple inked text stamp is not sufficient).
If the copy consists of several pages, proof must be provided showing that each page comes from the same document. It is sufficient if only one page bears the certification notice and signature if all pages are stacked up, stapled together, and stamped or sealed in such a way that a part of the official seal or stamp appears on each page (see below at the upper left-hand corner of the sample).
For M.Sc. in SEE, the knowledge of an engineering bachelor’s graduate is assumed and required in most lectures. Our experience over the previous years showed that it is better to have this knowledge for students, so that they don't feel overwhelmed with additionally having to learn the fundamental engineering topics.
For students without a strong engineering background, we recommend checking out the certificate programs, especially: 'Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaics' and 'Solar Thermal Energy Technology'. These programs still have a bit of Physics, Mathematics and Engineering content, but could be handled by students without deep knowledge in those areas. The description of these programs can be found here.
The courses are taught only in English. Participants may choose to write their master’s thesis in German or French after the University committee’s approval. Please carefully read the official requirements of the University for the English language certificate here.
Once the Student Service Center finalizes your enrolment, you will receive a system-generated email from the University IT department (RZ= Rechenzentrum) with your personal Uni-Account and a single-use password with a link to „myAccount“.
Please change your password on this platform and inform our IT support Daniel Sassiat (daniel.sassiat@rz.uni-freiburg.de) about this. He will then modify your Uni-Account as the last step. Afterwards, the account is fully usable (including VPN).