This Certificate provides a comprehensive understanding of thin-film solar cells, the so-called third generation photovoltaics, as well as new techniques in solar cell production.
Learning goals:
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the different types of thin-film solar cells, modules and their production
Learn about III-V solar cells and concentrator systems
Get an overview of the different kinds of new types of solar cells, such as organic and perovskite
Learn about new techniques in solar cell production which are likely to prevail in the next decade
Target group
This Certificate is an ideal choice for you if you are a working professional with:
A good understanding of the physical principles of solar cells
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 ST – Advanced Solar Cell Technologies” consists of three courses and one seminar running in parallel. Unlike courses, the seminars give participants the chance to independently work on a particular topic of their choice.
ST1.1 – Inorganic Thin-Film Solar Cells (4 ECTS) Lecturer: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Michael Powalla Head of Photovoltaics Division at Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research (ZSW).
ST1.2 – III-V Solar Cells and Concentrator Systems (3 ECTS) Lecturer: Dr. Gerald Siefer Head of Group „III-V Cell and Module Characterization“ at Fraunhofer ISE.
ST2.1 – New Concepts for Photovoltaic Energy Conversion (2 ECTS) Lecturer: Dr. Uli Würfel Head of the Department “Organic and Perovskite Photovoltaics” at Fraunhofer ISE.
ST2.2 – Advanced Solar Cell Processing (1 ECTS) Seminar facilitator: Dr. Martin Heinrich Head of Team “Module Efficiency and New Concepts” at Fraunhofer ISE.
This Certificate provides a comprehensive understanding of different types of thin-film solar cells like Si-based, CIGS, and CdTe thin-film, as well as the modules and their production. Their role in the photovoltaic market and the specific applications in which they excel will be discussed in detail. You will learn about high concentration photovoltaics and study III-V solar cell approaches. New and emerging concepts of solar cells, such as organic and perovskite will be introduced and discussed.
E-learning and online video lectures accompanied by readings, exercises, self-assessments and online meetings with tutors and lecturers
Three written exams (60, 45 and 30 minutes) in a study center close to your location
A seminar that includes the preparation of a handout and final oral presentation
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 20-minute 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, self-assessments - and of course through the seminars, where you independently research, analyze and present a particular topic of your choice. 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 that offer 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.
