This Certificate provides a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental physical processes of solar cells, as well as the design and function of photovoltaic systems.
Learning goals:
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental physical processes of solar cells and photovoltaic systems
Understand the physics, technology and designs of solar cells
Learn how photovoltaic systems are designed and optimized for optimal energy production and storage
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 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 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 1 - Solar Cells and Photovoltaic Systems” consists of two separate courses running in parallel: 1.1 – Solar Cells (5 ECTS) Lecturer: Dr. Uli Würfel Researcher at the Freiburger Materialforschungszentrum – FMF and Head of the Department “Organic and Perovskite Photovoltaics” at Fraunhofer ISE. 1.2 – Photovoltaic Systems (5 ECTS) Lecturer: Dr.-Ing. Oliver Stalter Director of the Division “Energy Technology and Systems” in the Business Division “Power Electronics, Grids and Smart Systems” at Fraunhofer ISE. Condensing the expertise gained over the years, this Certificate enables a scientific understanding of photovoltaic energy conversion. Participants gain an insight about the overall system of photovoltaic energy conversion and a detailed scientific foundation of the underlying principles of solar cells.
Experienced engineers will be qualified to design and optimize photovoltaic systems
Enthusiasts will be able to understand the physical principles of every type of solar cell in detail.
Participants will become proficient in explaining the physical and engineering principles; in analyzing and assessing new solar cell concepts, as well as evaluating the latest trends in photovoltaics.
E-learning via online video lectures accompanied by readings, exercises and online meetings with tutors and lecturers
Two written exams (75 minutes each) in a study center close to your location
Join our voluntary Campus Phase week in Freiburg, Germany
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 may compelling ways. 15-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. Your growing expertise is put into practice through exercise sheets. 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 which 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.
