This Certificate provides a comprehensive understanding about the fundamental physical processes of solar cells and the design and function of photovoltaic systems.
Learning goals:
Gain a comprehensive understanding about the fundamental physical processes of solar cells and photovoltaic systems
Understand the physics, technology and designs of solar cells
Learn about 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 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 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 overview of 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 in detail the physical principles of every kind of solar cell.
Participants will become proficient in explaining the physical and engineering principles, analyzing and assessing new solar cell concepts as well as latest trends in photovoltaics.
E-learning and 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 where you live
Join our voluntary Campus Phase here in Freiburg, Germany
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. 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.
