Photovoltaics
Certificate Course - Energy - EE.1.1.
| Date | Nov 16-17, 2026 |
| Duration | 2 days |
| Location | on campus - Karlsruhe |
| Language | English |
| ECTS | upon request |
| Costs | 1,550 € |
Course Prerequisites - Basics knowledge of semiconductor physics, optics, thermodynamics is helpful.
Fundamentals
Understand how solar cells convert sunlight into energy by linking fundamental physical principles to real-world photovoltaic technologies in use today.
Technology
Gain insight into the design and manufacturing of different solar module technologies and the key components that make up modern photovoltaic systems.
Applications
Develop a comprehensive overview of how complete solar generators function in practice, from individual cells to fully integrated energy systems.
What you’ll explore
- Develop an understanding of photovoltaics as an energy source, from their fundamental physical properties to the design of complete photovoltaic energy systems.
- Develop an introductory understanding of photovoltaic system technology
- including methods for harnessing solar energy
- principles for measuring solar radiation on Earth
- the structure and operation of solar cells
- efficiency evaluation
- the characteristics of solar cells and modules
- the design of PV modules, and common system configurations
Your key takeaways
- The possible role of electrical energy from photovoltaics in national and global energy system scenarios (resources, emissions, PV market and costs)
- Physical fundamentals of energy conversion (solar radiation)
- Semiconductor physics related to solar cells (absorption of light, band structure, transport properties), recombination, optics
- Energy conversion in semiconductors (p/n junction, theoretical limits, the electrochemical potential)
- Solar cells (characteristics, I/V curve, materials, losses)
- Realization concepts
- Silicon technology, from quartz to the cell
- Thin film solar cells
- Concentrator cells, organic solar cells, dye sensitized solar cells
- Photovoltaics module and production technology
- Photovoltaics energy systems (components, converter, building integration, tracking systems)
- Energy performance, system efficiency and outdoor effects
Taught by recognized experts in Photovoltaics
Benefit from the knowledge of leading specialists with extensive experience in research and industry. Their deep expertise guarantees a course of outstanding academic and practical quality.
Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Uli Lemmer
Prof. Dr. Uli Lemmer is a distinguished professor at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), where he heads the Light Technology Institute and leads the Optoelectronics division. His research focuses on the development and application of printable organic and inorganic semiconductors, positioning him at the forefront of innovation in this field.
Since 2006, he has also coordinated the Karlsruhe School of Optics & Photonics and has been actively involved in various roles with the InnovationLab in Heidelberg, bridging cutting-edge research and industrial application.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Michael Powalla
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Michael Powalla is a leading physicist and photovoltaic researcher, heading the Photovoltaics Division at ZSW Stuttgart since 2008 and serving as Professor for Thin-Film Photovoltaics at KIT since 2010. His work focuses on energy conversion materials and processes, particularly CIGS thin-film solar modules, making him a recognized expert in the field.
He brings extensive experience across the photovoltaic value chain and has contributed through international collaborations and numerous publications.
Who should attend
This certificate course is designed for professionals seeking a structured introduction to carbon capture and storage (CCS) as a key building block of industrial decarbonization and climate-neutral energy systems.
- Engineers and technical professionals in the energy, chemical, process, and manufacturing industries who are involved in or preparing for CCS-related projects, low‑carbon processes, or industrial decarbonization
- Energy and sustainability consultants, planners, and project managers working on Net-Zero strategies, decarbonization roadmaps, and the evaluation or implementation of CCS options
- Professionals in utilities, oil and gas, cement, steel, and other CO₂‑intensive sectors seeking to understand CCS technologies, value chains, and their integration into existing infrastructures
- Experts in energy policy, regulation, and public administration who need a solid technical and economic understanding of CCS to design frameworks and incentives for large-scale deployment
- Researchers and academics aiming to deepen their knowledge of CO₂ capture processes, transport and storage concepts, lifecycle assessment, and the role of CCS in climate mitigation scenarios
- Professionals who want a coherent overview from the fundamentals of CCS technologies to practical applications, project development, and the assessment of opportunities and challenges in real-world contexts
Advance your career with KIT-level expertise
Benefit from the reputation of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) while gaining practical skills, flexible learning opportunities, and a recognized certificate to support your long-term professional growth.
Flexibility
Gain focused expertise in a specific field without committing to a full degree program, allowing you to build relevant knowledge efficiently and integrate learning seamlessly into your professional routine.
Relevance
Benefit from high-quality academic content combined with practical insights, delivered by experienced experts, supporting continuous, lifelong learning while ensuring direct applicability in real-world scenarios.
Advancement
Enhance your professional profile with a recognized certificate, demonstrating your commitment to ongoing development and supporting your career with tangible, verifiable credentials.