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 | 1,800 € |
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 course is particularly beneficial for professionals in the following fields
- Engineers and technical professionals in the energy sector
Electrical engineers, energy engineers, physicists, materials scientists, and professionals in semiconductor or solar technologies who develop, design, size, or optimize photovoltaic systems. - Planners and project managers for energy systems
Energy consultants, building services engineers (MEP planners), architects (with a focus on building integration), PV project managers, as well as professionals in energy supply companies and grid operator organizations. - Professionals in energy policy, sustainability, and business
Staff working in ministries, public authorities, international organizations, NGOs, corporate strategy, or investment departments who assess energy scenarios, decarbonization pathways, market mechanisms, and cost developments. - Researchers and early-career academics
PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and academic staff in the fields of renewable energy, semiconductor physics, materials science, or energy system modeling.
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.
About HECTOR School
HECTOR School, the Technology Business School of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), is a leading provider of executive education in technology-driven fields.
For this course, participants who successfully complete the examination can earn a KIT certificate with ECTS credits, which may be credited toward our Executive Master of Science or Advanced Studies Programs, subject to content alignment.