Multinational alliance to develop a postgraduate program in photovoltaic systems

ended

MAP-PV aims to develop a joint master program that creates a graduated expert in photovoltaics that comprehensively understands the whole system, from cells and modules technology to PV-storage systems integration, to grid connection, energy management, monitoring and diagnosis, PV-dedicated digital technologies and Internet of Things. Although MAP-PV will develop a master's program that focuses only on photovoltaics, its students will be taught about a wide variety of disciplines, such as chemistry, physics, electrical engineering, and computer science. Also, given the cross-cultural nature of the PV industry, MAP-PV will develop a program that teaches social skills to work with other cultures. Finally, the economic and environmental components are also fundamental in the training of a PV expert. The proposed Master's degree design will be led by Anhalt University of Applied Sciences (HSA), which has been offering a master's degree program focused solely on photovoltaic technology for the past decade. This program will be modified to adapt to the current needs of the PV industry. One of the needs identified is to have a more pan-European programme that encompasses the entire region's needs since many German companies sell and install their systems outside Europe. HSA, with close links to the Fraunhofer CSP Institute, is in an excellent position to lead and understand the needs of the industry. Southern Europe is an ideal place to install PVs, which is why the proposal includes the University of Salerno (UNISA), Italy, The Foundation for Innovation and Research – Malta (FiR.mt) and the Vilnius Gediminas Technical University - VILNIUS TECH (VGTU) in Lithuania. MAP-PV will look for a strong relationship with industrial partners from the conception of the Master's program. The mechanism to achieve that is organising workshops and meetings in the three areas of focus of MAP-PV, i.e., Central Europe, Eastern Europe and Mediterranean Europe. I