The Photovoltaics Summer School

The International Photovoltaic Summer School program provides an interdisciplinary educational opportunity in the field of photovoltaic technologies. In response to the growing demand for flexible, student-centered education, the summer school has been designed as a short-term, intensive 5-day on-site course comprising 30 hours of lectures and hands-on laboratories. The learning format combines a solid theoretical introduction with laboratory practice and modeling activities that require active participation from the attendees. The program enables participants to acquire specialized knowledge and engineering skills highly relevant to the global energy, environmental, and digital transformations. During the course, participants learn about the operating principles of solar cells—from the energetic structure of materials, through the process of junction formation, to detailed charge carrier transport mechanisms. The aim of the theoretical part is to understand how material properties and external factors influence the photovoltaic conversion efficiency of solar cells. The laboratory and simulation part includes measurements of the optoelectronic characteristics of solar cells and the analysis of how various factors affect their efficiency. Participants also learn how to fit and analyze current–voltage characteristics to determine key optoelectronic parameters of the cells, as well as how to simulate their operation using dedicated software. Completing the course allows participants to update their knowledge and acquire highly specialized competencies in modern photovoltaic technologies.

Knowledge * Understands the advanced operating principles of solar cells, including the energetic structure of materials, band theory of semiconductors, recombination processes, and detailed charge carrier transport mechanisms. * Is able to explain the optical phenomena and energy balances occurring in modern photovoltaic materials used in solar radiation conversion systems.

Skills * Independently measures and analyzes the optoelectronic characteristics of solar cells based on laboratory data, reliably evaluating the performance of real devices. * Effectively designs and simulates solar cell operation using dedicated specialized software by correctly interpreting and applying data obtained from laboratory measurements.

Responsibility and Autonomy (Social competences) * Works effectively and independently in an international laboratory team, critically evaluating experimental results and defining personal research objectives. * Takes full responsibility for proposed technical solutions, communicates scientific findings clearly, and skillfully adapts innovative ideas to the rigorous requirements of modern engineering.

1. Level of studies: Applicants must be actively enrolled as 1st cycle students (who have completed at least 3 semesters), 2nd cycle (Master’s) students, or PhD candidates. 2. Academic background: Applicants must be studying physics, optics, optoelectronics, electronics, electrical engineering, mechatronics, or related scientific/engineering fields. 3. Language proficiency: A minimum English language proficiency at the B2 level is required to actively participate in lectures and laboratory sessions. 4. Formal status: Candidates must be foreign nationals holding a valid student or PhD candidate status at their home university both on the day of joining the project and upon its completion.

The Photovoltaics Summer School is structured as an intensive, 5-day certificate program comprising a total of 30 contact hours. The curriculum is carefully divided into three integrated components leading to a certificate of completion.

1. Theoretical Foundation (Lectures & Tutorials): Intensive sessions covering the advanced operating principles of solar cells, the band theory of semiconductors, and charge carrier transport mechanisms. 2. Practical Application (Hands-on Laboratories & Simulation): Supervised, hands-on laboratory sessions where participants measure the optoelectronic characteristics of real devices, combined with computer modeling and simulation activities using dedicated software. 3. Assessment and Certification: A continuous evaluation process based on practical laboratory tasks, the submission of written laboratory reports, and a final presentation of the obtained results.

Upon successful completion of all three components, participants are awarded a formal Certificate.

The two-level mutual trust-based quality assurance scheme has been adopted:

• at the university level: Warsaw University of Technology has applied its internal quality assurance procedures and structures to the proposal of The Photovoltaics Summer School it submitted to ENHANCE and to its implementation - the related learning activities,
• at the Alliance level: the body composed of Education Officers has made decisions regarding the inclusion of The Photovoltaics Summer School proposed by Warsaw University of Technology to the Innovative Learning Campus part of the joint ENHANCE educational offer, based on the compliance with the formal requirements and ENHANCE goals.

The Summer School consist of a 1-week on-site phase.

The on-site phase will last from 22.06 until 26.06;

The acquired learning outcomes (competences) will be verified through the continuous assessment of practical laboratory tasks and a final presentation of the obtained results.

• Step 1: apply through provided registration link
• Step 2 (for participants with confirmed registration): Please remember to submit the following documents according to instructions from the confirmation email:
  • student status
  • confirmation from the supervisor/university,
  • motivation letter. 

Admission to this ILO is competitive. Based on the documents submitted in the registration process the ranking list will be done. 

The selection criteria include:

• Scientific background: Alignment of your academic interests and activities (e.g., previous achievements, science clubs, projects, publications) with the Summer School's scope. 
• Motivation: Your drive to acquire new knowledge in the field of photovoltaics and photonics. 
• Academic performance: Grade Point Average (GPA) from completed semesters. 
• Language skills: English proficiency at a minimum B2 level. 
• Field of study: Enrollment in physics, optics, optoelectronics, electronics, electrical engineering, mechatronics, or related fields.

All Summer School classes and hands-on laboratory sessions will be held at the Faculty of Physics, at their WUT Southern Campus. Warsaw University of Technology Faculty of Physics (Mechatronics Building), ul. św. Andrzeja Boboli, 8 02-525 Warsaw, Poland  find us on Google Maps

Participation Conditions and Financial Support Participation in the learning opportunity is free of charge for all admitted participants. 

Qualified participants will receive a lump-sum grant intended to partially cover travel and living expenses.

Please note: Participants are expected to cover their upfront costs and are responsible for organizing their own travel and accommodation. Detailed financial conditions and payment schedules will be communicated to accepted candidates in accordance with WUT and NAWA regulations.  

Within the framework of ENHANCE+ and NAWA support mechanisms, qualified participants outside WUT are entitled to receive a lump-sum grant intended to partially cover travel and subsistence (accommodation and living) costs related to the on-site component of the program. The amount and conditions of the lump sum will be communicated to selected participants in accordance with applicable ENHANCE+ and NAWA regulations.

Regulations for recruitment and participation: link