With rising prices for fossil fuels and concern for climate change,  sunlight as source to generate electricity (photovoltaics) and for heating (solar thermal) is emerging an alternative energy source, which has led to double-digit growth in the global market for solar power. According to projections the next few years could witness 50 per cent global growth for newly commissioned PV power installations growing up to 2010.

However, this has led to an acute shortage of qualified personnel. To adress this, the University of Berlin and Renewables Academy of Berlin are working on designing a specialised programme on production engineering for solar technology, GPE solar masters programme, leading to the award of a masters degree in science. 

Germany is the global market leader in photovoltaic component supply, manufacturing and installation.

Designed to meet the need of companies engaged in the solar-technology market, the university says the course content being designed would cover all stages of the photovoltaic and solar thermal value-added chain from the production of components through planning and installation to finance, legal issues, marketing and business development. To help the global industry, the university says the programme would be conducted in English.

"GPE Solar sees itself as a crucial link between education and the industry," says Prof. Dr Ing Guenther Seliger, dean of studies. "The triggers for the creation of the course were the concrete requests of the industry."

The programme will be organised jointly by the university and the Renewables Academy of Berlin which, as a partner to the University, will ensure an ongoing connection to solar companies and current industry practice. The university is working together with solar technology manufacturers, designers and system vendors for both teaching and research. A six-month vocational assignment forms part of the course and, for their final dissertation, students will work on real-world issues facing enterprises in the sector.