Dalarna University
Master of Solar Energy Engineering
Borlänge, Sweden
DURATION
1 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
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EARLIEST START DATE
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TUITION FEES
SEK 135,000 *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* EU/EEA citizens are not required to pay tuition fees
Introduction
Secure your future in the global field of renewable energy by studying Solar Energy Engineering, taught at Dalarna University’s European Solar Energy School (ESES).
As the world transitions towards cleaner energy sources, the demand for professionals well-versed in photovoltaic technology and solar energy systems has never been greater. Our program equips you with cutting-edge knowledge and hands-on experience in this rapidly evolving field, positioning you for an array of rewarding job opportunities.
Examples of subjects covered are the design of photovoltaic systems, solar thermal and hybrid systems, energy storage, solar project management, and financing of solar energy.
Connect with Industry – Learning by Doing
Professional connections are just as important to your success as the theoretical knowledge and practical skills you will gain through your studies. With this understanding, we have developed this program to ensure that you have ample opportunities to cultivate such connections through:
- Site visits to solar installations and research centers, as well as guest lectures from experts in areas such as solar cell physics and chemical energy storage. These will ensure you are up-to-date on the latest developments in this expansive field.
- Internships following your one year of studies, where we can help you with national and international contacts.
- Your thesis project, which will afford you close contact with research facilities and companies both in Sweden and abroad.
A history of expertise in solar energy
Since 1999 the European Solar Engineering School (ESES) at Dalarna University has offered a specialized educational experience that will broaden your professional opportunities in the renewable energy industry. For over 20 years, students from nearly 50 countries have come to a small town in central Sweden to gain knowledge and skills that are in high demand within the renewable energy industry.
When you take this program, you will be taught by industry experts and researchers from 10 countries, while becoming a member of the international ESES community, which comprises your classmates and our many alumni who currently work locally and internationally.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
There are a number of scholarships available for successful applicants to the Solar Energy Engineering program who are not EU/EEA citizens.
- Global Sustainable Electricity Partnership Scholarship
- Swedish Institute Study Scholarships
- Dalarna University Scholarships
For more information about scholarships, please visit the university website.
Curriculum
The program aims to enhance the skill set of students in our core solar-engineering subject areas, especially PV and systems design. You will gain international exposure through the faculty and your classmates as well as having the opportunity to partake in an international internship upon completing the program.
Program Structure and Content
All courses are taught in English by international faculty staff. The program comprises 60 credits (1 credit = 1 ECTS) and begins at the start of the autumn semester in late August. Note: 1.5 credits = one week of full-time study.
Semester 1 (August-January)
- Applied Solar Engineering
- Solar Radiation and Solar Geometry
- Photovoltaics
- Economics of Solar Energy
- Solar Thermal
Semester 2 (January-June)
- Design of PV and Hybrid Systems
- Design of Solar Thermal Systems
- Thesis Work in Solar Energy Technology
Degree Awarded
- Degree of Master of Science (60 Credits) in Solar Energy Engineering
Program Outcome
Upon completion of the program, students will graduate with a Degree of Master of Science (120 Credits) in Solar Energy Engineering.
Program objectives
After completing the program, the student will be able to:
Knowledge and Understanding
- show a considerabledegree of in-depth understanding of various solar energy technologies in terms of physical processes and mathematical models for energy output in converting solar radiation into electrical or thermal energy
- show detailed knowledge regarding the components of importance in solar energy systems and how their function depends on solar radiation and other climatic factors
- show detailed knowledge of how heating, cooling, ventilation and daylight needs in both buildings and communities are affected by solar radiation and other climatic factors
- show a broad knowledge of different solar energy technologies, their role and their framework, from the perspective of large energy systems, as well as the potential that exists to combine them with other technologies for the production of electricity, heating, and cooling
Competence and Skills
- demonstrate the ability, using a scientific approach, to theoretically, experimentally and independently analyse both individual components and whole solar energy systems, their functions and their interrelations
- demonstrate the ability to independently design efficient solar energy systems in terms of technical components, climate, energy demands, and other relevant conditions
- demonstrate the ability to use different types of advanced software to model, design and optimize different types of solar energy systems
- demonstrate the ability to measure, process and systematically as well as critically analyse the relevant data for solar energy applications, and evaluate the reliability in the obtained results
- demonstrate the ability to derive the investment, operating and life-cycle costs of solar energy systems
Judgement and Approach
- critically evaluate existing facilities for both solar electricity and solar thermal, and propose measures to improve performance or correct deficiencies
- demonstrate the ability to evaluate the technical, social, economic and ethical barriers and drivers for implementing solar energy technologies
- evaluate how solar solutions can contribute towards a transition to a sustainable society from a social, economic and environmental and climatic perspective
- demonstrate the ability, from an engineering science perspective, to independently evaluate the role that various solar energy technologies can play in the energy supply of heating systems and the electrical systems as well as in the energy balance in buildings.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Many of our over 300 solar energy alumni are active as engineers and managers in the global solar energy industry. After graduating, many go on to start their solar businesses, while others go on to pursue a Ph.D. and become researchers and teachers at universities. The majority of our graduates go on to work in companies and organizations throughout the world.
Potential future employers are:
- Solar equipment manufacturers,
- Engineering and consulting companies with a renewable energy focus,
- Energy utilities, and
- Government and non-government organisations
Increasing Job Opportunities
Until a few years ago, jobs in the solar energy sector were found mostly in countries where political efforts had led to an early adoption of renewable energy, often through subsidies for businesses and private individuals to invest in renewable energy sources such as solar energy.
Today the cost of solar energy is lower than ever before: it has become competitive, even without subsidies, in many developed and still developing economies. While the cost of installing solar energy has decreased, the possibility of harnessing and storing solar energy is constantly improving, ensuring excellent long-term job prospects for program graduates.
Further studies including studying towards a PhD
Upon completion of the program, you may also apply for a Ph.D. position within Resource Efficient Built environments or similar fields at any Swedish university.