Overview This MSc programme will restart with an updated structure in the summer semester of 2026. Taught in English and situated in Germany, the course takes students from the fundamentals of solar cells through to full PV system design and integration, combining device-level science with power electronics, storage and system analytics. Detailed information is available on the programme website: www.hs-anhalt.de/mpv.
Curriculum focus Core teaching covers solar cell technologies (silicon wafer and cell manufacturing, crystalline Si cell types, advanced concepts and an overview of thin-film approaches), renewable energy technologies and their applications, and solar module design and production (materials such as polymers, interconnects and glass, plus module components). Power electronics and converters are treated in depth (DC/DC, DC/AC, AC/DC, PV inverter types, MPP tracking and power optimisers), alongside energy storage technologies (lead and lithium batteries, battery management, and alternative storage like hydrogen, methane, electrolysis and pumped hydro). System-level subjects include PV system design, monitoring, yield and performance analysis, integration into transmission and distribution grids (including reactive power management and smart grids), and reliability/assessment topics (test standards, common failure mechanisms such as light-induced and potential-induced degradation, polymer and mechanical degradation).
Who this suits and career context Although Germany remains a leader in PV research and development, much of large-scale manufacturing has shifted to the Far East. This makes the programme especially useful for graduates who plan to return to their home countries and help develop local PV industries. At the same time, there are good prospects in Germany for roles in PV system engineering and project management due to an ongoing shortage of qualified engineers and technicians and ambitious national renewable-energy goals. Students who wish to stay in Germany should obtain at least basic German — language courses are offered as electives during the programme.
Key facts and requirements (concise)
This MSc curriculum is organised across two taught semesters (summer and winter) followed by a third, research-focused semester for the Master’s thesis. You can begin the programme either in the summer or the winter semester. The taught part combines device- and system-level topics — from solar cell technology to grid integration — with hands-on laboratory work and industry-facing activities.
The summer-semester modules focus on photovoltaic devices and their immediate applications: Solar Cell Technologies, Renewable Energy Technologies and Applications, Solar Modules, and Power Converters. Elective choices in this term include Machine Learning and AI, Internet Security, or German for Professional Practice I. From these courses you will develop a solid understanding of PV device physics, module design and the power-electronic interfaces needed to convert and condition solar energy.
The winter-semester modules move toward system engineering and reliability: Energy Storage Systems; System Design, Yield and Performance Analysis; Electric Grids and Solar Energy Integration; and System and Component Reliability and Assessment. Electives offered include Solar Cell and Material Diagnostics, Real Time Systems, or German for Professional Practice II. Learning outcomes here include competence in designing PV systems for optimal yield, analysing performance and reliability, integrating PV into grids, and applying diagnostic and real-time techniques for monitoring and control.
All technical courses include lectures, exercises and practical laboratory work. Several lectures are delivered by scientific experts from the Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics (CSP) and other academic or industry partners, and part of the practical laboratory work is carried out at the Fraunhofer CSP. Excursions to PV companies, the university test site and the Intersolar fair are incorporated to give real-world exposure. The third semester is dedicated to the Master’s thesis and can be completed in the PV laboratory of Anhalt University, at the Fraunhofer CSP in Halle, or in a PV laboratory or company anywhere in the world. For non-German speakers the programme recommends voluntary German courses offered by the university or choosing the German for Professional Practice electives.
Requirements (concise bullet points)
Admission overview This MSc is aimed at students with a strong background in electrical engineering, physics or closely related engineering and science disciplines who want to specialise in photovoltaic technology. Applicants with degrees in related fields (e.g., mechanical engineering, mechatronics, process or industrial engineering) may also be considered, but only if their undergraduate coursework already covers the essential fundamentals relevant to photovoltaics. All applicants will be assessed for subject-matter preparedness by the programme’s study advisor (Studienfachberater). If gaps are identified, the university can require pre-Master bridging modules to bring you up to the required level.
Practical notes for international applicants The bachelor’s degree-granting university must be recognised as H+ in the Anabin database, and the bachelor programme should include a final thesis demonstrating your ability to work scientifically and to write a scientific paper. A minimum academic scope of seven semesters (or 210 ECTS) is normally required; shorter degrees may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Before submitting your formal application via uni-assist, participation in the programme’s recommended pre-assessment is strongly advised to clarify eligibility and any required bridging work.
Key admission requirements
Winter Semester (International)
15 July 2026
Summer Semester (International)
15 January 2027
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
15 January 2027
Graduates are prepared for roles in PV system engineering, project management, module and cell manufacturing, testing and quality assurance, and R&D within the solar industry. The curriculum’s emphasis on manufacturing, power electronics, storage and system integration equips students for technical and managerial positions in companies designing, building, or operating PV systems and components.
Although many manufacturing jobs have shifted to the Far East, there remain good opportunities in Germany for system engineering, project development and research—especially given the national push toward renewable energy and a shortage of qualified engineers. The programme is also well suited for students who plan to return to their home countries to promote PV deployment and industry development; some roles in Germany will require at least basic German language skills for professional practice and local job markets.
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