CAS Photovoltaics

This Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) offers a comprehensive, hands-on introduction to the planning and implementation of photovoltaic (PV) systems. From feasibility studies to system operation, the course covers all key aspects in a practical manner. A highlight is the opportunity to design and produce colored PV modules, with participants observing the manufacturing process during industry visits.

The course is tailored for professionals in the construction sector, including architects, electrical planners, and property managers, who wish to deepen their expertise in photovoltaics. The goal is to equip participants with the technical, economic, and regulatory knowledge needed to independently plan and develop solar projects to a pre-project maturity level. The course also addresses current challenges and innovative approaches in PV technology to prepare learners for modern construction demands.

Participants will gain foundational knowledge of photovoltaic systems and develop practical skills in planning, including system dimensioning, energy yield simulation, and lifecycle cost analysis. The curriculum emphasizes optimizing self-consumption, integrating architectural design, and understanding the political and legal frameworks for PV systems.

Hands-on exercises, excursions, and a case study as the final project ensure that learners acquire concrete skills for real-world applications. A special focus is placed on the lifecycle costs and sustainable use of PV systems. The 20-day in-person course includes lectures, practical exercises, and excursions. Key topics covered are:

• PV Basics: Solar energy, irradiation, electricity, and power fundamentals.
• Regulatory Frameworks: Building laws, planning regulations, and economic calculations.
• Technical Insights: System dimensioning, inverters, batteries, shading analysis, and grid connection.
• Architecture and Design: Integration of colored modules and building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV).
• Practical Planning: Software tools, project workflows, and system monitoring.
• Participants will also design their own colored PV modules and witness their production at a manufacturing site.

The course is conducted in-person with interactive exercises, group work, and industry visits. Assessment is based on a final case study.

Practical Information

• Duration: 20 days of in-person instruction
• Cost: CHF 6,400 (including digital materials and registration fees; excluding literature)
• Format: On-site learning with practical components
• This course combines theoretical and practical elements, making it ideal for professionals seeking to advance their skills in modern PV technology and project management.