Autumn School 2025: Training on Solar Off-Grids: Fundamentals and Aspects on Life Cycle Engineering
In this Autumn School, students from different countries will come together to explore the world of solar off-grid systems. In depth knowledge on sustainability will be taught through hands-on and practice-oriented tasks. The course will highlight life cycle engineering and end-of-life recycling of solar off-grids. Participants will not only gain a solid understanding of decentralized solar energy, but also strengthen their problem-solving abilities, data collection techniques, teamwork, communication skills, digital skills, and sustainability knowledge in an international setting. No prior knowledge is required, however the program is geared more towards Bachelor of Science students.
5 day training program | 6th October - 10th October 2025 | Bochum, Germany
Sign up here
General Information
| Duration | 1 week on-site in Bochum + online preparation in September (4 live lectures) |
| On-Site Dates | 6th-10th October 2025 |
| Location | Bochum, Germany |
| Cost | The summer school itself is free of charge and meals will be provided. Participants arrange and cover their travel & accommodation costs. Tip: Seek Erasmus+ funding for travel costs! Contact your international office for details. |
| Workload | 5 ECTS |
| Assessment | Pass/Fail |
Who can apply?
Students who
- are interested in photovoltaics and renewable energy.
- want to work on real-world problems related to solar energy systems.
- come from the fields of renewable energy, sustainability, or similar areas.
- want to experience working in an interdisciplinary and international team.
Contact
Agenda
| Theme | Schedule | |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Foundations of Off-Grid Systems, Problem-Based Learning, and Sustainability | TBA |
| Tuesday | Hands-On Learning: Prototyping Off-Grid Solar Charging Infrastructure | TBA |
| Wednesday | Real-World Impact: Sustainability Assessment and Insights from a Living Lab | TBA |
| Thursday | Global Context: PV Development in Africa and Reccycling Strategy | TBA |
| Friday | Creative Reflection: Recreational Learning Activity | TBA |
Why Off-Grid Solar?
Solar off-grids are decentralized, solar-powered energy systems that operate independently from the main grid—ideal for remote areas and a sustainable alternative to diesel generators and utility grids. They enable climate-friendlyelectricity access, strengthenenergy independence, and open up new opportunities for innovation and local development. If you are interested in renewable energy and sustainability, this is a forward-looking topic with global relevance—hands-on, impactful, and full of potential for meaningful projects.
Glimpse into our topics
How to get around
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To get to Capmus, you can take the U35 subway:
- Get off at the Lennershof stop and turn left when you reach the upper elevator level, heading south.
- Follow the street “Im Westenfeld” - a one-way street - and turn left at the end.
- Turn right at the next junction, pass the parking lots on the left, then the BlueBox (left) and the H-building (right), and come to the street “Am Hochschulcampus”. Turn left here until you reach the crosswalk directly in front of the entrance to the AKAFÖ daycare center.
- Cross this and you will find yourself directly in front of the main entrance.
Get to know Bochum
Organizers
This summer school is part of Erasmus+ funded SEED project which aims to develop innovative vocational education and training, working with experts from five different European regions to phase out fossil fuels and contributing to Europe becoming a fossil free energy continent.
The organizers of the PV Summer School are two German project partners working in the field of sustainable technologies:
The Sustainable Technologies Laboratory at Bochum University of Applied Sciences is an innovative research centre that focuses on sustainable and forward-looking topics in the field of technology. They combine expertise and commitment to develop solutions for the challenges of a more sustainable future.
Green Power Brains is an innovative company that develops sustainable energy solutions. Their work focuses on renewable technologies such as solar power, decentralized hydrogen production, and blockchain applications. With a strong commitment to community empowerment, they also offer training programs to support local development
