In this spring 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 gain a solid understanding of decentralized solar energy, and strengthen their problem-solving abilities, data collection techniques, teamwork, communication skills, digital skills, and sustainability knowledge in an international setting.

5 day training program | 23rd February – 27th February 2026 | Bochum, Germany

Sign up here

Registration deadline: 30th November 2025 

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.

• Teachers can also participate to learn pedagogy and take the experience for organizing such events. 

• In addition, teachers have the opportunity to teach one session for 1 hr., on the topic of sustainability, solar energy etc. However, to do so please send a one-page summary of your agenda (Topic, Main Outcome, Interactive Element). We will select one teacher based on the forementioned points. 

To get to Campus, 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.

This spring 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 spring 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

• Planetarium Bochum - an astronomy center that will transport you to space with their projectors.
• German Mining Museum - a museum that looks into Bochum's past as a mining hub.
• Bochum Art Museum - a big collection of 20th century European art incl. Zofia Kulik, Andy Warhol, Louise Nevelson, Tadeusz Kantor, and others.
• Bermuda3eck - an area in the city centre known for its nightlife. There are many bars, restaurants and clubs.
• Meditherme - a relaxing spa with pools, saunas and relaxation areas.
• Starlight Express - a musical where the performers are all on roller skates.
• Stadtpark - a large park within the city with giant trees, gardens and a zoo.
• Botanical Garden - beautiful botanical gardens behind Ruhr University Bochum (RUB).
• There are also many restaurants and shops easily available in the city centre.
• Trips to neighbouring cities via train: Cologne, Dusseldorf, Essen, Munster are all easily accessible within 1 hour.

Visit City Tourism website to discover more about Bochum.

Mansi Mehta (mansi.mehta(at)hs-bochum.de), Aizhan Ilyassova (aizhan.ilyassova(at)hs-bochum.de)