What is Photovoltaics and Solar Energy?

Photovoltaics (solar cells) are devices that convert sunlight directly into electricity and are capable of powering essentially any electrical load using only energy from the sun. Photovoltaic Engineering is concerned with the production and use of solar cells and the design and implementation of photovoltaic systems. Solar energy is a major renewable resource which may be harnessed and used in many ways. Australia is well placed to capitalise on these new technologies with an abundance of sunshine, a diverse population and infrastructure covering vast areas and international leadership in the area of silicon solar cells with UNSW holding most of the efficiency records for the last 15 years.

The major areas of Photovoltaics and Solar Energy are:

• Renewable energy technologies and sustainable energy
• Renewable energy, policy and planning
• Photovoltaic applications and system design
• Device theory
• Photovoltaic technology and manufacturing
• Financing, marketing and business creation
• Device and system analysis, modelling and fault diagnosis
• Complementary technologies such as fuel cells and diesel generators

Career Opportunities

Worldwide, the field of Photovoltaics and Solar Energy is growing at 30% each year. Australia's share of that market is increasing as a result of international leadership in research and manufacturing. Companies are investing in the future of the industry.

Recent studies, publications and media releases indicate that large numbers of jobs are being created in all aspects of photovoltaic and renewable energy engineering including:

• Manufacturing
• Quality control and reliability
• Computer aided design of devices and systems
• Research and education
• System design and analysis
• Balance of system areas
• Fault diagnosis and modeling
• Marketing
• Policy formation and planning
• Programs in developing countries

Graduates may also find employment in one of the many engineering disciplines related to their chosen second area of specialistion, or within the far more general discipline of renewable and sustainable energy engineering.

Combined Degrees

Combined degrees in conjunction with Photovoltaics and Solar Energy are available in Arts, Commerce, Computer Science and Science.

UNSW Handbook

For detailed information on the course structure, please visit the UNSW Online Handbook (www.handbook.unsw.edu.au)

Scholarships

A comprehensive list of scholarships with detailed information on value, tenure, eligibility, conditions, application procedures and closing dates are available on the UNSW Scholarship www.scholarships.unsw.edu.au

Further information

The School of Photovoltaics and Renewable Energy Engineering
The University of New South Wales
UNSW Sydney NSW 2052
Tel: (02) 9385 6155
Fax: (02) 9662 4240
Email: pv.course@unsw.edu.au
Web: www.pv.unsw.edu.au

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