Solar Energy Engineering MicroMasters Program

Overview

Solar energy technology use is expanding rapidly. The Solar Photovoltaic (PV) sector is the largest and fastest growing renewable energy employer worldwide with an increasing need for experts that can support this growth.

In the Solar Energy Engineering MicroMasters Program from Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) - DelftX you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a career in the solar energy field and become a successful solar energy professional.

This program will teach you what is expected from solar experts, and will prepare you for employment in various capacities including:

• Systems design and engineering

• Solar systems installation

• Device fabrication and characterization

• QA and reliability testing

• Project management and consultancy as well as (technical) sales

The program includes diverse learning activities, including videos, readings, exercises and real-world applications. You will be guided through the content in an inspiring, hands-on, but rigorous manner. It is designed so knowledge is built gradually. We therefore recommend that students follow the courses in the suggested order. However, you may choose to enroll in any course of your choice based on your background knowledge or experience.

Job Outlook

• Solar energy adoption is growing at a surprisingly fast rate with predicted falling costs and new technologies resulting in solar generating 20% of electricity by 2027 (Research Policy, 2016)
• Solar photovoltaic was the largest renewable energy employer with 2.8 million jobs in 2015, an 11% increase over the previous year (IREA, 2016)
• Job opportunities include engineering and consultancy roles at renewable energy companies, specialized solar engineering companies, leading consultancy firms, oil and gas companies that are preparing for the transition to renewables, and non-profit orgs
• Estimated annual salary of engineers working in the solar energy industry amounts to $85,000 (USA Department of Labor).