1.1. Courses

ESES is currently a one-year master programme consisting of seven compulsory courses during aprroximately one and a half semester, and about a half semester of (full time) project work. The courses are:

• Renewable energy technology, 5 ECTS

• Solar electricity, 9 ECTS

• Solar thermal, 9 ECTS

• Solar thermal design, 4 ECTS

• Solar energy management, 3 ECTS

• PV/Hybrid system design, 6 ECTS

• Passive solar energy technology, 6 ECTS

• Thesis project, 18 ECTS

Two-three courses are run in parallel. ESES uses predominantly internationally well-known textbooks; presently Boyle (2) Duffie-Beckman (3), Garg-Kandpal (4), and Markvart (5). The main subjects in the courses are introduction to renewable energy sources technologies, solar thermal collectors, photovoltaic modules, and system technology for these techniques as well as hybrid systems. However, since one of the aims with the ESES education is to give a broad overview of solar technologies, subjects like solar architecture (energy performance as well as daylighting), solar economy and solar energy for tropical climates (e. g. desalination, solar cooking, drying and cooling) are treated. There are a number of practical exercises in the courses as well as study visits and computer simulations. Some exercises can be done using our solar simulator, and some of them require good solar conditions, which is why they are conducted towards the start of the academic year, before the long winter sets in.

The programme prepares students for positions in solar businesses or industries and for further studies such as a PhD. The curriculum was presented in some detail at ISREE-8 (6) and is available (along with other information) at the ESES home page www. eses. org.