Thesis \"Stabilization Procedures for PV Modules\"

Fraunhofer; Freiburg im Breisgau; Hybrid; EUR 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Fraunhofer ISE invites a student assistant to join the Degradation Analysis and Modelling group for a Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis on stabilization procedures for commercial PV modules. You will perform aging tests with climate chambers and solar simulators, and analyze current–voltage data to develop practical stabilization methods.

You must be enrolled in physics or engineering and be proficient in German and English.

Qualifications

• Enrolled as a student in physics, engineering, or a comparable field of study.
• Good German and English communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and with commitment.
• Prepared to plan tasks proactively and manage time effectively.

Responsibilities

• Subject PV modules to aging tests and stabilization procedures using climate chambers and solar simulators.
• Characterize module behavior by measuring current–voltage curves during/after stabilization.
• Evaluate results and derive best practices for module stabilization.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Time management

German language

English language

Education

Physics

Engineering

Comparable field of study

Tools

Climate chambers

Solar simulators

Job description

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Thesis "Stabilization Procedures for PV Modules"

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft ( www.fraunhofer.com ) is one of the world's leading organizations for application-oriented research. 74institutes develop pioneering technologies for our economy and society – more precisely: 30000 people from technology, science, administration and IT. They know: Anyone who comes to Fraunhofer wants to and can make a difference. For themselves, for us and for the markets of today and tomorrow.

As one of the world's largest solar energy research institutes, the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE makes a significant contribution to a sustainable, economical, secure, and socially equitable energy supply worldwide. Our goal is to advance the energy transition by providing concrete, implementable technological solutions through excellent research results, successful industrial collaborations, and spin-offs. To this end, our ~1,300 employees conduct research in four key areas: energy supply, energy distribution, energy storage, and energy utilization. Fraunhofer ISE's state-of-the‑art R&D infrastructure, with 22,300 m² of laboratory space, enables cutting‑edge research at an international level.

Be part of change

Would you like to actively contribute to the energy transition and gain valuable hands‑on experience during your studies? Join us and help turn this vision into reality.

You will support our "Degradation Analysis and Modelling" group, which focuses on evaluating the performance and reliability of the latest photovoltaic modules. As part of the thesis, efficient stabilization procedures will be developed for commercial PV modules incorporating emerging cell technologies, both before and after accelerated aging tests.

For our group "Degradation Analysis and Modelling", we are looking for a studentassistant starting onJanuary 16, 2027, with the opportunity to complete a Bachelor's or Master's thesis. Your tasks will include:

• You subject PV modules to aging tests and stabilization procedures using climate chambers and solar simulators.
• You characterize module behavior by measuring and analyzing current‑voltage curves during and after stabilization.
• You evaluate experimental results and derive efficient best practices for module stabilization.

What you contribute

• You are enrolled as a student in physics, engineering, or a comparable field of study.
• Previous knowledge of accelerated aging tests or electrical measurements on PV modules is an advantage, but not a requirement.
• You have strong interpersonal skills and find it easy to build and maintain trusting professional relationships.
• You work independently, systematically, and with a high level of commitment.
• You are able to plan upcoming tasks proactively, set priorities, and manage your time effectively.
• You have good communication skills in both German and English.

What we offer

• Exclusive insight: By working together with the scientists in our work unit, you will gain an insight into everyday research and development at a research institute.
• Laboratory infrastructure:At Fraunhofer ISE, we work with state‑of‑the‑art facilities and equipment so that research projects can be carried out using the latest technology.
• Research mix:We give you the opportunity to combine experimental work with theory and thus apply and expand your knowledge from your studies.
• Supervision:You will be supervised in your work by scientists and receive feedback on your progress.
• Teamwork: You will gain experience of working in a team by interacting with academic and student staff and will be able to contribute the experience you have already gained.
• Working hours and location: We offer you the opportunity to flexibly adapt your working hours to your needs by arrangement and to work from home from time to time.
• Equal opportunities: We value equal opportunities and make room for diversity.
• After work: Celebrate yourself and your colleagues at after‑work events or our annual employee parties.

Remuneration is based on the level of your university degree. In addition to the thesis, a contract as a student assistant is agreed. Remuneration is based on the level of your university degree.

We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications – regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability.

Questions about this position will be answered by:
Dr. Paul Gebhardt
[phone]

Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE