Master Thesis in Integrated Photovoltaic Systems

Eurac Research; Bolzano; In loco; EUR 30.000 - 50.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

A research institute in Bolzano seeks a motivated master’s student for a thesis project on building-integrated photovoltaics. The role involves the design and testing of photovoltaic laminates integrated into insulated glazing units. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s in engineering, be fluent in English, and have knowledge of building systems. An internship for six months will be provided, offering a chance to work with a young international team in a fast-growing sector.

Servizi

Opportunity to work on an innovative topic

International team environment

Professional growth opportunities

Internship for Master thesis position

Competenze

• Bachelor's degree in engineering required.
• Fluency in English, knowledge of Italian or German positively evaluated.
• Familiarity with materials science and optical characterization preferred.

Mansioni

• Analysis of functional, aesthetic, and energy requirements.
• Design and assembly of the photovoltaic laminate.
• Testing and characterization of PV modules.
• Integration of PV laminate into the IGU.
• Analysis of theoretical and experimental results.

Conoscenze

Knowledge of building systems

Familiarity with materials science

Knowledge of photovoltaics

Fluent in English

Knowledge of Italian or German

Formazione

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Descrizione del lavoro

Institute for Renewable Energy

Short description of the position:

We are looking for a motivated master’s student to join the IPV team and contribute to advancing the technology and the adoption of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV).
The integration of photovoltaic (PV) technologies into building elements, particularly in insulated glazing units (IGUs), represents a promising approach to achieving energy-positive buildings. However, combining energy generation with optical, thermal, and aesthetic performance remains a complex challenge that requires a multidisciplinary design and development approach. Within this context, the present thesis will focus on the executive design and prototyping of a PV laminate integrated into an IGU. The work will be part of a broader project aimed at developing and testing functional layers with optimized optical and colorimetric properties and incorporating them into a working PV module. The project aims to support the design and the assembly of photovoltaic modules that integrate functional layers on different substrates. The produced modules will then be characterized in terms of their electrical output and optical performance, ensuring that all functional parameters meet the expected standards. Finally, the work will include the design, fabrication, and characterization of a fully functional insulating glass unit (IGU) integrating the developed photovoltaic modules.

The main objective of the thesis is to contribute to the design, fabrication, and testing of PV modules that integrate optimized functional layers into the laminate structure of the IGU. These activities involve the realization of a real-scale product and assessing both its aesthetic, thermal and electrical performance.
The expected outcome of the thesis are: (i) a fully assembled photovoltaic laminate integrated within an IGU structure, (ii) comprehensive technical documentation detailing the design, fabrication, and testing procedures, (iii) collection and assessment of experimental data on the electrical, thermal, and aesthetic performance of the prototype. The results of the research will be compiled and discussed in the final master’s thesis, which will also include the presentation of findings.

Tasks:

• Analysis of the functional, aesthetic and energy requirements of the construction element
• Design and Assembly of the Photovoltaic Laminate
• Testing and Characterization of PV Modules
• PV laminate integration into the Insulated Glazing Unit (IGU)
• Analysis of the theoretical and experimental results

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering
• Knowledge of building systems
• Familiarity with materials science and optical characterization
• Knowledge of photovoltaics and building-integrated PV systems is a plus
• Fluent in English
• Positively evaluated the knowledge of Italian or German
• Availability to start before the end of 2025

We offer:

• The opportunity to work on a master thesis dealing with an innovative topic
• The opportunity to work in a young international team in a fast-growing sector
• Working conditions which allow professional growth and know how acquisition with carrier opportunity as applied researcher
• An internship for Master thesis position for a period of six (6) months

How to apply:

Interested candidates should submit their application (CV, cover letter and further relevant documents) by 14.11.2025.