PV Microcredentials

In addition to its official academic programs in photovoltaic  training—which include a Master’s and a Doctoral program—the Solar Energy Institute, in collaboration with the UPM Microelectronics Initiative, and UPM-Indra Chair in Microelectronics is introducing microcredentials as part of a more dynamic, flexible, and stakeholder-oriented training strategy.

Microcredentials are university-accredited courses ranging from 1 to 6 ECTS credits, offering shorter, targeted learning opportunities that are gaining momentum across Europe. Microcredentials can be taken individually, or combined to earn an Expert Certificate, which represents a comprehensive specialization in a specific subject area. For the academic years 2024–2025, 2025–2026, and 2026–2027, these courses will be offered free of charge, thanks to funding from the UPM–Indra Chair in Microelectronics.

Currently, the Solar Energy Institute offers two microcredentials in the fields of photovoltaic and semiconductor technologies: Dispositivos Semiconductores and Tecnologías de Fabricación de Dispositivos Fotovoltaicos Avanzados. Both courses combine theoretical instruction with hands-on laboratory sessions and are taught in Spanish.

A complete list of available microcredentials can be found on the training section of the UPM–Indra Chair in Microelectronics website.

Photovoltaic Research Bootcamp

In our quest to disseminate Photovoltaic technology and spark the vocation for PV research amid STEM students, IES organizes the PV research bootcamp every two years.

In this activity the students experience a research immersion at the Solar Energy Institute where they spend a week integrated into the research teams, where they learn the fundamentals and applications of photovoltaic solar energy and participate in hands-on lab work to help develop the solar technologies of the future.

In short, our PV research bootcamp is a Summer Research School offering practical training in PV technology and research to 30 outstanding senior undergraduate and graduate students in fields related to electronic engineering and device physics (e.g., electrical, industrial, telecom, energy, or materials engineering). It also serves as a meeting point for early-stage PhD students from disciplines connected to photovoltaics and microelectronics.

Chek out the details of our last edition, which took place in July 2024. The next edition is planned for July 2025 so stay tuned.