How to support educatorsɜ and studentsɜ in vocational education and training on the fundamentals of photovoltaic energy?
On 2 and 3 April two days international field trip visit took place in Gävle, Sweden, organised by the university of Gävle. VET educators and trainers from Cyprus, Portugal, Croatia and Italy travelled to Sweden for the study visit. Main aim of the visit was to provide a learning opportunity for VET teachers to educate about solar energy education across Europe through exposure to cutting-edge research in solar thermal (ST), photovoltaic (PV), and photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) technologies.
During the study visits, participants had the opportunity to observe the practical demonstrations of photovoltaic labs at the University of Gävle, to take part in a guided tour of the University’s Solar Laboratory, led by professors and researchers. They explored essential concepts such as PV cell technologies, PVT system integration, and the function of collectors and solar stations. Additionally, they attended a theoretical lecture by professor Björn O Karlsson, on solar radiation measurement and the calibration of simulation tools using climate data specific to Gävle.
On the same day, participants also visited two key solar installations in Gävle: the sport Arena and the Hemlingborg Multi-Function Community Center. Both sites are at the forefront of integrating solar technology into public infrastructure. These site visits demonstrated a real-world application of ST and PV systems, highlighting design, performance, and community impact.
During the second day, educators and trainers visited the Uppsala University’s Solar Lab, where they participated in a theoretical part to have an overview of Sweden’s latest research, into solar cell technology and intelligent electricity systems. The field trip concluded with a visit to MG Sustainable Engineering AB, a key associate partner of the PVexperts project. Where participants joined in a technical session on recent advancements in ST, PV, and PVT systems. The company’s team presented their innovative approaches and ongoing projects, sparking productive dialogue around the future of solar engineering.
The best practices gathered during the visit will be integrated into the PVExperts Module, a comprehensive digital resource designed to enhance the competencies of VET students and educators in the solar sector. Moreover, the best practices learned from the study visit will be also presented by partners during the piloting activities in VET schools in national level.
A number of very interesting activities are planned on the subject of renewable energy and photovoltaics in Palermo, opportunity for a short internship for some students with the aims to introduce the fundamentals of photovoltaic energy through pedagogical and innovative methods. In which both students (age between 15 to 20 years) and teachers will be involved.
Do you want to take part in the project? Please contact balaram.gaire@danilodolci.org.
PVEXPERTS Photovoltaic & Photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) technology for advanced VET curricula is co-financed by the ERASMUS+ program of the European Union, Cooperation partnerships in vocational education and training.
Partners
- Coordinator: The University of Gävle (HiG) (Sweden)
- Research Institute for Technological Evolution (RITE) (Cyprus)
- Centro per lo Sviluppo Creativo Danilo Dolci – ETS (Italy)
- Centros Escolares de Ensino Profissional (CEPROF) (Portugal)
- Srednja škola Ivanec (Croatia)
- Scholi Ekpaidefsis kai Katartisis Ammochostou Avgorou (Cyprus)
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