As the world transitions towards cleaner energy sources, the demand for professionals well-versed in photovoltaic technology and solar energy systems has never been greater. Our program equips you with cutting-edge knowledge and hands-on experience in this rapidly evolving field, positioning you for an array of rewarding job opportunities.
Examples of subjects covered are the design of photovoltaic systems, solar thermal and hybrid systems, energy storage, solar project management, and financing of solar energy.
Connect with Industry – Learning by Doing
Professional connections are just as important to your success as the theoretical knowledge and practical skills you will gain through your studies. With this understanding, we have developed this programme to ensure that you have ample opportunities to cultivate such connections through:
- Site visits to solar installations and research centres, as well as through guest lectures from experts in areas such as solar cell physics and chemical energy storage. These will ensure you are up-to date on the latest developments in this expansive field.
- Internships following your one year of studies, where we can help you with national and international contacts.
- Your thesis project, which will afford you close contact with research facilities and companies both in Sweden and abroad.
A history of expertise in solar energy
Since 1999 the European Solar Engineering School (ESES) at Dalarna University offers a specialised educational experience that will broaden your professional opportunities in the renewable energy industry. For over 20 years, students from nearly 50 countries have come to a small town in central Sweden to gain knowledge and skills that are in high demand within the renewable energy industry.
When you take this programme, you will be taught by industry experts and researchers from 10 countries, while becoming a member of the international ESES community, which comprises your classmates and our many alumni who currently work locally and internationally.
What will you study?
Programme Overview
The programme aims to enhance the skill-set of students in our core solar-engineering subject areas, especially PV and systems design. You will gain international exposure through the faculty and your classmates as well as having the opportunity to partake in an international internship upon completing the program.
Programme Structure and Content
All courses are taught in English by international faculty staff. The programme comprises 60 credits (1 credit = 1 ECTS) and begins at the start of the autumn semester in late August. Note: 1.5 credits = one week of full-time study.
Semester 1 (August-January)
- Applied Solar Engineering
- Solar Radiation and Solar Geometry
- Photovoltaics
- Economics of Solar Energy
- Solar Thermal
Semester 2 (January-June)
- Design of PV and Hybrid Systems
- Design of Solar Thermal Systems
- Thesis Work in Solar Energy Technology
Degree Awarded
Degree of Master of Science (60 Credits) in Solar Energy Engineering
After graduation (work and further studies)
Career Opportunities
Many of our over 300 solar energy alumni are active as engineers and managers in the global solar energy industry. After graduating, many go on to start their own solar businesses, while others go on to pursue a Ph.D. and become researchers and teachers at universities. The majority of our graduates go on to work in companies and organisations throughout the world.
Potential future employers are:
- Solar equipment manufacturers,
- Engineering and consulting companies with a renewable energy focus,
- Energy utilities, and
- Government and non-government organisations
Increasing Job Opportunities
Until a few years ago, jobs in the solar energy sector were found mostly in countries where political efforts had led to an early adoption of renewable energy, often through subsidies for businesses and private individuals to invest in renewable energy sources such as solar energy.
Today the cost of solar energy is lower than ever before: it has become competitive, even without subsidies, in many developed and still developing economies. While the cost of installing solar energy has decreased, the possibility to harness and store solar energy is constantly improving, ensuring excellent long-term job prospects for programme graduates.
Further studies including studying towards a PhD
Upon completion of the programme, you may also apply for a PhD position within Resource Efficient Built Enviornments or similar fields at any Swedish university.
Stay in Dalarna and look for a job after graduating
You can apply for a 12-month residence permit to stay in Sweden and look for work after you complete a degree programme of at least 60 credits. International students are encouraged to stay in Dalarna and look for a job after graduating from the Master's Programme in Solar Energy Engineering.
Using your degree overseas
The degree awarded by Dalarna University for this programme is internationally recognized and has been used by previous students to attain employment or pursue further studies outside of Sweden.
You can also apply to receive an Erasmus+ grant for an internship, even up to 12 months after completing your studies. This opportunity is available to all students in the programme, regardless of nationality, who pursue an approved internship within an Erasmus+ programme country other than Sweden.
Check your eligibility and what documents to submit when applying
Specific Entry Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in engineering (mechanical, electrical, energy, engineering physics) or equivalent field of study of at least 180 credits (ECTS), or an equivalent degree.
- Documented English language proficiency equivalent to English B/English 6 at Swedish upper-secondary school (more information below).
Documents to Submit:
- Proof of a completed bachelor’s degree, equal to a Swedish bachelor's degree in one of the approved subject areas. If you are currently completing a degree you can apply; please submit a certificate from your university.
Be sure to read the information specific to the country where you previously studied to know how to submit the appropriate documents. - Proof of English language proficiency equal to an IELTS result of 6.5 overall with no part of the test below 5.5
In some cases your previous studies may fulfill the English proficiency requirement. Please check the University Admissions information on English Language Proficiency to see if you are required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS test result.
If you have taken an English proficiency test that fulfills the requirements listed on the UniversityAdmissions.se website then you can ignore the information below.
For 2024, Dalarna University has made a temorary local exemption to the English proficiency requirements listed on the UniversityAdmissions.se website.
If you previously studied in India or Sri Lanka
Applicants from India and Sri Lanka should submit your upper-secondary documents to show your English proficiency as explained on the UniversityAdmissions website.
This will fulfill the formal English proficiency requirements for most courses and programmes at Swedish universities.
If you do not have the required proof of English proficiency from your upper-secondary studies and you have completed a 4-year bachelor’s degree majoring in a technical or science subject (such as engineering, IT or physics) which is equal to a Swedish bachelor’s degree, then you will not need to submit a TOEFL or IELTS result.
If you previously studied in Nepal
If you have not taken a TOELF or IELTS and you have completed a 4-year bachelor’s degree majoring in a technical or science subject (such as engineering, IT or physics) which is equal to a Swedish bachelor’s degree, then you will not need to submit a TOEFL or IELTS result.
What can you expect when studying this programme?
Typically, about 20 students enroll in the Solar Energy Engineering Programme each year. They come from all over the world. Since the programme admits only a limited number of students, you will soon get to know your classmates and be involved in activities in and around Dalarna and Sweden with your new-found friends. The knowledge you gain and the experiences you share with your classmates will prepare you to join our alumni who go on to find their ideal jobs within the field.
During the course of your studies, you will attend lectures, complete practical exercises and laboratories, prepare individual and group projects, participate in seminar discussions, enjoy study visits, and, of course, take exams. You can expect between 15 and 30 hours of class time each week, as well as a weekly study time of between 30 and 50 hours.
Study Environment
Dalarna University is a small university, which allows you to develop personal relationships with your classmates and teachers. You will study at Campus Borlänge, which is located in a town characterised by thriving business and industry, surrounded by nature and the charming Swedish countryside. The town is two hours north of Stockholm and only 20 km away from the historic town of Falun, the political centre of Dalarna County. The town of Borlänge is home to some major Swedish corporations, such as SSAB and Borlänge Energi, and within a short commute to another large corporation, namely ABB.
Tuition fees and Scholarships - Solar Energy Engineering
Tuition Fees
135 000 SEK (total)
*EU/EEA citizens are not required to pay tuition fees.
Tuition fees are paid in per-semester installments and the first payment (67 500 SEK) must be paid no later than June 1. This allows for a reasonable processing time for residence permit application.
Visit our Tuition Fee website for more information about paying tuition fees and what is included in the fee.
If you have any questions about tuition fee payments, please e-mail tuitionfees@du.se.
Scholarships
There are a number of scholarships available for successful applicants to the Solar Energy Engineering programme who are not EU/EEA citizens.
