About the Programme
SUMMED-PV is a 5-day hands-on training program focused on improving the performance, economic return, and service life of photovoltaic systems and their components. The course examines the entire photovoltaic value chain, showing how raw material selection, equipment design, installation practices, and operation and maintenance influence the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE).
The program combines seminars delivered by researchers, visits to photovoltaic installations, and laboratory sessions using advanced measurement and diagnostic equipment. Participants gain practical experience in fault detection, performance analysis, and reliability assessment.
The training concludes with a Case Study Challenge in which teams analyze real operating conditions, identify factors affecting LCOE, calculate key performance indicators, and propose technical and operational measures to improve the cost effectiveness of solar energy systems.
Dessau
The third edition takes place in the lively Dessau Campus of Anhalt University of Applied Sciences.
2026 marks a historic milestone: the 100th anniversary of the Bauhaus in Dessau. As a participant, you won’t just be visiting a city; you’ll be stepping into a year-long celebration. Dessau will be buzzing and vibing with exclusive events, exhibitions, and festivals dedicated to architecture and design. This is your chance to explore the world-renowned UNESCO World Heritage sites while being immersed in an atmosphere of creative pioneer spirit.
A Technical Deep-Dive Across Three Vibrant Campuses
Our program offers a high-impact mix of theory and practice that goes far beyond the classroom:
- Expert Insights (Dessau): Learn directly from distinguished speakers representing top-tier research institutes and leading industry partners e.g. Fraunhofer CSP, Erion, University of Padova, University of Salerno, Fraunhofer ISE, Weidmüller.
- Engineering Excellence in Köthen: Get hands-on with specialised indoor lab activities and engineering workshops on a campus dedicated to technical innovation.
- The Future of Farming (Bernburg): Explore the “Green Campus” via AgriPV demonstrators and outdoor labs, where we define the future of sustainable, dual-use land management.
Beyond Traditional Learning
We believe innovation should be engaging. That’s why SUMMED-PV 2026 incorporates gamification elements to broaden your experience, making complex technical challenges interactive and collaborative.
Attendance Certification
A certificate of attendance will be given to participants who attended all lectures, workshops and completed the project work. To be eligible for the certificate, daily attendance at all activities (except the social events) is required.
(Germany)
7 to 11
September 2026
Anhalt University of Applied Sciences
Seminarplatz 2a, 06846 Dessau
Programme 2026
SUMMED-PV Program 2025 Click on this link to download the school program
The programme is subject to change
Monday 7 September 2026
Monday
7 September 2026
12:00
Registration of participants
13:00
Welcoming
(Prof. Dr. Jörg Bagdahn, president of Anhalt University of Applied Sciences)
13:30
School Organisation & Overview
(Prof. Dr. Simona Binetti, UNIMIB
Prof. Dr. Carlos Meza, Anhalt University)
14:00
Introduction raw material
TBC (Fabio Ferri, eit Raw Material)
14:30
Keynote: Extreme weather events and their impact on the performance and costs of PV power plants
(Ulrike Jahn, Fraunhofer CSP)
15:00
Coffee Break
15:30 – 17:00 Session: Introduction to SUMMED-PV school & Photovoltaics Economics
15:30
Introduction to SUMMED-PV school
(Prof. Dr. Carlos Meza, Anhalt University)
16:00
Photovoltaics Economics (academic perspective)
(Prof. Dr. Carlos Meza, Anhalt University)
16:30
Balance of System Components & Solutions and their impact on PR as well as O&M costs
(Julius Beutel, Weidmüller)
17:00
Free Time
Tuesday 8 September 2026
Tuesday
8 September 2026
8:00 – 10:00 Session: PV modules performance, monitoring and reliability. This session prepares students for the site visits scheduled for Wednesday.
08:00
Solar Modules: From materials to design
(Torsten Büchner, Anhalt University)
08:30
Theoretical foundations of indoor (Sun Simulator) and outdoor electrical characterisation
(Sebastian Dittmann, Anhalt University)
09:00
Silicon cell reliability and degradation processes
(Matteo Meneghini, University of Padova)
09:30
Impact of cell- and module imperfections and partial shading on the reliability of today’s PV Modules
(Bengt Jäckl, Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics CSP)
10:00
Coffee Break
10:30 – 12:30 Session: Operation & Maintenance, Lifetime & Recycling
10:30
Sustainability & Resource Efficiency of PV – Impact of Reliability
(Karl-Anders Weiß, Fraunhofer ISE)
11:00
Revamping & Repowering: challenges and solutions
(Djaber Berrian, Belectric)
11:30
Recycling and Reutilising of PV Modules
(N.N., ERION)
12:00
Urban Mining – Silver Recovery from End-of-Life PV Modules
(Janett Schmelzer, Solar Materials)
12:30
Lunch
13:30
Guided work: PV data processing, performance analysis & economic analysis (LCOE)
15:00
Technical Tours Options
18:00
Social Event
Wednesday 9 September 2026
Wednesday
9 September 2025
08:00
pick-up and transfer to hands-on activities
09:00
Outdoor measurements Campus Bernburg, group work
Indoor measurements Campus Köthen, group work
Board game sessions
10:00
Coffee Break
10:30
Outdoor measurements Campus Bernburg, group work
Indoor measurements Campus Köthen, group work
Board game sessions
12:30
Lunch Break
13:00
Outdoor measurements Campus Bernburg, group work
Indoor measurements Campus Köthen, group work
Board game sessions
17:00
Pick-up & transfer to Dessau accommodation
Thursday 10 September 2026
Thursday
10 September 2025
8:00 – 9:00 Session: Advanced Research Topics on PV materials: Performance, degradation & maintenance
08:00
Model-based and data-driven PV arrays diagnostic Approaches
(Giovanni Spagnuolo, University of Salerno)
08:30
The integration of LCA into industrial processes and its key role for our customers and production workflow
(N.N., BITRON)
9:00 – 10:00 Session: From Lab to Market in the Energy and Technology Sector
09:00
Round table discussion with regional Start-Up Partners DENKweit, XSUPRA and Maxxisun
10:00
Coffee Break
10:30 – 17:00 Session: Guided group work
10:30
Guided work: data processing and performance analysis
12:30
Lunch
13:30
Guided work: data processing and performance analysis
Friday 11 September 2026
Friday
11 September 2025
08:00
Group presentations
10:00
Coffee Break
10:30
Group presentations
11:30
Awarding Ceremony, Conclusion & Closing
12:00
departure
Confirmed Speakers
Keynote Speaker
● Ulrike Jahn | Fraunhofer CSP
Academic & Technical Experts
● Carlos Meza | Anhalt University of Applied Sciences
Prof Dr Carlos Meza is a professor at the Anhalt University of Applied Sciences with over 15 years of experience in the academic and industrial application of control theory, power electronics, and system dynamics. His career includes research and faculty positions at the Costa Rica Institute of Technology, The University of Applied Sciences of Southern Switzerland, and UNESCO’s International Centre for Theoretical Physics, as well as industrial experience with Fraunhofer IMWS/CSP. Dr. Meza’s research focuses on resilient, PV-centric energy systems, specifically addressing PV variability, multi-objective optimization for new PV applications, and the design of distributed control solutions to minimize storage requirements.
● Bengt Jäckel | Fraunhofer CSP
Dr Bengt Jäckel is head of PV modules, components and manufacturing group and an expert in PV reliability at Fraunhofer CSP. Additionally, a lecturer for the Master of Photovoltaics Engineering at Anhalt University. His research focuses on the degradation mechanisms that threaten solar assets.
Torsten Büchner is a researcher and program coordinator of the Master degree program in „Photovoltaics Engineering Science“ at Anhalt University. He owns over 15 years experience in photovoltaics, glass and laser industry, research and education. He is interested in optical technologies, manufacturing innovation and new working principles in photovoltaics. Since 6 years he is lecturing „Photovoltaics and Renewable Energy Technology“ for undergraduate students in Electrical Engineering. He has extensive expertise in PV module technology and engineering. His work focuses on the fundamental design of modules to ensure high efficiency.
● Sebastian Dittmann | Anhalt University of Applied Sciences
Sebastian Dittmann is a researcher specialising in outdoor and laboratory PV measurements. His research focuses on sustainable energy systems with special emphasis on photovoltaics and energy efficiency including metrology, electrical characterisation of PV modules and system and development and investigation of new PV system concepts such as agrivoltaics (AgriPV).
● Matteo Meneghini | University of Padova
Dr Matteo Meneghini is full professor at the Department of Information Engineering at the University of Padova. His main interest is the characterization, reliability and modeling of compound semiconductor devices (LEDs, laser diodes, HEMTs), and optoelectronic components, including solar cells. Within these activities, he has published more than 600 journal and conference proceedings papers. During his activity, he has cooperated and/or co-published with a number of semiconductor companies and research centers. He is a Fellow of the IEEE. He – together with his colleagues – won several best paper awards at international conferences.
● Karl-Anders Weiß | Fraunhofer ISE
Dr Karl-Anders Weiß serves as the Head of Service Life Analysis and Business Developer for Service Life & Sustainability at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE. He holds a doctorate in physics and a diploma in physics and economics from the University of Ulm. Since joining Fraunhofer ISE in 2005, he has transitioned through several leadership roles, including Head of Team Analytics and Head of Group Service Life Analysis. His work focuses on the degradation of materials in solar applications as well as sustainability and circular economy aspects of renewable energy systems, utilizing e g accelerated testing, service life modelling, numerical simulations and life cycle assessment.
● Giovanni Spagnuolo | University of Salerno
Prof Dr Giovanni Spagnuolo is a Full Professor at the University of Salerno and an IEEE Fellow, renowned for his work in PV systems control. He specialises in electrical measurement techniques for fault detection.
Industry & Start-Up Partners
Based in Detmold, Germany, Weidmüller is a global leader in electrical connectivity and industrial automation. The company is a pioneer in the “Industrial Internet of Things” (IIoT) and specializes in the transmission of power, signals, and data in challenging environments. Weidmüller provides a comprehensive range of solutions for both utility-scale PV plants and commercial rooftop systems.
Julius Beutel is the Vice President of the Business Unit Photovoltaic Solutions at Weidmüller. Bringing an industrial perspective to the programme, he specialises in connectivity and monitoring solutions that enhance system uptime.
● Janett Schmelzer | Solar Materials
Solar Materials is a cleantech start-up redefining the recyling of end-og-life photovoltaic (PV) modules. Solar Materials recovers critical raw materials, especially silver, silicon, aluminium, and glass, through advanced, scalable process designed for industrial applications. At the core of its technology is an innovative thermo-mechanical recycling process that enables the efficient separation of module components while maintaining high material quality. By achieving high recovery rates and enabling the reuse of valuable materials, Solar Materials helps establish more circular material flows while reducing dependence on primary resources.
Dr Janett Schmelzer is Head of R&D at Solar Materials and a materials scientist specialising in sustainable technologies. She studied environmental and energy process engineering at the University of Magdeburg (OVGU) and is now driving forward innovative solutions at the intersection of materials research, recycling and the solar industry.
● Dominik Lausch & Kai Kaufmann | DENKweit
Dr Dominik Lausch holds a diploma in Physics from the University of Leipzig (2009) and a PhD in Natural Science from the University of Halle (2012), where his dissertation on recombination defects in silicon solar cells earned the PVSEC Student Award. He previously led a team at Fraunhofer CSP focusing on plasma texturing and hydrogen passivation. In 2018, he founded DENKweit GmbH and currently serves as CEO, overseeing the company’s work in sensor technology and machine learning algorithms.
Dr Kai Kaufmann earned his diploma in Physics from Martin Luther University Halle (2011) and completed his PhD in 2018, specializing in laser processing for CIGS thin film photovoltaics. During his doctoral studies, he contributed to PV research projects at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences Köthen and Fraunhofer CSP. He co-founded DENKweit GmbH in 2018, where he played a key role in developing magnetic field measurement for solar modules. He currently serves as COO, driving innovation in renewable energy and related industries.
● Sebastian Lindner | XSUPRA
Xsupra is a Germany-based AgTech company developing AI-powered precision agriculture software for farmers. Its platform combines model-based soil maps, satellite monitoring, variable-rate application maps, and the Alora AI assistant to help farms make better field decisions, reduce input costs, and improve operational efficiency. Founded as XSUPRA GmbH in 2024, the company focuses on turning complex agronomic and satellite data into practical everyday tools for modern agriculture.
Dr Sebastian Lindner is Co-Founder and CEO of Xsupra, where he connects people, ideas, and technology to create meaningful solutions for global challenges. With experience across startups, software engineering, consulting, and academia, he combines technical depth with an entrepreneurial mindset and a strong focus on real-world impact. He holds a doctorate in Business Information Systems and has worked on topics ranging from disaster management to digital product innovation. In his work, he uses technologies such as AI as part of a broader mission: building practical solutions that benefit society and the environment.
● Djaber Berrian | Belectric
BELECTRIC is one of Europe’s leading EPC providers for solar power plants, active in development, construction, and operation. Founded in Germany in 2001, the company now employs over 600 people across seven countries. To date, BELECTRIC has realized more than 550 PV projects worldwide with a total capacity of around 6 GWp, covering technologies such as floating PV, hybrid plants, and agrivoltaics. As one of the world’s largest O&M providers, BELECTRIC also manages the operation and maintenance of approximately 3 GWp of PV capacity, contributing actively to the energy transition.
BELECTRIC is part of the Elevion Group, a leading European provider of end‑to‑end decarbonization and energy‑efficiency solutions. Elevion Group operates across more than 13 European markets through 80+ specialized companies, combining local expertise with the financial strength of an international group.
Dr Djaber Berrian received his Ph.D. in photovoltaic engineering from the University of Freiburg, Germany, in 2020. Previously, he worked as a research and development engineer specializing in thin-film silicon solar cells at the CDER research center in Algeria. In 2017, he joined ISC Konstanz in Germany as a Ph.D. student, focusing on various research projects related to energy yield prediction for fixed-tilt and tracking bifacial PV systems. Additionally, he served as the R&D solar module manager for lightweight flexible PV modules at OPES Solar Mobility. Throughout his career, he has engaged in numerous scientific activities within the renewable energy sector. Currently, he is an expert and deputy of Innovation & System Design at BELECTRIC GmbH.
● Nico Sorge | Maxxisun
Based in Wiedemar, Germany, Maxxisun is a specialist in modern balcony power plants and smart energy storage. Their flagship product, the Maxxicharge, is an intelligent complete system designed to make sustainable energy accessible to everyone. They are known for bridging the gap between high-tech energy management and user-friendly consumer products.
Nico Sorge is a leading voice in the German “Plug-and-Play” solar market. He specialises in modular PV + battery solutions for private households and has been instrumental in developing smart injection control systems that maximise self-consumption for balcony solar units.
● N.N. | ERION
Erion is Italy’s largest system for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and e-waste management. They lead the way in the professional treatment of WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) and batteries. Erion plays a critical role in the SUMMED-PV school by providing insights into the “end-of-life” phase of the PV value chain, ensuring that solar energy remains truly sustainable through high-quality recycling.
● N.N. | BITRON
Bitron is a multinational, family-owned company with a clear vision: to create products and systems that help improve the quality of people’s lives and the world around them. Bitron Electronics SpA is part of the Bitron Electronics business unit, which has been owned by the Bitron Group since 2012, the year of its foundation. We are a global player that distinguishes itself in the market by offering EMS, ODM, and OEM services, providing electronic solutions in design, industrialization, and production. Embracing all phases of product realization with a high level of technological integration and process automation, we operate in the automotive, appliance, HVAC, industrial, energy and EV charging industries. Our open innovative approach is demonstrated by our willingness to thoroughly explore the energy and digital transition market. Our team drive innovation for a brighter, more sustainable future.
