In this degree, you'll immerse yourself in the manufacture and use of solar cells, which capture and convert sunlight into electricity. Courses in technology development, manufacturing, quality control, reliability, policy, system design and more will prepare you for varied, high-level work in an industry that is vital for humanity's future.
Your study looks beyond the sun as a source of energy, encompassing a wider range of technologies and their uses. It also addresses the important areas of solar architecture and the design of energy-efficient buildings and appliances. To get you work-ready, you'll apply your skills through 60 days of approved industry training.
For over twenty years UNSW has been a world leader in research and commercialisation of high-performance silicon solar cells. The School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering (SPREE) is a leading provider of world class education and research; specialising in education for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
UNSW academics in the photovoltaic field have been consistently ranked amongst global academic leaders through peer review. Our research has produced world record solar cells for a range of materials and technologies – including silicon, perovskite, CZTS and concentrating photovoltaics.
UNSW is known for its graduate employability, with UNSW awarded the Most Employable Students Award in the AFR Top100 Future Leaders Awards for 5 consecutive years (2020-2024).* We have close industry ties with industry partners including Suntech, China Sunergy, LG Electronics, Tongwei, Adani, CSR, BlueScope, AECOM and the NSW Government
At UNSW Engineering you’ll benefit from a diverse and welcoming community with plenty to keep you busy. UNSW Engineering boasts 16 student societies including a society for each school. Get involved in Queer Students in Stem, Women in Renewable Energy Society or Robogals. UNSW’s Women in Engineering (WIE) society runs social and industry events as well as programs designed to mentor and develop female engineers.
As part of a range of student led projects on offer you can take part in SunSwift Solar. Sunswift is a student-led project run by UNSW students who are pushing the limits of solar technology to inspire sustainable action. They design, build and race solar-electric vehicles in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge. Student volunteers from all areas of engineering come together to build a solar car from start to finish.
*AFR Top100 Future Leaders 2024