Alexander Erber Award for Excellence: In Recognition of Outstanding Research in the Field of Photovoltaics

Alexander Erber was honored for his outstanding research work in the field of photovoltaics. The award ceremony took place on November 21, 2024 in the Aula der Wissenschaften in Vienna and honored the best graduates of the 2023/24 academic year. Last academic year, Erber worked as a lecturer and researcher at the UAS Technikum Wien, in the competence field of Renewable Energy Technologies, in the Faculty of Industrial Engineering.

Pioneering work in the field of photovoltaics

His work focuses on the failure analysis of photovoltaic elements integrated into traffic areas and addresses the very limited data available to experts on this innovative type of PV integration. Proven analysis methods, such as IU characteristic curve measurement and analysis of monitoring data, as well as modern methods (electroluminescence and dark characteristic curves), which are only just beginning to be widely used, were applied. Particularly noteworthy is the practical application of these methods at Austria’s first solar parking lot in Teesdorf. This novel form of photovoltaic installation required the adaptation of the analysis methods to the conditions at the solar parking lot – for example, the development of a special temperature model to analyze the monitoring data. The work highlights the challenges of integrating photovoltaic modules into road surfaces and underlines the need for standards and quality assurance for the further development of this innovative photovoltaic integration approach.

Publications and international recognition

The results of his research work were very well received by experts, and a poster presentation entitled “Failure Mode Analysis of Austria’s First Road-Integrated Photovoltaic System” was submitted to the renowned photovoltaic conference EU PVSEC 2024. A journal article of the same name will appear in the journal EPJ Photovoltaic in the next few weeks. This work not only demonstrates Alexander Erber’s technical and scientific excellence, but also underlines the relevance of the topic for the energy transition.

An award for innovative research and commitment

The research for which Alexander Erber received the award was carried out as part of a comprehensive project, the funding application for which he and Stefan Savic wrote in their spare time during their bachelor’s degree. This initiative illustrates his commitment and ability to successfully combine science and practice.

Here is another article about it:
https://www.technikum-wien.at/news/sonnenstrom-auf-allen-wegen-fhtw-bachelorarbeiten-als-basis-fuer-ersten-solarparkplatz-oesterreichs/

Videos about the solar park:

https://www.facebook.com/fhtechnikumwien/videos/solarparkplatz-teesdorf/361755952784705/


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5B54t6DKLA


https://www.kleinregion-ebreichsdorf.org/index.php/item/133-august-2022-erster-solar-park-platz-oesterreichs-in-der-kem-klar-gemeinde-teesdorf-eroeffnet


This research was carried out as part of the project “Accompanying Research Solar Square Teesdorf” (C177537), which is supported by the Austrian Climate and Energy Fund.

The University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien warmly congratulates Alexander Erber on this significant award and is proud that a member of its university has been able to make such an important contribution to the further development of photovoltaics with his work.

Further links:

Innovative solar projects at the European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference

Competence field Renewable Energy Technologies

Faculty Industrial Engineering

Photocredit for all pictures: Picture: BMBWF/Fotografie Sabine Klimpt/ Lichtblick KG

Funded by:

Picture Gallery: