JuPREMe - Lab

The Juelich Photovoltaic Research and Education Mobile Laboratory

Education and training in the field of photovoltaics (PV) for students, skilled workers, policymakers, and citizens are crucial for the rapid implementation of the energy transition, i.e. the shift to an energy system based entirely on renewable energy.

PV education is interdisciplinary: theoretical knowledge (e.g., from physics, electrical engineering) must be combined with practical expertise (electrical connections, operation and interplay of components, safety aspects).

A current shortage of skilled workers in the renewable energy sector is leading to rising system costs (especially increasing BOS costs*), even though components such as modules and batteries are becoming cheaper. In addition to training skilled workers and educating students, raising public awareness also plays an important role in fostering broad acceptance of PV.

The JuPREMe Lab – Juelich Photovoltaic Research and Education Mobile Laboratory

The JuPREMe Lab is a mobile, versatile laboratory that directly addresses these challenges. It serves as a platform for both education and research, particularly for universities and professional training.

Key Features:

• Mobile & independent of local infrastructure
• Hands-on experience with real data & components
• Modular design for extensions (e.g., drone, thermography, daylight electroluminescence)

Experiments and components include:

• PV modules, inverters, battery storage, electrolyzer, fuel cell, variable load, GPS, and weather station

Target groups & benefits:

• Universities / Universities of Applied Sciences: Linking theory and practical aspects in lectures and apprenticeships
• Skilled workers: Training in installation, operation, and safety aspects
• Citizens and policymakers: Awareness-raising without requiring technical knowledge
• Research: Collection and evaluation of real-world data on-site

The JuPREMe Lab is therefore a key tool for strengthening education, public acceptance, and innovation in the field of photovoltaics — flexible, practice-oriented, and location-independent.

For inquiries and more information about JuPREMe Lab, please contact Prof. Stefan Haas or Timon Vaas.

(*) Balance of System costs: In a photovoltaic system, these are all costs aside from the solar modules themselves. Installation, mounting structures, cabling, inverters, switches, and grid connection equipment can make up a significant portion of the total costs of a PV system. The exact costs depend heavily on system size and the chosen materials and devices.