2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

As the demand for renewable energy professionals rises, there is an increasing need to cultivate a workforce that possesses both theoretical knowledge and hands-on technical skills. Project-based experiential learning (PBL), a student-centered instructional approach, engages learners in real-world projects that span the lifecycle of PV systems—from design and installation to performance analysis. This method not only facilitates a deeper understanding of solar energy principles and PV system architecture but also equips students with essential soft skills, including teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving, which are critical for success in the rapidly evolving energy sector.

This paper details the integration of project-based learning into PV education, illustrating its role in enhancing student motivation, knowledge retention, and practical competence. Several case studies are presented, highlighting student-led projects focused on small-scale PV system design and performance evaluations. The results indicate that students not only achieve higher levels of technical mastery but also exhibit improved creativity and innovation in problem-solving. Feedback from students suggests that PBL fosters practical readiness, essential for careers in photovoltaic engineering. The paper concludes that PBL is an effective pedagogical model for PV systems education, combining theoretical rigor with experiential learning to meet the needs of a growing renewable energy industry.