Manuel Funes

What is current occupation?

The technology department in Aurinka PV is focused on a project aimed to achieve the complete recycling of the photovoltaic modules. The final purpose is reintroducing all de materials in the value chain. I’m contributing to this project in design and planification tasks. Moreover, my tasks are related to the design of large-scale photovoltaic plants.  Specifically, design of different layouts, production and shadowing analysis, earth movements estimations, slope mapping as well as several aspect that could affect to installations.

How has the Master impacted your career?

My previous work experience gives me knowledge over aspects of solar cells. This knowledge was totally solidified by the master’s degree and supplemented in several issues slightly controlled from my side. Apart from contributing with an overall perspective of the photovoltaic energy within the electric system, this master’s degree is quite specific. Therefore, all gained knowledge could be really useful my daily work.  Furthermore, my selection of photovoltaic systems itinerary makes larger my options in the labour market, since in Spain is the main source of employment. The PVsyst handling or the global understanding over most of the aspects in a photovoltaic installation makes our professional profile absolutely interesting.

What aspect of the Master did you like more?

I would highlight two aspects of my good experience attending this master’s degree.

On one side, the closeness of most of professors at the lessons or practice sessions makes possible catch all know-how of this technology. It is simple and accessible ask questions and work with them. The different expertise field of the professors is positive for the students. On the other side, my insight of the master is that all knowledge is quite near or almost the same which you will need in the daily work, beside other masters with generalist formation, so, at the end is more useful.

How do you perceive the future of the photovoltaic technology?

My personal feel is that photovoltaic energy is intended to be the main base of the electric systems from most of the countries. It is possible see changes in elements or the systems would be upgrade with different technologies, as it has been happening since photovoltaic energy was implemented. Nevertheless, this power generation has now come to stay.

Photovoltaic energy is very versatile making it a differentiating characteristic. It could be implemented in houses, industrial building o large-scale plants, as well as could be combine with other generation technology or storage. All these aspects turn photovoltaic energy to one of the strongest sources in the fight against climate change.

The necessities in terms of professionals, not only in the design field, but also focus over the components, in the improvements of the technology or the environmental aspects, shows the current relevance of the technology and the promising future.