Master's Thesis "Crop Development under Altered Light Conditions in Agrivoltaic Systems"

As one of the world's largest solar energy research institutes, the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE makes a significant contribution to a sustainable, economical, secure, and socially equitable energy supply worldwide.

Our goal is to advance the energy transition by providing concrete, implementable technological solutions through excellent research results, successful industrial collaborations, and spin-offs.

To this end, our 1,300 employees conduct research in four key areas: energy supply, energy distribution, energy storage, and energy utilization.

Fraunhofer ISE's state-of-the-art R&D infrastructure, with 22,300 m² of laboratory space, enables cutting-edge research at an international level.

Be part of change

You wish to play an active role in shaping the energy transformation and be part of a highly motivated team? Then join us in advancing Agri-PV!

In the group "Agrivoltaics", we investigate a new form of photovoltaic system that enables agricultural use of the same land area in addition to electricity generation.

In doing so, we aim primarily to promote the resource-efficient use of agricultural land and to unlock expansion potential for renewable energy sources.

Together, we conduct research on shade tolerance of crops, intelligent light management, synergy effects through dual land use, potential political support mechanisms, and technical and economic potential assessments.

As part of the thesis, you will conduct a theoretical literature review examining how agrivoltaic systems affect crop-relevant light conditions and how these changes influence crop development.

The aim is to connect current questions concerning the design and configuration of agrivoltaic systems and modules with fundamental principles of optics and physics, as well as findings from crop science.

Building on these findings, you will assess the potential of organic photovoltaics (OPV) in agrivoltaic applications and evaluate the extent to which existing crop growth models can represent altered light conditions and their effects on plant development.

For our "Microclimate and Agricultural Yield" team, we are looking for a student assistant to join us as soon as possible and support us with the following tasks:

• You will investigate how agrivoltaic systems in general, and innovative module designs in particular, affect the light conditions experienced by plants.

In addition to light intensity, you will consider the light spectrum, the proportion of diffuse light and the temporal dynamics of light.

• You will summarise the current state of research on how different light conditions influence plant physiological processes.

You will also determine how these effects influence plant development.

• You will assess the extent to which findings from greenhouse research, shading experiments and photobiology can be transferred to agrivoltaic systems.
• To support the long-term applicability of your findings, you will investigate how light is incorporated into crop growth models as an input variable.

You will analyse which functions and functional relationships are included in these models and identify the resulting requirements or necessary adjustments.

• Your findings will show to what extent spectral tuning of OPV modules can provide advantages.
• You will identify key knowledge gaps relating to the light-oriented design of agrivoltaic systems.

Based on your findings, you will derive requirements for plant-oriented system and module design.

• What You Contribute
• You are studying plant science, environmental science, physics, optics or a comparable field.
• You are interested in plant physiology, agrivoltaics and scientific literature research and are motivated to familiarise yourself with the fundamentals of light physics and optics as well as the effects of radiation on plants.
• Knowledge of plant physiology, ecophysiology, photobiology, radiation physics, optics, photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), light spectra or plant growth modelling would be an advantage but is not required.
• You work in a structured, analytical and conscientious manner.
• You enjoy familiarising yourself with new subject areas and presenting complex relationships in a clear and accessible way.
• You are confident in using standard Microsoft Office applications.
• Ideally, you have already worked with reference management software.

Initial experience with Python, R or Origin, as well as with academic databases and search engines such as Scopus, Web of Science or Google Scholar, would also be an advantage.

• You have very good written and spoken English skills.

What We Offer

• Exclusive insight: In collaborative work with the scientists of our unit, you gain an insight into the everyday life of research and development at a research institute.
• Research mix: With us, you have the opportunity to connect experimental work with theory, applying and expanding your knowledge from your studies.
• Supervision: You will be mentored by scientists in your work, and you will receive feedback on your progress.
• Teamwork: Through exchange with scientific and student staff, you gain experience working in a team and can contribute your already acquired skills.
• Working hours and location: We offer you the option to flexibly adjust your working hours to your needs in consultation, and occasionally work from home.
• Equal opportunities: We value equal opportunities and create space for diversity.
• After Work: Celebrate yourself and your colleagues at after-work events or our annual staff celebrations.

In addition to the thesis, a contract as a research assistant will be arranged. The remuneration for research assistants depends on the level of university education attained.

We value and promote the diversity of skills among our employees and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social background, religion, ideology, disability, and sexualorientation and identity.

Severely disabled persons will be given preference in case of equal qualification.

Questions about this position can be answered for you by:
Julia Wamsler
julia. wamsler@ise. fraunhofer. de
Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE
www. ise. fraunhofer. de

• Requisition
• Number: 85070
• #J-18808-Ljbffr