About us
Welcome to UNSW School of Photovoltaic & Renewable Energy
UNSW School of Photovoltaic & Renewable Energy (SPREE) is internationally-recognised for its record-breaking research in solar power (photovoltaics) and renewable energy. The PERC solar cell was first invented at UNSW in our labs in 1983 and today powers more than 85% of all new solar panel modules all over the world. SPREE’s work and people have changed the face of sustainable energy on the global stage, and we continue to be at the forefront of leading-edge research and development in the field of renewable technology as our economies transition away from fossil fuels.
Our work is supported by $67 million in external funding for 2019-20, with $8.2 million in industry partnerships.
We have held power efficiency records for solar cells for 30 of the last 35 years
In 2020, 85% of the world's solar panels produced today were invented right here at UNSW
Now situated within the multi-award-winning Tyree Energy Technologies Building, for over 40 years, SPREE has been the leading tertiary institution for students of solar and renewable energy from across the world, offering the only degree of its kind. We bring teaching to undergraduate and postgraduate engineering students and prepare our graduates for a robust career in a rapidly expanding industry: year-on-year, the demand for credentialled Engineers in Australia is growing by 30%, and career pathways in renewables are varied and dynamic.
Our graduates occupy positions in industry from TESLA to NEOEN, from policy and education to installation and R&D, from entrepreneurial startups to national energy corporations, and many opportunities between. Your academic career at SPREE will connect you with mentorship from global leaders in the field and will allow you to work hands-on in one-of-a-kind facilities with your peers. We will also guide you along your path to a meaningful, rewarding and highly impactful career where you’ll have the chance to make a real difference in the world.
We look forward to you joining us.
Discover more about our school and how we lead the world in solar power and renewable technology.
Launch your career
It’s an exciting time for engineers who choose to look at a world needing increasing amounts of energy and seeing the solution being in renewable resources available to everyone; sunshine, wind, rain, tides and biomass.
Worldwide, there’s a real need for the specialties that we teach. If you’re interested in these varied opportunities, we invite you to start your study with us.
World-leading research
We’re continually undertaking world-leading research in solar and renewable energy within the outstanding world-class research environment at UNSW. Our graduates have launched multi-billion-dollar solar energy companies headquartered around the world. This is just one of many benefits of our strong links with international partner institutions.
We invite researchers to join in this illustrious history and to turn their own ideas for the future of renewable energy into reality. You’ll also have the chance to work alongside the most talented peers in their field.
Our people
Connect with our world-renowned academics. Use our search tool to find the right person to contact by searching via keyword or role, or meet our leadership team.
