From Curiosity to Capability: How 18 Participants Took Their First Steps into Solar Energy

📍 Târgu Mureș, Romania — June 3–5, 2025

With solar panels becoming a common sight in both cities and rural areas, one thing is clear: the future is solar. That’s exactly what brought 18 curious and motivated participants to the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology at George Emil Palade University in Târgu Mureș earlier this month. Over the course of three days, they immersed themselves in the fundamentals of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems — and came out with the confidence to take on real-world energy challenges.

Why This Training Mattered

This wasn’t just a technical course. It was an entry point for individuals looking to pivot into renewable energy — whether for personal projects or career development. From understanding how solar cells work to selecting the right type of panels (mono, poly, or thin-film), participants got hands-on guidance tailored to complete beginners.

Who Made It Happen?

The sessions were led by a passionate team of experts:

• Ing. Cătălin Enache

• Dr. Ing. Ilie Vlasa

• Dr. Ing. Cristian-Dragoș Dumitru

Their combined industry and academic experience created an accessible, interactive learning space where every question was encouraged — and answered.

What Participants Learned

✔️ Solar cell functionality and photovoltaic system basics

✔️ How to choose the right type of solar panel

✔️ Options for rooftop, ground-mounted, or building-integrated systems

✔️ Grid connection and energy storage techniques

✔️ How to assess return on investment for solar installations

And perhaps most importantly, participants left with a better understanding of how they could become part of the growing renewable energy movement in Romania — particularly in the Mureș region.

Free and Open for All

Although the training focused on regional relevance, it welcomed anyone eager to explore renewable energy. The fact that the course was free made it even more accessible, breaking down barriers to entry for a sector that needs new voices and skills.