Address: Oberseestrasse 10, 8640 Rapperswil-Jona, St. Gallen, Switzerland
Solar Thermal Technology, Photovoltaics, Energy Efficiency
SPF is a testing and research institute, part of OST – Ostschweizer Fachhochschule, specializing in solar thermal technology, photovoltaics, and energy efficiency in buildings. While primarily research and testing, it’s deeply involved in knowledge transfer and specialized training for professionals in the solar energy sector, often collaborating on advanced courses and applied theses.
Diplomas*:
Certificate, Diploma, Master
Domains taught:
Automation, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Data Analytics, Electrical and Electronics, Engineering, Fluid Dynamics, Manufacturing, Materials, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Metrology, Physics, Process Control, Project Management, Quality, Signal Processing, Statistics, Structural Engineering, Thermodynamics
Status:
Public
Partnerships:
Part of OST. Collaborates extensively with industry (solar technology manufacturers, installers), research partners, and universities for R&D, testing, certification, and specialized training.
Research:
Applied research and development in solar collectors, photovoltaic systems, heat pumps, energy storage, and energy-efficient building components. Provides accredited testing services.
Famous Alumnis:
N/A
International recognition**:
Number of staff***:
60
Current students***:
20
Foreign students***:
10%
Cumulative former students***:
100
Pros
Leading Swiss competence center for solar energy technology, with excellent testing facilities and strong industry links. Important for specialized professional training and applied research.
Cons
Primarily a research and testing institute. Educational offerings are specialized courses or via OST.
Best For
Professionals and students (often via OST) specializing in solar energy technologies, seeking advanced knowledge, testing capabilities, or applied research opportunities.
*: without any judgment of the quality, readers are strongly encouraged to check the official status of the exact diploma envisioned as many universities have a mix of recognized diplomas, not recognized, “co-delivered,” “equivalent to”, “some pathways” (…), can change over time, and can be named differently from one country to another.
**: international reputation: is based on some criteria that do not mean much in some domains or specialties (number of researchers, of scientific publications, on budget ….). Our approximate 1-4 scale:
known locally
known locally and internationally
is listed in some of the world university’s classifications
is listed among the 20 firsts in some of world university’s classifications
***: estimated numbers, based on online sources and/or feedbacks. The numbers can vary greatly depending on school organisation (ex.: school is part of a group …). Refer to all the links provided to have accurate and updated numbers.
You want to complete or correct any information or share your opinion ? Please comment below in a respectful way or send us a direct message.
DESIGN or PROJECT CHALLENGE? Mechanical Engineer, Project or R&D Manager
Available for a new challenge on short notice in France & Swiss. Contact me on LinkedIn Plastic & metal products, Design-to-cost, Ergonomics, Medium to high-volume, Regulated industries, CE & FDA, CAD, Solidworks, Lean Sigma Black Belt, medical ISO 13485 Class II & III
We are looking for a new sponsor
Your company or institution is into technique, science or research ? > send us a message <
Receive all new articles Free, no spam, email not distributed nor resold
or you can get your full membership -for free- to access all restricted content >here<