Call for The Solar Innovators Research Fellowship (SIRF) for African 2026 is open now!!!
SIRF is a four-month research fellowship focused on solar PV materials science, device physics, manufacturing systems, and data-driven optimization. The Solar Innovators Research Fellowship is an education and research programme run by the Renewable Energy Technology Training Institute with support from the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE) and in partnership with academic institutions and private sector companies.
Get the Youth Opportunities iOS App here for the fully-funded opportunities.
The fellowship blends rigorous technical training, hands-on research development, and mentorship from leading experts in solar materials science and engineering. Fellows receive structured instruction in photovoltaic materials science, and data-driven optimization — developing the technical depth required for impactful solar R&D.
Every research project is grounded in practical manufacturing challenges, using RETTI’s solar panel factory as a live case study to ensure solutions are actionable and industry-relevant. Selected fellows join a cross-continental cohort of emerging researchers, gaining mentorship from PhD-level experts, academic.
The Solar Innovators Research Fellowship (SIRF) is a 4-month intensive virtual research fellowship combining advanced technical coursework with hands-on research projects tied directly to RETTI’s solar panel factory and R&D ecosystem.
Youth Opportunities invites you to join your preferred channel to get the latest updates directly to your messenger inbox.
- Youth Opportunities: https://m.me/j/AbZTmgEzD1UchDte/
2. Fully Funded Conferences: https://m.me/j/AbZTfhFTiPCnXf2D/
3. Full Scholarships: https://m.me/j/AbbrjbkOMM6I68Cs/
4. Paid Internships/Jobs: https://m.me/j/AbaAskb6jFFnRser/
5. Circle: https://m.me/j/AbY0vVKSPJULUnE4/
SIRF is delivered fully online through virtual lectures, real-time video demonstrations, and guided research mentorship. Optional local lab support may be available where applicable.
SIRF welcomes emerging researchers, innovators, and problem-solvers who are dedicated to driving sustainable solar energy solutions and creating measurable impact. Applicants should be between the ages of 21 and 35 on or before the application deadline; Applicants are recent graduates or Master’s degree holders of
Physics, Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Physics and Solar Energy, Mechanical Engineering, or related fields; Applicants should have basic knowledge of at least one programming language. Experience with Python is an added advantage; Applicants should demonstrate basic research knowledge and skills, including the ability to understand research methods and conduct structured investigations; Applicants must be proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English, as the fellowship activities will be conducted in English. Applicants must be citizens of one of any African country.
Location:
AfricaBenefits
- Applied Research Experience: Fellows conduct structured research aligned with real solar manufacturing challenges, developing practical technical recommendations grounded in African production realities.
- Formal Research Output: Each fellow completes and submits a supervised research report suitable for academic, policy, or industry presentation.
- Structured Mentorship & Academic Oversight: Participants receive guided supervision from PhD-level faculty with expertise in PV materials, manufacturing systems, and solar device engineering.
- Exposure to Industry & Standards: Through guest sessions and case studies, fellows gain insight into certification pathways, quality assurance systems, and circular economy strategies relevant to solar manufacturing.
- Scholar Designation & Alumni Network: Graduates are formally recognized as Solar Innovators Scholars and join a growing network of African researchers working in solar innovation.
- Pathways to Further Study: Faculty may provide recommendation letters and guidance for scholarships or advanced academic programs, based on performance and engagement.
Eligibilities
- Be between 21 and 35 years old
- Be recent graduates or Master’s degree holders in Physics, Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Solar Energy, or related fields
- Have basic research knowledge and skills
- Have basic programming knowledge (Python is desirable)
- Be proficient in English
- Be a citizen of an African country
Application Process
- Apply: Applicants will submit the application form and technical background statement. Selection is competitive and merit-based. Applicants are encouraged to clearly articulate the real-world solar challenges they are passionate about solving.
- Selection: Applicants are assessed on academic preparation, research potential, and alignment with the fellowship’s objectives. They prioritize candidates who show strong potential to contribute meaningfully to Africa’s solar manufacturing and R&D ecosystem. The final cohort represents a diverse, pan-African group of innovators ready to lead change.
- Training & Research: Fellows complete structured coursework in Research methodology, PV materials science and device engineering, Manufacturing systems and quality assurance, Critical minerals and circular economy, AI and machine learning applications in solar research
- Applied Case Study: Fellows conduct supervised group research anchored in a solar manufacturing case study. Outputs include technical memos and policy-informed recommendations aligned with real production challenges.
- Captsone Project: Each fellow develops an independent research project focused on their national or regional context. Structured milestones and weekly supervision ensure academic rigor and timely completion.
- Graduation: Fellows submit a comprehensive research report and present their findings before being formally conferred as SIRF Fellows.
