Solarcamp Oldenburg

With the Solarcamp, we want to help drive forward the energy transition. To achieve the climate targets, we need many motivated and well-trained people to help build a 100% renewable energy system. With the Solarcamp, we are offering career guidance for 50 young people aged 16 and over. Over the course of two weeks, the participants gain insights into the installation of PV modules and can gain direct practical experience in a work placement!

At the Solarcamp Oldenburg, social cohesion and fun will not be neglected during the camp. We want to create a non-discriminatory space for everyone in which all participants can develop, show solidarity with each other and support each other.

With the Solarcamp, we would particularly like to inspire FLINTA* people (female, lesbian, intersex, non-binary, trans and agender people) for careers in the energy transition and offer them a safe space to get started. People without a school leaving certificate, or people whose jobs are at risk from structural change should also be encouraged to pursue a career in the renewable energy sector.

Time

To ensure that as many people as possible can take part in the solar camp, there will be two groups of 25 people each. These will start one week apart in the 2024 summer vacation.

WeekGruppe 1Gruppe 2
24. – 28. JuneEntry into the camp with theory and practice
01. – 05. JulyInternship in local businessEntry into the camp with theory and practice
08. – 12. JulyInternship in local business

Location and Accommodation

The Solarcamp Oldenburg will take place at the educational center for technology and design right next to the train station.

Participants who live in or around Oldenburg are advised to stay overnight at home. For participants from further away, we offer some beds in the Oldenburg Youth Hostel.

Food

Vegan food is available at the camp. Lunch will be cooked for us and drinks and snacks will be provided in between.

Time Table

We spend the first week together and gain an insight into the basics of solar installation. This starts with theoretical content on the energy transition and photovoltaics. After an electrotechnical briefing, we then look at how to behave on the roof and how to attach PV modules to practice roofs.

In the second week, there is the opportunity to complete an internship in a company.


FAQs

A two-week course on the installation of photovoltaic systems awaits you, during which you will learn both the theory and practical aspects of how the systems work and the technology, technical tricks and the safe installation of PV systems on the roof in a diverse group of 25 people. The first week consists of three days of theory, including training and a test to become an electrotechnically instructed person (EuP), as well as two days of practical learning on practice roofs. In the second week, you can put your newly acquired knowledge into practice in the form of an internship at a photovoltaic company and thus gain an insight into the professional field. During the two weeks, there will be plenty of time for socializing, get-togethers and joint activities. Further information on the training week can be found under the tab “Solarcamp Oldenburg” and “Schedule” (to follow).

The Solarcamp Oldenburg takes place two times in a row, or for one week at the same time. Once from Monday 24.06. to Friday 05.07.2024 and from Mon 01.07. to Fri 12.07.2024. The two event weeks are divided into a one-week course and a one-week internship. When registering, please indicate which of the two dates you would like to attend.

You can also take part in the camp for just one week and skip the work placement at the company. Please indicate this when registering.

The Solarcamp Oldenburg takes place at Straßburger Straße 2 in the Education Center for Technology and Design behind Oldenburg’s main train station.

The Solarcamp is aimed at all people between 16 and 27 who are motivated and interested in advancing the energy transition. For non-German speakers, we will try to provide English translation during the courses. If you need an English translation, please let us know when you register.

Participation costs a solidarity contribution of 60-300 €. Larger amounts make it possible for people with less financial means to take part in the solar camp. If you are unable to pay the amount, please contact us and let us know when you register. Financial reasons should not exclude anyone from the Solarcamp.

Yes, we have some youth hostel places available during the period. If you need a place to stay nearby, please get in touch with us. If you come from Oldenburg, you are welcome to stay overnight at your home.

Yes, there will be enough vegan food throughout the day. However, there will be no communal breakfast at the camp.

In the first week, all participants receive electrical instruction before the practical part. This instruction is carried out by a qualified electrician and concludes with a test. The aim is to make you aware of the dangers of working with electrical equipment and to teach you how to protect yourself from electrical accidents. After the training, you are considered an electrically instructed person (EuP) and may work on electrical systems under the supervision of a qualified electrician. In addition to the EuP certificate, you will receive a certificate of participation, which lists the content that was taught during the camp in the first week.

Both the certificate as an electrotechnically instructed person (EuP) and the certificate of participation give you the opportunity to work as an assistant in the installation of photovoltaic systems.

We take care of the contact with the companies and receive a short profile from them about their company, the maximum number of participants and the possible installations and activities there. In the first week, you and the other participants can choose between the companies.

How does the application process work? You can register/apply for the registration form under the “Participate” tab.

In future, we want to organize the solar camp regularly in Oldenburg. Outside of Oldenburg, solar camps are also held in other cities throughout Germany.

You can advertise the solar camp at your school, your company or with your acquaintances. You can find information material here.

In addition to applying, you can also support us financially. Among other things, solidarity contributions enable people with limited financial means to participate at a lower cost.

If you would also like to help with the organization of the solar camp, please join us at one of our next planning meetings. We meet every two weeks on Thursday at 6 pm.