About Senior Research Fellow
Welcome!
I am Dr. Marco Ernst, a researcher and lecturer in solar photovoltaics at the Australian National University (ANU), Canberra. I have been working in solar energy research since 2008, with a passion for understanding how photovoltaic technologies perform and evolve under real-world conditions.
My research spans photovoltaic devices, modules, and energy systems, combining laboratory characterisation, field performance analysis, modelling, and lifecycle assessment. I am particularly interested in solar module reliability, energy yield prediction, cell-to-module losses, and the sustainable long-term use of photovoltaic technologies, including second-life solar applications.
Over the course of my career, I have led and contributed to major industry and research projects in collaboration with leading photovoltaic manufacturers, supporting the development and evaluation of advanced PV technologies and systems. I have authored more than 50 peer-reviewed publications and have extensive experience bridging research and industry through collaborative projects, consulting, and engagement activities.
In addition to my research, I have played a leading role in education and industry engagement, including developing and convening the course Utility-Scale PV Power Plants. I hold a PhD in Physics and have received recognition for excellence in teaching.
Beyond academia, I co-founded Sinaki GmbH, a company that develops commercial and residential solar photovoltaic energy systems in Germany. While the company previously contributed to projects in Sierra Leone and Indonesia, its current focus is on serving the local German market. I also co-developed the iPhone app TrackYourDose, designed to raise awareness of exposure to ionising radiation. The app has been downloaded more than 10,000 times and has been featured in international media coverage.
Please feel free to explore my publications, research projects, and professional activities.
P: +61 (0) 2 6125 0080
