Flyer und Broschüren

Characterization by scientific analysis of the material composition and the mechanical and electrical performance of interconnects is key for understanding interconnection processes. With this in-depth knowledge, interconnection processes can be optimized to improve the performance and long-term stability of joints of solar and battery cells.

Climate protection and energy security are moving more and more into the center of societal awareness and behavior. The ‘net-zero emissions’ targets by mid-century, which are ratified or under discussion by nearly 200 countries define a paradigm shift towards the limitation of the global temperature. Hydro-gen and its derivatives will be the backbone of a sustainable global energy trading system since it can store vast amounts of energy over long periods of time, can be transported in ships or pipelines and can be used in all energy consuming sectors as a replacement of fossil-based energy carriers. Furthermore, hydrogen is the basic molecule used in generating renewable synthetic fuels or chemicals. Linking the energy economy with the zero-emission mobility, vehicles powered by hydrogen in fuel cells or by synthetic fuels offer attractive filling times and driving ranges along with a known infrastructure and refueling system, familiar to that of fossil fuels.

For a secure and reliable power supply based on 100% renewable energy sources, decentralized and centralized stationary battery storage systems are needed on a large scale. A key task of these storage systems is to keep the power grid stable and fail-safe in the face of fluctuating feed-in from photovoltaics (PV) and wind. They also provide surplus electricity storage for demand-optimized use at a later time.

Reliable measurement data are essential for determining the performance of PV modules. Fraunhofer ISE’s solar test sites enable precise collection of all relevant monitoring data. Together with classical laboratory tests, they provide valuable information on the possible degradation and the expected lifetime yield of PV modules in different climatic zones and allow their comparative evaluation.

The energy transformation requires a massive expansion of solar electricity production, combined with a high demand for space. The problem for ground-mounted systems: Agricultural land is a very limited and valuable resource. Agrivoltaics solves this conflict by enabling food production and electricity generation on the same area.

Depending on the scenario, a photovoltaic expansion of 300 to 450 GWp is needed in Germany to ensure the success of the energy transition. Due to the limited agricultural land, land-neutral solutions must be developed. Floating PV refers to photovoltaic power plants mounted on floating bodies on standing water or at sea.

In order to determine the solar radiation potential of passenger cars, we are currently investigating and measuring solar radiation on German roads as part of a citizen science campaign with 80 vehicles. The data will be used in new simulation models for solar radiation on traffic routes. This would allow drivers to calculate how far they could drive with solar energy, at what time and on which route.

In recent years, photovoltaic modules have become increasingly attractive for the transportation industry due to reduced prices and technological innovations. The roofs of large commercial vehicles are particularly suitable for the integration of lightweight photovoltaic (PV) modules.

Electricity from photovoltaic systems is an essential component of the energy transition. To generate sufficient energy, large areas have to be equipped with solar modules. Here, road infrastructure can offer a large area of potential.

Buildings are major energy consumers and emitters of greenhouse gases. Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) is able to significantly reduce a building’s CO2 footprint and even turn it into a zero-energy or energy-plus building.