Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE

R&D for Energy Transition

With its research, the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE makes a significant contribution to a sustainable, economical, secure, and socially just energy supply on a global scale. As one of the world‘s largest solar research institutes, our goal is to drive forward the energy transition, by providing viable technological solutions, which are generated through excellent research results, successful industry collaborations and spin-offs. At Fraunhofer ISE around 1,300 employees conduct research in four key areas: energy provision, energy distribution, energy storage, and energy use.


In the market-oriented business areas of Photovoltaics: Materials, Cells and Modules​, Photovoltaics:​ Production Technology and TransferSolar Power Plants and Integrated PhotovoltaicsElectrical Energy​ StoragePower Electronics and GridsClimate-Neutral​ Heat and BuildingsHydrogen Technologies as well as System Integration, the Institute develops materials, components, systems and processes. In addition, we perform analyses, carry out studies and provide consultations. Fraunhofer ISE‘s state-of-the-art R&D infrastructure, with 22,300 m² of laboratory space, enables us to perform cutting-edge research at an international level. In our laboratories accredited according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025, we offer customized testing and certification procedures. Fraunhofer ISE is certified according to the quality management standard DIN EN ISO 9001:2015 and according to the standard DIN EN ISO 50001:2018 for energy management.

 

Fraunhofer ISE - Newsletter

You are interested in up-to-date information on our R&D activities?

 

Fraunhofer ISE -
Annual Report 2025/26

[PDF  10 MB]

Current Press Releases

 

Press Release #12 / 13.5.2026

Green hydrogen from the Emerald Isle: HYreland Project Confirms Ireland's High Potential

Excellent wind potential, strong government support, and other favorable factors could make Ireland a key player in the hydrogen economy. 

 

Press Release #11 / 5.5.2026

Fraunhofer ISE Opens Laboratory to Accelerate Market Introduction of Perovskite-Silicon Photovoltaics

The “Pero-Si-SCALE” offers an independent R&D infrastructure and is available to the German and European photovoltaic industry. 

 

Press Release #10 / 23.4.2026

Colored films enable patterns on PV modules

Scientists at the Fraunhofer ISE have succeeded in creating colored films with transparent cutouts, thereby producing realistic-looking designs on photovoltaic modules.

 

Press Release #09 / 14.4.2026

NEXUS GreenTech Supports Companies in the Photovoltaic Industry

Setting up a manufacturing facility or developing new technologies – NEXUS GreenTech supports manufacturers of wafers, solar cells, and PV modules with issues related to product development and factory planning.

News and Events

 

Trade Fairs, Conferences and Workshops

11.5.2026

Electric Truck Fleets: Fraunhofer ISE Recommends a Cost-Optimized Combination of PV, Storage, and Energy Management

Road freight transport is one of the largest sources of CO2 emissions in the German transportation sector; heavy-duty transport accounts for about one-third of transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions. To enable the transition to battery-electric trucks, the necessary charging infrastructure must be available. In many cases, the power available at the grid connection is insufficient for this purpose. The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE conducted a comprehensive feasibility study on behalf of Streck Transportgesellschaft to assess the potential for electrifying an electric truck fleet at the logistics center. According to the study, combining a photovoltaic system, battery storage, and energy management ensures a reliable power supply and represents the most cost-effective solution for logistics centers.
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9.4.2026

Fraunhofer ISE Study: Negative Emission Technologies Crucial for Climate Neutrality by 2045

Simply reducing emissions will not be enough to achieve Germany’s goal of greenhouse gas neutrality by 2045. It is also necessary to actively remove CO₂ from the atmosphere using so-called negative emission technologies (NETs). A new study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE analyzes the role of NETs in achieving climate goals. According to the study, key factors include a broad mix of different NET technologies, as well as an integrated strategy for the energy system, the ramp-up of NETs, and sustainable biomass use. By 2045, NETs will remove between 39 and 51 million tons of hard-to-avoid CO₂ emissions.
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8.4.2026

Silver Consumption in TOPCon Solar Cells Reduced by Factor 10

Scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE have succeeded in reducing the silver consumption of TOPCon solar cells to 1.1 milligrams per watt peak. Currently, TOPCon solar cells require an average of 10 to 12 milligrams of silver per watt peak. To the reduction, they tested an electroplating-based inline metallization process on pilot systems developed by RENA Technologies GmbH. By combining ultrashort UV laser structuring with the electrochemical deposition of nickel, copper, and silver, the research team produced M10-sized TOPCon solar cells with an efficiency of 24 percent. Compared to PERC solar cells, TOPCon solar cells have higher silver consumption, hence solar cell manufacturers are under particular cost pressure to reduce it.
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25.3.2026

Photovoltaics Equipment: Global Market Entering a Phase of Unprecedented Growth

ISC Konstanz and the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE have conducted an analysis of the market situation for PV manufacturing equipment on behalf of the VDMA. The study forecasts that the global annual capital expenditure (CAPEX) for PV manufacturing equipment is projected to rise from 16.6 billion dollars in 2025 to 43.8 billion dollars by 2035, resulting in a cumulative global market volume of USD 250-300 billion in the next ten years. The study provides a comprehensive overview of global PV manufacturing, key technological trends, and the competitiveness of European machinery and equipment manufacturers.
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Current Posts from "Innovation4E", the Research Blog of Fraunhofer ISE

We want to share our expertise with you. The research blog of Fraunhofer ISE  »Innovation4E« offers a platform for information and exchange.