Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE

R&D for Energy Transition

The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Freiburg, Germany is the largest solar research institute in Europe.
With a staff of about 1 400, we are committed to promoting a sustainable, economic, secure and socially just energy supply system based on renewable energy sources. We contribute to this through our main research areas of energy provision, energy distribution, energy storage and energy utilization. Through outstanding research results, successful industrial projects, spin-off companies and global collaborations, we are shaping the sustainable transformation of the energy system.


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. For this purpose, we have an excellent laboratory infrastructure at our disposal. In addition, we perform analyses, carry out studies, provide consultations and offer our clients 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 -
Annual Report 2023/24

[PDF  15.7 MB]

 

Fraunhofer ISE - Newsletter

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

Current Press Releases

 

Press Release #20 / 4.10.2024

Photovoltaic Plants with Battery Cheaper than Conventional Power Plants

The newest edition of the study by the Fraunhofer ISE on the electricity generation costs of various power plants shows that photovoltaic systems now produce electricity much more cheaply than either coal or gas-fired power plants. 

 

Press Release #21 / 24.9.2024

Efficient Propane Heat Pump Replaces Gas and Oil Heating Systems in Apartment Buildings

The Fraunhofer ISE is developing easy-to-use and reproducible solutions for replacing gas and oil heating systems in existing multi-family homes.

 

Press Release #18 / 15.7.2024

“Energy-Charts” Data Platform Celebrates its Tenth Year as Fact Provider for the Energy Transition

Ten years ago, Fraunhofer  ISE launched the "Energy Charts" to objectify the debate on the energy transition. Today, it is one of the most comprehensive data platforms on the European energy market.

Press Release #22

New Fraunhofer ISE Study: Exploring Colombia's Potential for Large-Scale Green Hydrogen Production

Fraunhofer ISE has investigated the production and supply costs of hydrogen in and from Colombia.

News and Events

 

Trade Fairs, Conferences and Workshops

2.10.2024

Dr. Elias Frei takes over as Head of Hydrogen Technologies at Fraunhofer ISE

Dr. Elias Frei took over as head of the Hydrogen Technologies division at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Freiburg on October 1, 2024. The chemist previously held leading positions at BASF SE.
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26.9.2024

INFAB project develops cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternatives to lithium-ion batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are the state of the art in stationary energy storage, but parts of the raw material extraction are controversial due to environmental and social problems. The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE has therefore joined forces with partners in the INFAB project to research an alternative technology based on zinc-ion batteries. The project covered all process stages, from the development of cell chemistry and manufacturing processes to the battery management system.
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25.9.2024

Scalable Perovskite Silicon Solar Cell with 31.6 Percent Efficiency Developed

Scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE have succeeded in producing a perovskite silicon tandem solar cell with 31.6 percent efficiency. The new 1 cm² solar cell is special in that the perovskite layer of the top cell was deposited on an industrially textured silicon heterojunction solar cell using a hybrid manufacturing route. The successful use of textured standard silicon solar cells and the uniform application of the perovskite layer on the texturized surface are important prerequisites for the industrial production of perovskite silicon tandem solar cells.
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4.9.2024

Fraunhofer ISE Provides Technological Support to the Growing PV Industry in the USA

Spurred by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), a large number of photovoltaic factories along the entire PV value chain are currently being constructed in the USA. The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE is providing support in technology selection, product design and even during factory ramp-up for some of these companies. PV manufacturers are focusing on production technologies for high-efficiency heterojunction solar cells and particularly for TOPCon solar cells. Also shingle matrix PV modules for use in integrated PV products and space applications are becoming very popular. At the RE+ held from September 9-12 in Anaheim, California, researchers from Fraunhofer ISE will be on location to provide information on the advantages and disadvantages of current PV technologies and their manufacturing processes.
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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.