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 - Newsletter

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

 

Fraunhofer ISE -
Annual Report 2023/24

[PDF  15.7 MB]

Current Press Releases

 

Press Release #25 / 14.11.2024

Custom-Colored Modules Increase Acceptance of Photovoltaics on Buildings

The study showed that the acceptance of integrated photovoltaics in urban areas is generally very high and that PV on modern buildings is viewed more positively than on historic buildings.

 

Press Release #24 / 13.11.2024

Achieving Climate Neutrality - Fraunhofer ISE Study Shows Regional Transformation Pathways for German Energy System

A new study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE shows potential technological transformation paths towards climate neutrality by 2045 at the state level in Germany.

 

Press Release #23 / 22.10.2024

Fraunhofer ISE Inaugurates New Research Center for Batteries

The Fraunhofer ISE has been conducting research along the entire battery value chain for many years. Now with today’s inauguration of the Center for Electrical Energy Storage, the institute has access to state-of-the-art laboratories which enable cutting-edge international research. 

 

Press Release #22 / 1.10.2024

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

11.11.2024

Henri, Grand Duke of Luxembourg at Fraunhofer ISE

His Royal Highness, The Grand Duke of Luxembourg visited the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE on November 8, 2024. Along with a delegation consisting of politicians and scientists, he was interested to hear about research into integrated photovoltaics and hydrogen technology. The delegation included Stéphanie Obertin, Luxembourg’s Minister for Digitization and Minister for Higher Education and Research, and Her Excellency, Sylvie Lucas, Luxembourg’s Ambassador to Germany.
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21.10.2024

Christian Schmiga and Oussama Er-Raji of Fraunhofer ISE Honored for their Research Work

At the 41st European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference EU PVSEC in September, Christian Schmiga received the Poster Award and Oussama Er-Raji the Student Award respectively for outstanding scientific work. Christian Schmiga was honored for his research on copper-metallized TOPCon solar cells, and Oussama Er-Raji received the award for his work on manufacturing processes for perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells. Thanks to his research into improved passivation of the tandem solar cell, a research group at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE has just succeeded in producing a scalable perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell with an efficiency of 31.6 percent.
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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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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.