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 #8 / 12.3.2025

Solar module output often overstated

Since around 2017, the negative discrepancy between the performance data of the PV module manufacturers and Fraunhofer ISEs' measurement results has been increasing.

 

Press Release #6 / 3.3.2025

How will hydrogen come to Baden-Württemberg?

Fraunhofer ISE has investigated how Baden-Württemberg can be supplied by imports of hydrogen and its derivates in the future. 

 

Press Release #5 / 24.2.2025

Fraunhofer ISE Demonstrates Ultrafine Transport Layers for Electrolyzers

For the first time, Fraunhofer ISE has succeeded in producing ultra-fine porous transport layers made of titanium , thereby reducing the cost of catalysts. 

 

Press Release #2 / 15.1.2025

Charging Infrastrucutre of Medium Voltage Station Uppped to Megawatt Class

Fraunhofer ISE an partners from industry developed the medium voltage system technology for fast charging stations with several megawatts. 

News and Events

 

Trade Fairs, Conferences and Workshops

21.2.2025

Fraunhofer ISE and The University of Auckland cooperate on artificial intelligence in battery research

The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE and the University of Auckland in New Zealand have signed an agreement to collaborate on AI-based data analysis. The two research institutes want to establish a long-term cooperation that brings together their complementary expertise. Important fields of application are the quality assurance of battery cells and intelligent battery production. Initial exchanges and the joint supervision of students have already begun.
more info

14.1.2025

Call for Papers: International Conference in Electrolysis ICE 2025

The 5th International Conference on Electrolysis ICE 2025 will be held in Freiburg, Germany, from August 25 to 29, 2025. This event provides a key platform for technical experts in industry, academic researchers and PhD students, for example, to share breakthroughs in water electrolysis, particularly in its role as a technology for green hydrogen production. The organizing committee has already launched the Call for Papers, which remains open until end of January 2025.
more info

4.12.2024

Fraunhofer Bessel Award winner Dr. Jasna Jankovic conducts research at Fraunhofer ISE

Dr. Jasna Jankovic, Associate Professor at the Institute of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Connecticut, has been awarded the Fraunhofer Bessel Research Award by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. She was nominated for the award by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, where she will be working as a visiting scientist from December 1. The focus of the joint research work is the development of advanced ex-situ characterization methods for state-of-the-art, innovative fuel cell and electrolyser materials.
more info

21.11.2024

Robin Lang Receives 'Best Oral Presentation Award' at the PVSEC-35

Dr. Robin Lang was distinguished with the Best Oral Presentation Award at the 35th International Photovoltaic Science and Engineering Conference (PVSEC-35) in Japan for his outstanding scientific presentation in the field of III-V solar cells. In his presentation, the researcher from the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Freiburg presented his research results and provided a detailed loss analysis of the production of a III-V multi-junction solar cell.
more info

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.