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 #24 / 3.9.2026

Methanol Qualified as a Feedstock for Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Methanol has been recognized as an approved feedstock for the alcohol-to-jet production pathway. Methanol-to-jet blending components can be produced and mixed with at least 50 percent by volume of conventional kerosene to create a “drop-in” fuel.

 

Press Release #23 / 24.8.2026

Semi-transparent PV Modules Developed Us-ing an Industry-ready Manufacturing Process

The University of Freiburg and Fraunhofer ISE have built 14.5 by 14.5- centimeter organic PV modules with an average transparency of 43.2 percent and an efficiency of up to 9.26 percent, using processes that are industrially proven. 

 

Press Release #21 / 4.8.2026

Silicon Photovoltaics Make Power Generation in Space More Cost-Effective

The American company Source Energy and Fraunhofer ISE have jointly developed a new product line for space satellites based on silicon solar cells. The solar arrays are using a special interconnection technology. 

 

Press Release #20 / 28.7.2026

Propane Heat Pumps for Multi-Family Houses – Fraunhofer ISE Develops Solution Concepts

Heat pumps can replace existing gas and oil heating systems in multi-family houses when the entire system is designed to match the building. This is the core finding of the "LC R290" research project, in which Fraunhofer ISE worked with a consortium of twenty companies from the heating industry and housing sector to develop typical solution concepts for heating system replacement. 

News and Events

 

Trade Fairs, Conferences and Workshops

4.9.2026

“PaNaBat” International Platform: Fraunhofer ISE Supports Research on Sustainable Battery Raw Materials

Lithium has become an indispensable part of our daily lives, yet its extraction takes a toll on the environment and local livelihoods. This is where the German-Chilean research project “PaNaBat” comes in: a joint networking platform aims to strengthen collaboration in research, education, technology transfer, and industrial cooperation in the areas of sustainable battery raw materials, lithium extraction, and battery recycling. Fraunhofer ISE is contributing its extensive laboratory and research infrastructure for the development of battery materials and cell technologies.
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27.8.2026

A New Milestone for Photovoltaics: Solvent-Free Tandem Solar Cells

Researchers from the Early-Career Research Group on Optoelectronic Thin-Film Materials at the Institute for Sustainable Technical Systems (INATECH) at the University of Freiburg and the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE have developed a new process chain for perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells that operates entirely without solvents. The research findings have now been published in the renowned journal Joule.
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30.7.2026

Indo-German Research on Floating Photovoltaic Systems

The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) in Shimla, India. The goal is to collaborate on research projects in the field of renewable energy, to facilitate the joint supervision of master’s and PhD students and to offer exchange programs. The collaboration will focus in particular on research into floating photovoltaic systems as well as agrivoltaics.
more info

8.7.2026

Team ESILIB: Award for Sustainable Batteries with Increased Storage Capacity

At the “From Lab to Market Challenge” event held in Leverkusen at the end of June, the “ESILIB” team from the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE took second place. The researchers are developing anode materials for the next generation of lithium-ion batteries, focusing on a silicon-carbon composite that is sustainable and can increase the range of electric vehicles by up to 40 percent.
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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.