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 #07 / 20.3.2026

HV-MELA-BAT project develops XXL charging system for heavy-duty and passenger transport

The power electronic converters and the contact system for high currents and voltages achieves a record-breaking efficiency of 99.26 percent. 

 

Press Release #06 / 19.3.2026

New Process on Proven Machinery: Projection Welding of Copper on Battery Cells

A consortium of scientists from Fraunhofer ISE and Smart Battery Solutions succeeded in replacing the steel connectors used to interconnect battery cells with copper during resistance projection welding. 

 

Press Release #03 / 17.2.2026

Fraunhofer ISE Achieves Record Efficiencies for Tandem Photovoltaic Modules

A III-V germanium PV module with an efficiency of 34.2 percent, thus becomes the most efficient solar module in the world. A III-V silicon PV module achieves an efficiency of 31.3 percent, setting a record in its class.

 

Press Release #02 / 11.2.2026

Fraunhofer ISE: Dimethyl Ether Could Be the Game Changer for the Hydrogen Economy

Fraunhofer ISE has developed a new, particularly energy-efficient synthesis process, which could become a game changer for DME production and thus for the hydrogen economy. 

News and Events

 

Trade Fairs, Conferences and Workshops

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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13.3.2026

3D-printed Thermal Energy Storage: Fraunhofer ISE Launches New Project for the Heat Transition

Intelligent storage technologies are needed to ensure the success of the energy transition. Thermal storage systems can efficiently store heat from renewable energies. The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE is conducting research into the use of 3D printing technology to manufacture thermal energy storage systems from ultra-high-performance concrete. The institute is collaborating with partners from industry and research to achieve this goal.
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12.2.2026

Interlaboratory comparison demonstrates highest precision in PV Module power measurements

A recent comparison of measurement results between CalLab PV Modules of the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE and the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) reveals that the two organizations deviate by less than 0.15 percent on average from the reference value when measuring the power of photovoltaic modules. Regular comparisons between independent calibration laboratories are an important component of their quality assurance process, guaranteeing that the PV industry can trust the results. In recent years, many module manufacturers' power ratings have diverged increasingly from Fraunhofer ISE measurements, with the median divergence reaching roughly 1.4 percent in 2025.
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3.2.2026

Brazilian R&D Institutions and Fraunhofer ISE Start Cooperation

The Espirito Santo Research and Innovation State Funding Agency (FAPES), the State Secretariat for Science, Technology, Innovation, and Professional Education of Espírito Santo (SECTI) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE have signed a Memorandum of Understanding. This agreement aims to intensify cooperation in the areas of research and development as well as scientific infrastructure. A comprehensive assessment of Espírito Santo’s current energy system was launched as the first joint research project in February.
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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.