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 2024/25

[PDF  10 MB]

Current Press Releases

 

Press Release #20 / 5.6.2025

Health Platform for Pickup Trucks: Research Team Wins the "Innovations for a Better Future" Award

Researchers from the Fraunhofer ISE and the Fraunhofer IST were presented with the Innovations for a Better Future award from the Fraunhofer-Zukunftsstiftung.

 

Press Release #16 / 7.5.2025

Western Australie Could Become Renewable Hydrogen Hub for Europe

The TrHyHub Study analyzed the critical components that could deliver a supply chain from the Mid West Hydrogen Hub in Oakajee to Germany via the Port of Rotterdam.

 

Press Release #15 / 6.5.2025

Pilot production line for solar roof tiles with matrix shingle technology established

As part of the "SPHINX" research project, Fraunhofer ISE has set up a pilot line for PV roof tiles at Module-TEC in Freiburg.

 

Press Release #14 / 5.5.2025

Contactless method for measuring the performance of back-contact solar cells

Eliminating physical contact with the solar cell saves time and thus allows significantly higher throughput rates in production.

News and Events

 

Trade Fairs, Conferences and Workshops

2.6.2025

Scalable Path to Produce Perovskite Silicon Tandem Solar Cells

In a joint research effort, scientists from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology KAUST and Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems successfully replaced spin-coating with blade-coating in the production of perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells. In a “hybrid route” combining evaporation and blade-coating to deposit perovskite solar cells on silicon bottom cells, they produced tandem solar cells with efficiencies approaching 28 percent. Their result opens a path to the large-scale production of this promising new solar cell technology.
more info

22.5.2025

InP-on-GaAs substrates can replace prime indium phosphide wafers

Together with the company III/V-Reclaim, scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE have succeeded in producing high-quality indium phosphide on gallium arsenide substrates (InP-on-GaAs wafers) with up to 150 mm diameter. These new wafers can effectively replace classic indium phosphide in a variety of applications, offering a scalable pathway to lower cost. The research team developed a process to deposit a thin layer of high-quality InP on GaAs. Following a special surface treatment, these wafers are delivered epi-ready, enabling customers to directly grow III-V epitaxial structures and manufacture high-performance InP-based semiconductor devices.
more info

28.4.2025

Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells Realized with Record Savings in Silver

Without a significant reduction in silver content, the global demand for photovoltaics to ensure a sustainable, climate-neutral energy system cannot be met. Scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE have now produced silicon heterojunction solar cells (SHJ) with a total silver consumption of just 1.4 milligrams per watt peak. This is about one tenth of the current standard in industrial production. To achieve this, they strongly reduced the silver content in the metallization paste for the front side metallization and completely replaced silver with copper paste on the rear side. An optimized printing process also ensured very fine electrical contacts. The copper-metallized SHJ solar cells even achieved a higher efficiency than their reference cells with traditional silver contacts.
more info

15.4.2025

Sustainable Energy Transition: Werner Siemens Foundation Supports Research on High Efficiency Tandem Photovoltaics

The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE has been conducting world-leading research on highly efficient III-V multi-junction solar cells for over 20 years. To further develop this promising next generation PV technology and lead it to economic success, the institute is now receiving prominent support: The Werner Siemens Foundation will fund the project "Sustainable Energy Transition through High Efficiency Tandem Photovoltaics" with 14 million euros until 2032.
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.