Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE

R&D for Energy Transition

The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Freiburg, Germany is one of the world's largest solar research institutes.
With a staff of about 1400, 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 #29 / 14.10.2025

Energy transition in the railway power grid: direct feed-in of solar power through innovative inverters

The project "PV4Rail" examined how the grid of Deutsche Bahn can be utilized for the feed-in of solar power.

 

Press Release #27 / 26.9.2025

Innovative Production Processes for the Core Components of Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers

Fraunhofer ISE has established a versatile platform for research on the production of membrane electrode assemblies.

 

Press Release #26 / 5.9.2025

International Research Team Unlocks the Power of Passivation for Perovskite Silicon Tandem Solar Cells

An international research team of photovoltaics scientists has taken a crucial step toward the industrialization of perovskite silicon tandem solar cells. 

 

Press Release #25 / 4.9.2025

Fraunhofer ISE develops test procedure for grid-forming inverters

Fraunhofer ISE has developed a test procedure for grid-forming inverters on behalf of the four German transmission system operators.

News and Events

 

Trade Fairs, Conferences and Workshops

15.10.2025

Dr. Elias Frei appointed deputy director of Fraunhofer ISE

The head of the "Hydrogen Technologies" division additionally assumes the representation for institute director Prof. Dr. Andreas Bett as of October 1, 2025.
more info

2.10.2025

Fraunhofer ISE Receives German Sustainability Award

The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE has been awarded the German Sustainability Award (“Deutscher Nachhaltigkeitspreis”) for companies in the "Research and Development" sector. This was announced today by the Foundation for the German Sustainability Award e.V. The award is given to Fraunhofer ISE for its research and development achievements towards sustainability as well as for its commitment to integrating sustainability into operational processes.
more info

24.9.2025

ODTÜ-GÜNAM and Fraunhofer ISE join forces in photovoltaics research

The Center for Solar Energy Research and Applications of Middle East Technical University ODTÜ-GÜNAM in Ankara, Türkiye, and the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Freiburg, Germany, signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the 42. European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (EU PVSEC 2025). The two research organizations strengthen their collaboration in applied solar PV research. The goal is to facilitate technology transfer and the industrialization of PV products in Europe across the full value chain.
more info

23.9.2025

High-Efficiency Solar Cells for Space: 1st Place for Fraunhofer ISE at the INNOspace Masters Award

A research team from the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE has won 1st prize in the "Research" category at the INNOspace Masters competition organized by the German Aerospace Center (DLR). The team led by Dr. Jonas De Rose and Dr. David Lackner received the award for their approach to transferring established production technologies from terrestrial silicon photovoltaics to III-V high-efficiency solar cells for use in space.
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.