Data and Facts

The Institute finances itself to 84 % with contracts for applied research, development and high-technology services. Fraunhofer ISE is integrated into a network of national and international cooperation such as the ForschungsVerbund Erneuerbare Energien (FVEE – German Research Association for Renewable Energy) and the European Renewable Energy Centres (EUREC) Agency.

The financial structure of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft distinguishes between operational and investment budgets. The operational budget includes all expenses  for personnel and materials, as well as their financing with external income and institutional funding. In 2016, our operational budget totalled 72.9 million euros. In addition, the Institute made investments of 8.2 million euros in 2016 (not including investments for building construction and the economic stimulus program).

On 31st December 2016, a total of 1163 staff members were employed at Fraunhofer ISE. Included in this total are 124 doctoral candidates, 115 diploma/masters students, 20 guest scientists, 33 trainees and 250 scientific assistants.

The research work at the Institute is carried out in offices, laboratories, workshops and meeting rooms, which cover an area of over 27 000m².