Photovoltaics: Materials, Cells and Modules​

High conversion efficiencies and thus low photovoltaic electricity costs can only be achieved with optimal and cost-efficient materials. At Fraunhofer ISE, we achieve excellent electronic properties for silicon, organic, III-V and perovskite semiconductors through in-depth analyses and optimized processes. Building on this, we use simulation tools to design optimized solar cell architectures and implement them in our laboratories. This results in groundbreaking cell architectures such as the TOPCon silicon solar cell developed by us, which has become an industrial standard worldwide.

As the efficiency of silicon solar cells is approaching its theoretical limit, we are developing the next generation of solar cells based on multi-junction solar cells. We are using our comprehensive experience with III-V semiconductors to produce next-generation tandem solar cells with new and potentially more cost-effective semiconductors such as perovskites. In module production, we are focusing on new topologies such as matrix shingling, which achieves particularly aesthetic results in combination with our MorphoColor® technology. We are also conducting research on tandem modules that allow the highest module efficiencies in fixed installations or in concentrating tracking systems.

Research Topics

In the Business Area "Photovoltaics: Materials, Cells and Modules​", our work focuses on the following research topics:

 

Silicon Material and Semiconductor Substrates

 

Silicon Solar Cells and Modules

 

Silicon-Based Tandem Solar Cells and Modules

 

Perovskite Thin-Film Photovoltaics

 

Organic Photovoltaics

 

III-V Solar Cells, Modules and Concentrator Photovoltaics

 

Photonic and Electronic Power Devices

R&D Infrastructure

We offer comprehensive calibration, testing and certification procedures in our accredited labs and a state-of-the-art R&D infrastructure in our laboratory centers as well as production-related technology evaluation centers.

 

Center for High Efficiency Solar Cells

Technologies for highest PV efficiency values

 

Center for Emerging PV Technologies

Next generation solar cell technologies

 

Center for Material Characterization and Durability Analysis

Analysis of materials for use in renewable energy systems

 

PV-TEC

Photovoltaic Technology Evaluation Center

 

Concentrator Technology Evaluation Center

Con-TEC

Development of New Generations of PV Modules with High and Low Concentration Factors

 

Module Technology Evaluation Center

Module-TEC

Production and Process Technology and Extensive Analysis Options for Module Technology

 

Accredited Lab

CalLab PV Modules

Calibration of photovoltaic modules

 

Accredited Lab

TestLab PV Modules

Measurements and tests for the design qualification and type approval of PV modules

 

Photovoltaics

CalLab PV Cells

Calibration of solar cells and mini PV modules

Contact

Stefan Glunz

Contact Press / Media

Prof. Dr. Stefan Glunz

Photovoltaics: Materials, Cells and Modules

Fraunhofer ISE
Heidenhofstr. 2
79110 Freiburg

Phone +49 761 4588-5191

Stefan Janz

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Dr. Stefan Janz

Silicon Material and Semiconductor Substrates

Fraunhofer ISE
Heidenhofstr. 2
79110 Freiburg

Phone +49 761 4588-5261

Ralf Preu

Contact Press / Media

PD Dr. Ralf Preu

Silicon Solar Cells and Modules

Fraunhofer ISE
Heidenhofstr. 2
79110 Freiburg

Phone +49 761 4588-5260

Martin Hermle

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Dr. Martin Hermle

Silicon-Based Tandem Solar Cells and Modules

Fraunhofer ISE
Heidenhofstr. 2
79110 Freiburg

Phone +49 761 4588-5265

Markus Kohlstädt

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Dr. Markus Kohlstädt

Perovskite Thin-Film Photovoltaics

Fraunhofer ISE
Heidenhofstr. 2
79110 Freiburg

Phone +49 761 203-96796

Uli Würfel

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Dr. Uli Würfel

Organic Photovoltaics

Fraunhofer ISE
Heidenhofstr. 2
79110 Freiburg

Phone +49 761 203-4796

Frank Dimroth

Contact Press / Media

Dr. Frank Dimroth

III-V Solar Cells, Modules and Concentrator Photovoltaics

Fraunhofer ISE
Heidenhofstr. 2
79110 Freiburg

Phone +49 761 4588-5258

Henning Helmers

Contact Press / Media

Dr. Henning Helmers

Photonic and Electronic Power Devices

Fraunhofer ISE
Heidenhofstr. 2
79110 Freiburg

Phone +49 761 4588-5094

Current Publications on the Topic "Photovoltaics: Materials, Cells and Modules"