Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE
Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE

World record for concentrator photovoltaic technology

Mini-module comprised of four-junction solar cells reached 43.4 percent efficiency.

© Photo Fraunhofer ISE

III-V and Concentrator Photovoltaics

In the research topic III-V and Concentrator Photovoltaics, our work focuses on the following fields of work:

 

III-V Epitaxy and Solar Cells

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Concentrator Assemblies

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© Photo Fraunhofer ISE

Concentrator Optics

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High-Concentration Systems (HCPV)

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© Photo Fraunhofer ISE

Low-Concentration Systems (LCPV)

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Silicon Concentrator Solar Cells

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Power-by-Light

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In the area of III-V and Concentrator Photovoltaics, Fraunhofer ISE addresses the requirements of the photovoltaic market for both space and terrestrial applications. Our focus continues to be on developing new and customized solar cell architectures with even higher efficiencies. Our success is evidenced in our numerous record efficiencies, among them the current world record for a four-junction solar cell with 46 % efficiency.  We address cost reduction potential at all levels, including optimizations on the system level especially for concentrator photovoltaics. The main aspects considered here include:

  • customized concentrator optics,
  • production and bonding technologies on the industrial level,
  • characterization and modelling at the device and system level, and not least
  • reliability and sustainability during manufacturing and recycling


Silicon solar cells are the cell of choice for low concentrator systems. Silicon-based CPV systems equipped with tracking devices have the advantage of reduced silicon use and short energy payback time EPBT.  Fraunhofer ISE serves its clients in this field by developing suitable cells and systems.

The Power-by-Light technology presents solutions for wireless energy transmission. With this technology, light from a laser or LED is transmitted via a glass fiber optic or in the air to a destined target at which a solar cell converts the light into electricity. Our competence in III-V, concentrator and space technologies enable us to ideally customize the cell properties to match the light source. Up to now, conversion efficiencies of over 57 % have been realized. Lightning surveillance systems for wind generators is one of many potential applications for this promising technology.

As a complement to our research and development work in the research topic III-V and Concentrator Photovoltaics, we offer related testing and certification services to clients.

  • ConTec
    Concentrator Technology and Evaluation Center

Andreas Bett

Contact Press / Media

Dr. Andreas Bett

Director (acting), Photovoltaics, III-V and Concentrator Photovoltaics

Fraunhofer ISE
Heidenhofstr. 2
79110 Freiburg

Phone +49 761 4588-5257

Fax +49 761 4588-9257

Contact Press / Media

Dr. rer. nat. Frank Dimroth

III-V Epitaxy and Solar Cells

Fraunhofer ISE
Heidenhofstr. 2
79110 Freiburg

Phone +49 761 4588-5258

Fax +49 761 4588-9258

Contact Press / Media

Maike Wiesenfarth

Concentrator Assemblies, High-Concentration Systems (HCPV), Low-Concentration Systems (LCPV)

Fraunhofer ISE
Heidenhofstr. 2
79110 Freiburg

Phone +49 761 4588-5470

Contact Press / Media

Dr. Peter Nitz

Concentrator Optics

Fraunhofer ISE
Heidenhofstr. 2
79110 Freiburg

Phone +49 761 4588-5410

Fax +49 761 4588-9410

Contact Press / Media

Dr.-Ing. Daniel Biro

Silicon Concentrator Solar Cells

Fraunhofer ISE
Heidenhofstr. 2
79110 Freiburg

Phone +49 761 4588-5246

Fax +49 761 4588-9246

Contact Press / Media

Dr. rer. nat. Henning Helmers

Power-by-Light

Fraunhofer ISE
Heidenhofstr. 2
79110 Freiburg

Phone +49 761 4588-5094

Fax +49 761 4588-9094

 

Publications in the research topic III-V and Concentrator Photovoltaics

Current Journal and Book Articles

further Journal and Book Articles [publica.fraunhofer.de]

YearTitle/AuthorDocument Type
2017Mesa Separation of GaInP Solar Cells by Picosecond Laser Ablation
Weber, J.; Klinger, V.; Brand, A.; Gutscher, S.; Wekkeli, A.; Mondon, A.; Oliva, E.; Dimroth, F.		Journal Article
2017On the alignment tolerance of photovoltaic laser power converters
Wagner, L.; Bett, A.W.; Helmers, H.		Journal Article
2017On the temperature dependence of dual-junction laser power converters
Reichmuth, S.K.; Helmers, H.; Philipps, S.P.; Schachtner, M.; Siefer, G.; Bett, A.W.		Journal Article
2017Reliable and lightning-safe monitoring of wind turbine rotor blades using optically powered sensors
Worms, K.; Klamouris, C.; Wegh, F.; Meder, L.; Volkmer, D.; Philipps, S.P.; Reichmuth, S.K.; Helmers, H.; Kunadt, A.; Vourvoulakis, J.; Bett, A.W.; Koos, C.; Freude, W.; Leuthold, J.; Stork, W.		Journal Article
201643% sunlight to electricity conversion efficiency using CPV
Steiner, M.; Siefer, G.; Schmidt, T.; Wiesenfarth, M.; Dimroth, F.; Bett, A.W.		Journal Article
2016Determination of subcell open circuit voltages and Iph–Voc curves in multijunction solar cells by sequentially pulsed, monochromatic illumination
Rutzinger, M.; Nesswetter, H.; Lugli, P.; Bett, A.W.; Zimmermann, C.G.		Journal Article
2016Direct wafer bonding of highly conductive GaSb/GaInAs and GaSb/GaInP heterojunctions prepared by argon-beam surface activation
Predan, F.; Reinwand, D.; Cariou, R.; Niemeyer, M.; Dimroth, F.		Journal Article
2016Four-junction wafer-bonded concentrator cells
Dimroth, F.; Tibbits, T.N.D.; Niemeyer, M.; Predan, F.; Beutel, P.; Karcher, C.; Oliva, E.; Siefer, G.; Lackner, D.; Fuß-Kailuweit, P.; Bett, A.W.; Krause, R.; Drazek, C.; Guiot, E.; Wasselin, J.; Tauzin, A.; Signamarcheix, T.		Journal Article
2016Frequency-division-multiplex-based quantum efficiency determination of solar cells
Mißbach, T.; Karcher, C.; Siefer, G.		Journal Article
2016GaInP/AlGaAs metal-wrap-through tandem concentrator solar cells
Oliva, E.; Salvetat, T.; Jany, C.; Thibon, R.; Helmers, H.; Steiner, M.; Schachtner, M.; Beutel, P.; Klinger, V.; Moulet, J.-S.; Dimroth, F.		Journal Article
2016Gallium phosphide window layer for silicon solar cells
Feifel, M.; Rachow, T.; Benick, J.; Ohlmann, J.; Janz, S.; Hermle, M.; Dimroth, F.; Lackner, D.		Journal Article
2016Improved in situ performance testing of line-concentrating solar collectors: Comprehensive uncertainty analysis for the selection of measurement instrumentation
Zirkel-Hofer, A.; Perry, S.; Fahr, S.; Kramer, K.; Heimsath, A.; Scholl, S.; Platzer, W.		Journal Article
2016Minority carrier recombination of ordered Ga0.51In0.49P at high temperatures
Dagan, R.; Rosenwaks, Y.; Kribus, A.; Walker, A.; Ohlmann, J.; Dimroth, F.		Journal Article
2016Nanoparticle Scattering for Multijunction Solar Cells: The Tradeoff between Absorption Enhancement and Transmission Loss
Mellor, A.; Hylton, N.P.; Hauser, H.; Thomas, T.; Lee, K.-H.; Al-Saleh, Y.; Giannini, V.; Braun, A.; Loo, J.; Vercruysse, D.; Van Dorpe, P.; Blasi, B.; Maier, S.A.; Ekins-Daukes, N.J.		Journal Article
2016Nonradiative lifetime extraction using power-dependent relative photoluminescense of III-V semiconductor double-heterostructures
Walker, A.W.; Heckelmann, S.; Karcher, C.; Höhn, O.; Went, C.; Niemeyer, M.; Bett, A.W.; Lackner, D.		Journal Article
2016Optimal laser wavelength for efficient laser power converter operation over temperature
Höhn, O.; Walker, A.W.; Bett, A.W.; Helmers, H.		Journal Article
2016A sensitivity analysis of the stepwise measurement procedure for the characterization of large area PV modules
Rapp, C.; Steiner, M.; Siefer, G.; Bett, A.W.		Journal Article
2016Slope-deviation measurement of Fresnel-shaped mold surfaces
Kiefel, P.; Hornung, T.; Nitz, P.; Reinecke, H.		Journal Article
2016Temperature and injection current dependent electroluminescence for evaluation of single-junction single-segment GaAs laser power converter
Kimovec, R.; Helmers, H.; Bett, A.W.; Topic, M.		Journal Article
2015Calibration function for an experimental setup for the measurement of irradiance distributions via a transmitting diffuser
Schmid, T.; Hornung, T.; Nitz, P.		Journal Article
2015Development of nanoimprint processes for photovoltaic applications
Hauser, H.; Tucher, N.; Tokai, K.; Schneider, P.; Wellens, C.; Volk, A.; Seitz, S.; Benick, J.; Barke, S.; Dimroth, F.; Müller, C.; Glinsner, T.; Bläsi, B.		Journal Article
2015Effects of angular confinement and concentration to realistic solar cells
Höhn, O.; Kraus, T.; Schwarz, U.T.; Bläsi, B.		Journal Article
2015Efficient direct solar-to-hydrogen conversion by in situ interface transformation of a tandem structure
May, M.M.; Lewerenz, H.J.; Lackner, D.; Dimroth, F.; Hannappel, T.		Journal Article
2015Energy level of the Si-related DX-center in (AlyGa1-y)1-xInxAs
Heckelmann, S.; Lackner, D.; Bett, A.W.		Journal Article
2015FLATCON® CPV-module with 36.7% efficiency equipped with four-junction solar cells
Steiner, M.; Bösch, A.; Dilger, A.; Dimroth, F.; Dörsam, T.; Muller, M.; Hornung, T.; Siefer, G.; Wiesenfarth, M.; Bett, A.W.		Journal Article
2015Frequency division multiple-based light spectroscopy
Mißbach, T.; Karcher, C.; Siefer, G.; Bett, A.W.		Journal Article
2015A high-efficiency hybrid high-concentration photovoltaic system
Zimmermann, S.; Helmers, H.; Tiwari, M.K.; Paredes, S.; Michel, B.; Wiesenfarth, M.; Bett, A.W.; Poulikakos, D.		Journal Article
2015Investigations on AlxGa1-xAs solar cells grown by MOVPE
Heckelmann, S.; Lackner, D.; Karcher, C.; Dimroth, F.; Bett, A.W.		Journal Article
2015Optical Investigation of a Sun Simulator for Concentrator PV Applications
Rapp, C.; Straub. V.; Rooyen, D.W. van; Thor, W. Y.; Siefer, G.; Bett, A.W.		Journal Article
2015Silicone on glass fresnel lenses
Hornung, T.		Book Article
2015Solarenergie zur Stromerzeugung
Kiefer, K.		Book Article
2015Stepwise measurement procedure for the characterization of large-area photovoltaic modules
Rapp, C.; Steiner, M.; Siefer, G.; Bett, A.W.		Journal Article
2015Translating outdoor CPV I-V measurements to a CSTC power rating and the associated uncertainty
Muller, M.; Kurtz, S.; Steiner, M.; Siefer, G.		Journal Article
2015Transparent and electrically conductive GaSb/Si direct wafer bonding at low temperatures by argon-beam surface activation
Predan, F.; Reinwand, D.; Klinger, V.; Dimroth, F.		Journal Article
2015Wafer-bonded GaInP/GaAs//Si solar cells with 30% efficiency under concentrated sunlight
Essig, S.; Benick, J.; Schachtner, M.; Wekkeli, A.; Hermle, M.; Dimroth, F.		Journal Article
2015YieldOpt, a model to predict the power output and energy yield for concentrating photovoltaic modules
Steiner, M.; Siefer, G.; Hornung, T.; Peharz, G.; Bett, A.W.		Journal Article
This publication list has been generated from the publication database Fraunhofer-Publica.

Current Lectures and Conference Papers

further Lectures and Conference Papers [publica.fraunhofer.de]

YearTitle/AuthorDocument Type
201643 % direct sunlight conversion efficiency using 4J cell with achromatic full glass lens
Steiner, M.; Siefer, G.; Schmidt, T.; Wiesenfarth, M.; Dimroth, F.; Bett, A.W.		Conference Paper
2016CPV-T Mirror Dish System Combined with Water Desalination Systems
Wiesenfarth, M.; Went, J.; Bösch, A.; Dilger, A.; Kec, T.; Kroll, A.; Koschikowsi, J.; Bett, A.W.		Conference Paper
2016CPVMatch - concentrating photovoltaic modules using advanced technologies and cells for highest efficiencies
Philipps, S.P.; Baudrit, M.; Hillerich, K.; Moreau, V.; Parmesani, R.; Román, E.; Sala, G.; Schineller, B.; Timo, G.; Bett, A.W.		Conference Paper
2016CPVMatch - Concentrating Photovoltaic modules using advanced technologies and cells for highest efficiencies
Philipps, S.P.; Baudrid, M.; Hillerich, K.; Moreau, V.; Parmesani, R.; Sala, G.; Schineller, B.; Bett, A.W.		Presentation
2016Determining the optimal laser wavelength for laser power conversion depending on operation temperature
Höhn, O.; Walker, A.W.; Bett, A.W.; Helmers, H.		Conference Paper
2016High Efficiency GaInP/GaAs Tandem Wafer Bonded Solar Cell on Silicon: Presentation held at 3rd EU PV General Assembly 2016, University of Barcelona - Faculty of Physics Av. Diagonal, 647, Spain, 25.05.2016-26.05.2016
Cariou, R.; Benick, J.; Dimroth, F.		Presentation
2016III-V multi-junction Metal-Wrap-Through (MWT) concentrator solar cells
Oliva, E.; Salvetat, T.; Jany, C.; Thibon, R.; Helmers, H.; Steiner, M.; Schachtner, M.; Beutel, P.; Klinger, V.; Moulet, J.; Dimroth, F.		Conference Paper
2016Influence of injection current and temperature on electroluminescence of GaAs laser power converters: Presentation held at 3rd Euroregional Workshop on Photovoltaics & Nanophotonics 2016, Ljubljana, Slovenia, 21.09.2016-23.09.2016
Kimovec, R.; Helmers, H.; Bett, A.W.; Topic, M.		Presentation
2016Influence of Very Efficient Back Reflectors on the Quantum Efficiency of Solar Cells
Micha, D.N.; Walker, A.; Siefer, G.; Dimroth, F.; Bett, A.W.		Conference Paper
2016Integrated Power and Data Transceiver Devices for Power-by-Light Systems - A Concept Study
Helmers, H.; Lackner, D.; Siefer, G.; Oliva, E.; Dimroth, F.; Bett, A.W.		Conference Paper
2016Optical power supply of smart sensors using photovoltaic laser power converters: Presentation held at microTEC Südwest Clusterkonferenz 2016, Freiburg, Germany, 14.03.2016-15.03.2016
Helmers, H.		Presentation
2016Photovoltaics with Highest Efficiencies: Presentation at the E-MRS 2016 Spring Meeting 2016, Lille, France, 05.05.2016-05.05.2016
Bett, A.		Presentation
2016Rating of CPV modules: Results of module round robins
Steiner, Marc; Siefer, Gerald; Baudrit, Mathieu; Askins, Stephen; Domínguez, César; Antón, Ignacio; Roca, Francesco; Fucci, Raffaele; Cancro, Carmine; Romano, Antonio; Graditi, Giorgio; Pugliatti, Paola Maria; Stefano, Agnese di; Kenny, Robert; Norton, Matthew; Minuto, Alessandro; Morabito, Paolo; Muller, Matthew; Riley, Daniel; Pratt, Larry		Conference Paper
2016Recent Development in Direct Generation of Hydrogen Using Multi-Junction Solar Cells
Ohlmann, J.; Sanchez, J.M.; Lackner, D.; Förster, P.; Steiner, M.; Fallisch, A.; Dimroth, F.		Conference Paper
2016Transient I-V Measurement Set-up for Photovoltaic Laser Power Converters under Monochromatic Irradiance
Reichmuth, S.K.; Helmers, H.; Garza, C.E.; Vahle, D.; Boer, M. de; Stevens, L.; Mundus, M.; Helmers, H.; Bett, A.W.; Siefer, G.		Conference Paper
2015Analysis of the output of two isotype cell sets compared to a precicion spectroradiometer
Norton, M.; Galleano, R.; Siefer, G.; Steiner, M.; Kenny, R.; Zaaiman, W.		Conference Paper
2015Challenges and perspectives of CPV technology: Presentation held at 42nd IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference 2015, New Orleans, USA, 14.06.2015-19.06.2015
Bett, A.W.		Presentation
2015CPV module design optimization for advanced multi-junction solar cell concepts
Steiner, M.; Kiefel, P.; Siefer, G.; Wiesenfarth, M.; Dimroth, F.; Krause, R.; Gombert, A.; Bett, A.W.		Conference Paper
2015CPV module with fresnel lens primary optics and homogenizing secondary optics
Wiesenfarth, M.; Dörsam, T.; Eltermann, F.; Hornung, T.; Siefer, G.; Steiner, M.; Riesen, S. van; Neubauer, M.; Boos, A.; Wanka, S.; Gombert, A.; Bett, A.W.		Conference Paper
2015Development of NIL processes for PV applications
Hauser, H.; Tucher, N.; Tokai, K.; Schneider, P.; Wellens, C.; Volk, A.; Barke, S.; Müller, C.; Glinsner, T.; Bläsi, B.		Conference Paper
2015The distance temperature map as method to analyze optical properties of Fresnel lenses and their interaction with multi-junction solar cells
Hornung, T.; Kiefel, P.; Nitz, P.		Conference Paper
2015Impact of Photon Recycling and Luminescence Coupling in III-V Photovoltaic Devices
Walker, A.; Höhn, O.; Micha, D.; Wagner, L.; Helmers, H.; Dimroth, F.; Bett, A.		Conference Paper
2015Low temperature effects in photovoltaic devices for deep space missions
Hoheisel, R.; Walters, R.J.; Bett, A.W.		Conference Paper
2015NGCPV: A new generation of concentrator photovoltaic cells, modules and systems (a final review)
Datas, A.; Cristóbal, A.B.; Sala, G.; Anton Hernandez, I.; Minano, J.C.; Benítez, P.; Algora, C.; Bett, A.W.; Lackner, D.; Niemeyer, M.; Philipps, S.P.; Siefer, G.; Ekins-Daukes, N.J.; Roca, F.; Cancro, C.; Luque-Heredia, L.; Warmuth, W.; Baudrit, M.; Okada, Y.; Sugiyama, M.; Hishikawa, Y.; Takamoto, T.; Araki, K.; Fukuyama, A.; Nishioka, K.; Suzuki, H.; Kuze, N.; Moriyasu, Y.; Kita, T.; Kotagiri, A.; Kojima, N.; Martí Vega, A.; Yamaguchi, M.; Luque, A.		Conference Paper
2015Pathway and technologies for the transformation of the energy system: Presentation held at Sustainability Summit 2015, Freiburg, Germany, October 20, 2015
Bett, A.W.; Henning, H.-M.		Presentation
2015Photoluminescence-based current-voltage characterisation of individual subcells in multi-junction devices
Alsonso-Álvarez, D.; Lackner, D.; Philipps, S.P.; Bett, A.W.; Ekins-Daukes, N.J.		Conference Paper
2015Photovoltaic Cells with Increased Voltage Output for Optical Power Supply of Sensor Electronics
Helmers, H.; Wagner, L.; Garza, C.E.; Reichmuth, S.K.; Oliva, E.; Philipps, S.P.; Lackner, D.; Bett, A.		Conference Paper
2015Quantum efficiency measurement of concentrator photovoltaic modules
Mundus, M.; Rapp, C.; Missbach, T.; Siefer, G.; Hohl-Ebinger, J.; Bett, A.W.; Warta, W.		Conference Paper
2015Research strategies to approach the 50% efficiency barrier with multi-junction solar cells: Presentation held at National Scientific Conference "Next Generation Solar" 2015, Toronto, USA, May 13-14, 2015
Bett, A.W.		Presentation
2015Specularity of concentrator mirrors for CPV measured with VLABS
Schmid, T.; Heimsath, A.; Hornung, T.; Nitz, P.		Conference Paper
2015Technical analysis and optimization of a high concentrating photovoltaic power tower
Ordóñez Moreno, K.; Heimsath, A.; Wiesenfahrt, M.; Schöttl, P.; Nitz, P.		Conference Paper
This publication list has been generated from the publication database Fraunhofer-Publica.