Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE
Concentrator photovoltaics employs cheap optics to focus sunlight onto small solar cell surfaces, with different systems distinguished by their solar concentration factor. Our work primarily focuses on low and medium concentration (>1 - 50x) and high concentration (300 - 1000x) systems.
The solar cell assembly, comprising a substrate, solar cell and electrical contacts, is a key component in concentrator photovoltaic (CPV), power-by-light or thermophotovoltaic (TPV) systems. Different system designs utilize different solar cell assembly structures, and we produce such assemblies with active and passive cooling systems in various sizes.
High concentration systems employ III-V multi-junction solar cells, and the development of such systems at Fraunhofer ISE is based at the Concentrator Technology Evaluation Center (Con-TEC).
Modified silicon or thin-film solar cells are used in low concentration modules. We develop these in our PV Module Technology Evaluation Center (Module-TEC) and at Con-TEC, thus combining expertise in silicon flat-plate module technology and high concentration photovoltaics.
Research at Con-TEC and the Module-TEC primarily focuses on optimizing design, manufacturing processes and CPV module reliability. Our expertise in the field of thermal, optical and electrical simulation is shared with our clients, and we optimize and develop both manufacturing processes and innovative systems.
A variety of experimental methods are available for characterizing CPV components.