III-V Solar Cells, Modules and Concentrator Photovoltaics

In the business area "III-V Solar Cells, Modules and Concentrating Photovoltaics", we are working on the most efficient PV technology and looking for economically attractive solutions. The III-V solar cells we develop are known for their high performance and long-term stability and we continue to set new benchmarks with international record values.

One focus of our research is to reduce the manufacturing costs through new production processes. In addition to requirements from space and concentrator photovoltaics (CPV), we also address solutions for mass markets, such as vehicle-integrated photovoltaics (VIPV) for electromobility.

With the help of our excellent laboratory infrastructure, we work both on the development and optimization of next-generation solar cells and on adapting these devices to the specific requirements of our customers. We cover a wide range of topics, such as ultra-thin flexible cells and modules, engineered substrates with different lattice constants, innovative processes for cost-effective cell production, nanostructured mirrors, and advanced measurement technology. In concentrating photovoltaics, we cover all aspects of solar cells, optics, module technology and systems, up to, for example, the production of solar hydrogen. Finally, we use our expertise in the development of photonic and power electronic components for other applications, such as optical power transmission or thermophotovoltaics (TPV).

 

Fields of Work

In the topic "III-V Solar Cells, Modules and Concentrating Photovoltaics" we deal with the following fields of work:

III-V Material Develop- ment and Epitaxy

Process Technology and Device Fabrication

Modeling and Design of III-V Solar Cells and Devices

Development of III-V Silicon Tandem Solar Cells

Characterization of III-V Solar Cells and Modules

Packaging Technolo- gies and Reliability Testing for III-V Solar Cells and Modules

Concentrating PV Modules

R&D Infrastructure

This infrastructure is available to us at Fraunhofer ISE for our research and development activities:

 

Center for High Efficiency Solar Cells

We test and optimize advanced PV technologies in more than 1000 m² of state-of-the-art clean room and laboratory space. Innovative processes and technologies are researched in this center for future use in industry, including wet-chemical processes, photo and laser lithography, nanoimprint laboratory, vapor deposition of metals and dielectrics.

 

CalLab PV Cells

The accredited calibration laboratory CalLab PV Cells at Fraunhofer ISE offers high-precision, reproducible calibrations and measurements of all types of solar cells according to international standards, for example, spectral responsivity/quantum efficiency, reflectance, current-voltage measurements, especially under variable spectra and intensities, various broadband and laser light sources as well as filters are available.

 

Concentrator Technology Evaluation Center Con-TEC

Con-TEC has a wide range of assembly and connection technologies available for the development and assembly of customized modules and packages. We test components and production processes with a focus on reliability and material analysis. We develop prototypes and produce small series to evaluate new components, designs and processes.

Selected Reserach-Projects

 

50 Prozent

Monolithic III-V Multi-Junction Solar Cells with More than 50 % Efficiency under Concentrated Irradiation

 

micro-CPV

Development of a Highly Concentrating CPV Module Based on Modern Micro-Production Technology

 

H2Demo

Development of Demonstrators for Direct Solar Water Splitting

 

HIPERION

Hybrid Photovoltaics for Efficiency Record using Integrated Optical Technology

 

QuintuMod

Development of a Low-cost and High Efficient Solar Module Using a Solar Cell with 5-pn Junctions

 

HyCon

Solar Hydrogen Generation Using a HyCon System

 

PoTaSi

Demonstration of the Potential of Monolithic Tandem Solar Cells Made of III-V Semiconductors and Silicon

Current Publications on the Topic "III-V Solar Cells, Modules and Concentrator Photovoltaics"