Integrated Photovoltaics

The integration of PV technology in buildings, vehicles and roadways and its incorporation into agricultural and water areas as well as in urban areas promises a technical potential of several terawatts of installable capacity. Instead of conflicts of use, there are synergies such as strengthening climate resilience in agriculture and for bodies of water, noise protection on roads and railways and weather protection for vehicles and traffic routes.

We develop technologies that help to tap into this attractive potential. Integrated PV requires individual solutions that meet multifunctional and often aesthetic requirements. We support our customers in the development of special module designs and the selection of suitable materials.

In our accredited calibration laboratory CalLab PV Modules, we determine the precise performance data of the modules under various operating conditions and create the basis for yield simulations. We test the reliability of innovative module designs based on new materials in our accredited TestLab PV Modules and prepare the product certification. In the Outdoor Performance Lab, we examine and evaluate the performance of PV modules and systems in operation.

The integration of photovoltaics is often accompanied by an adaptation and optimization of the entire electrical system. We therefore develop customized, holistic solutions including battery storage and power electronic converters, from system planning to software.

 

Fields of Work

In the research topic "Integrated Photovoltaics" we focus on the following fields of work:

Building-integrated Photovoltaics

Building physics modeling, development and evaluation of building-integrated PV modules

Road-integrated Photovoltaics

Module and system development for PV road roofing and PV noise protection.

Urban Photovoltaics

Technical optimization and quality assurance of PV on sealed surfaces in cities and municipalities.

Vehicle-integrated Photovoltaics

Technology development for the mechanical and electrical integration of photovoltaics in vehicles.

Agrivoltaics

Technical optimization and quality assurance of agrivoltaic systems for maximum yields of PV energy and crop.

Floating Photovoltaics

Analysis of the interaction between PV and water, technical optimization and quality assurance.

Studies and Analyses

We prepare potential studies, yield forecasts, techno-economic analyses and life cycle analyses for all integrated PV technologies.

Calculating Land Potential

At Fraunhofer ISE, we investigate the potential for integrated PV at local, regional and national level on the basis of geographical information systems (GIS). We take specific boundary conditions into account by means of multi-criteria decision analyses of current PV technologies. This also includes the current stock of the respective PV technology.

Our services for municipalities, federal states and industry

  • Recording and classification of boundary conditions
  • Spatially resolved solar potentials for various PV technologies
  • Site evaluation based on various criteria (e.g. geographical, legal and technical factors)
  • Localization and classification of suitable areas
  • Scenario-based solar potentials
  • Yield simulations for various module technologies, including bifacial PV

Yield Forecasts

Fraunhofer ISE draws on meaningful radiation and weather data and simulates the structure of the system precisely. Yield-reducing factors such as soiling and shading are precisely determined.

Techno-economic and Life Cycle Analyses

We analyze the costs for specific components, complete systems and ultimately for power generation (€/kWh), depending on materials and manufacturing processes. As part of a sustainability assessment, we can determine CO2 emissions, energy and material efficiency over the entire life cycle.

R&D Infrastructure

At Fraunhofer ISE, we benefit from this infrastructure for our research and development activities:

 

Photovoltaic Modules

Module-TEC

Module Technology Evaluation Center

Production and Process Technology and Extensive Analysis Options for Module Technology

 

Photovoltaic Modules

CalLab PV Modules

Our services range from the calibration of individual cells and modules to customer-specific tasks such as the calibration of bifacial modules.

 

Photovoltaic Modules

TestLab PV Modules

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

 

Outdoor Performance Lab

Precise Evaluation of PV Modules

 

Building-integrated Photovoltaics

TestLab Solar Façades

Optical and thermal characterization of façade-integrated PV components

Selected Research Projects

 

PVwins

Development of Wall-Integrated PV Elements for Noise Protection

 

Design2PV

Development of industrially manufacturable BIPV modules with high efficiency, innovative design and great design freedom

 

PV2GO

Solar Potentials of German Traffic Routes

Information Materials & Flyers on the Topic "Integrated Photovoltaics"

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    In order to determine the solar radiation potential of passenger cars, we are currently investigating and measuring solar radiation on German roads as part of a citizen science campaign with 80 vehicles. The data will be used in new simulation models for solar radiation on traffic routes. This would allow drivers to calculate how far they could drive with solar energy, at what time and on which route.

    download [ PDF  1.08 MB ]

Current Publications on the Topic "Integrated Photovoltaics"