Solar Power Plants and Integrated Photovoltaics

We conduct research to ensure that innovative, high-quality and cost-effective solar installations are created on all suitable surfaces. To this end, we develop methods and technologies for PV modules, solar power plants and their applications. The integration of solar technology in urban areas, in transportation infrastructure, agriculture and water bodies opens up huge additional land potential. With comprehensive quality assurance and innovative measurement methods, we support our customers in the successful implementation of their PV projects with sustainably increased performance and service life. 

Along the phases of the Fraunhofer ISE quality cycle - Development, Engineering, Procurement, Commissioning and Operation - we develop customized solutions. Our team characterizes the performance of new module technologies and tests their reliability in the laboratory and in the field. Flexible, renewable energy sources increase the importance of PV forecasting systems, for solar power trading, grid management and the operation and management of solar power plants. Another important aspect is the cost-efficient use of energy management options. Precise solar forecasts allow an improved integration of solar energy into our energy system. Our services also cover solar thermal power plants and their combination with photovoltaics and power-to-X technologies.

Research Topics

In the Business Area "Solar Power Plants and Integrated Photovoltaics​", our work focuses on the following research topics:

 

Module Analysis and Reliability

 

Photovoltaic Solar Power Plants

 

Integrated Photovoltaics

 

Solar Thermal Power Plants

 

Solar Energy Meteorology

R&D Services

We support our customers in the successful implementation of their solar projects with comprehensive quality assurance, innovative measurement methods and simulation tools. Our aim is to minimize risk while increasing performance and service life. We develop customer-oriented solutions and investigate potential for improvement - from the component to the system.

PV Modules

  • Module analysis and damage assessment
  • Reliability of module components
  • Degradation modeling
  • Tests for integrated PV applications

PV Power Plants

  • Potential analyses and feasibility studies
  • Yield assessments
  • Glare reports
  • Quality assurance and AI-based data analysis
  • Trouble-shooting and fault detection
  • Evaluation of new system concepts

Integrated PV

  • Potential analyses and feasibility studies
  • Economic and ecological evaluation
  • System simulation and monitoring
  • Innovative solutions for modules and systems

For agriphotovoltaics, floating PV, vehicle-integrated PV, urban PV, biodiversity PV and BIPV.

Solar Thermal Power Plants

  • System optimization
  • Long-term measurements and evaluation
  • Evaluation of new system concepts

R&D Infrastructure

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

 

Outdoor Performance Lab

Precise Evaluation of PV Modules

 

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.

Contact

Anna Heimsath

Contact Press / Media

Anna Heimsath

Solar Power Plants and Integrated Photovoltaics, Photovoltaic Solar Power Plants

Fraunhofer ISE
Heidenhofstr. 2
79110 Freiburg

Phone +49 761 4588-5944

Daniel Philipp

Contact Press / Media

Daniel Philipp

Module Analysis and Reliability

Fraunhofer ISE
Heidenhofstr. 2
79110 Freiburg

Phone +49 761 4588-5414

Harry Wirth

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Dr. Harry Wirth

Integrated Photovoltaics

Fraunhofer ISE
Heidenhofstr. 2
79110 Freiburg

Phone +49 761 4588-5747

Gregor Bern

Contact Press / Media

Dr. Gregor Bern

Solar Thermal Power Plants

Fraunhofer ISE
Heidenhofstr. 2
79110 Freiburg

Phone +49 761 4588-5906

Elke Lorenz

Contact Press / Media

Dr. Elke Lorenz

Solar Energy Meteorology

Fraunhofer ISE
Heidenhofstr. 2
79110 Freiburg

Phone +49 761 4588-5015

Current Publications on the Topic “Solar Power Plants and Integrated Photovoltaics”