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

Contact Press / Media

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”

Jahr
Year
Titel/Autor:in
Title/Author
Publikationstyp
Publication Type
2025 Impact of string connection and contact defects on electrical current distribution in solar cells and modules: A model validated by magnetic field imaging
Tummalieh, Ammar; Mittag, Max; Weber, Julian; Yucebas, Damla; Schäfer, Levin; Quay, Rüdiger; Reichel, Christian; Neuhaus, Holger
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
2025 Algorithm for continual monitoring of fog based on geostationary satellite imagery
Jahani, Babak; Karalus, Steffen; Fuchs, Julia; Zech, Tobias; Zara, Marina; Cermak, Jan
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
2024 The added value of combining solar irradiance data and forecasts: A probabilistic benchmarking exercise
Lauret, Philippe; Alonso-Suárez, Rodrigo; Amaro e Silva, Rodrigo; Boland, John; David, Mathieu; Herzberg, Wiebke; Le Gall La Salle, Josselin; Lorenz, Elke; Visser, Lennard; van Sark, Wilfried; Zech, Tobias
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Journal Article
2024 Improved Uniformity and Anisotropy of Through-Mask Electrochemical Micromachining by Localized Etching and Homogeneous Flow
Jakob, Leonie; Eckert, Jonas; Podevijn, Carl; Kluska, Sven; Junginger, Mathias; Ranzinger, Christian; Bartsch, Jonas
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Journal Article
2024 The Impact of Measurement Conditions on Solar Cell Efficiency
Rauer, Michael; Fell, Andreas; Wöhler, Wilkin; Hinken, David; Reichel, Christian; Bothe, Karsten; Schubert, Martin; Hohl-Ebinger, Jochen
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
2024 Effect of Inhomogeneous Loads on the Mechanics of a PV Modules
Romer, Pascal; Pethani, Kishan Bharatbhai; Beinert, Andreas
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Journal Article
2024 Outdoor measurements of a full-size bifacial Pero/Si tandem module under different spectral conditions
Chojniak, David; Steiner, Marc; Reichmuth, Kasimir; Rößler, Torsten; Schmid, Alexandra; Siefer, Gerald; Glunz, Stefan
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Journal Article
2023 Benefits of pairing floating solar photovoltaics with hydropower reservoirs in Europe
Kakoulaki, Georgia; Gonzalez Sanchez , Rocio; Gracia Amillo, Ana Maria; Szabo, Sandor; Felice, Matteo de; Farinosi, Fabio; Felice, Luca de; Bisselink, Berny; Seliger, Roman; Kougias, Ioannis; Jaeger-Waldau, Arnulf
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Journal Article
2023 Lateral Currents in Shingle Solar Modules Detected by Magnetic Field Imaging
Klasen, Nils; Weber, Julian; Kraft, Achim; Neuhaus, Holger
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Journal Article
2023 Case Study on Decarbonization Strategies for LNG Export Terminals using Heat and Power from CSP/PV Hybrid Plants
Hasni, Sabrina; Platzer, Werner
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Journal Article
2023 State-of-play and emerging challenges in photovoltaic energy yield simulations: A multi-case multi-model benchmarking study
Tsanakas, Ioanis (John) A.; Lokhat, Ismaël; Jay, Arnaud; Gregoire, Clément; Schnierer, Branislav; Rusnak, Jozef; Dvonc, Lukas; Barthelot, Joséphine; Monet, Chloé; Garcia, Kevin; Lombardero, Iván; Leloux, Jonathan; Sarr, Babacar; Armbruster, Alfons; Bor, Jefferson
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Journal Article
2023 Shingling meets perovskite-silicon heterojunction tandem solar cells
Nikitina, Veronika; Reichel, Christian; Erath, Denis; Kirner, Simon; Richter, Alexei; Rößler, Torsten; De Rose, Angela; Kraft, Achim; Neuhaus, Holger
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Journal Article
2023 Modeling of thin-film interference filters on structured substrates: Microfacet-based BSDF versus ray tracing
Wessels, Andreas; Christen, Leonard; Callies, Adrian; Kroyer, Thomas; Höhn, Oliver; Bläsi, Benedikt
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Journal Article
2023 How to assess the electrical quality of solar cell interconnection in shingle solar modules
Weber, Julian; Rößler, Torsten
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Journal Article
2023 Thermomechanical design rules for photovoltaic modules
Beinert, Andreas; Romer, Pascal; Heinrich, Martin; Aktaa, Jarir; Neuhaus, Holger
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Journal Article
2023 Predictive Control of a Real Residential Heating System with Short-Term Solar Power Forecast
Villegas Mier, Oscar; Dittmann, Anna; Herzberg, Wiebke; Ruf, Holger; Lorenz, Elke; Schmidt, Michael; Gasper, Rainer
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
2023 Can synergies in agriculture through an integration of solar energy reduce the cost of agrivoltaics? An economic analysis in apple farming
Trommsdorff, Maximilian; Hopf, Michaela; Hörnle, Oliver; Berwind, Matthew; Schindele, Stephan; Wydra, Kerstin
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
2023 Photovoltaics at Multi-Terawatt Scale: Waiting is not an Option
Haegel, Nancy M.; Verlinden, Pierre; Victoria, Marta; Altermatt, Pietro; Atwater, Harry; Barnes, Teresa; Breyer, Christian; Case, Chris; Wolf, Stefaan de; Deline, Chris; Dharmrin, Marwan; Dimmler, Bernhard; Gloeckler, Markus; Goldschmidt, Jan Christoph; Hallam, Bret; Haussener, Sophia; Holder, Burkhard; Jaeger, Ulrich; Jaeger-Waldau, Arnulf; Kaizuka, Izumi; Kikusator, Hiroshi; Kroposki, Benjamin; Kurtz, Sarah; Matsubara, Koji; Nowak, Stefan; Ogimoto, Kazuhiko; Peter, Christian; Peters, I. Marius; Philipps, Simon; Powalla, Michael; Rau, Uwe; Reindl, Thomas; Roumpani, Maria; Sakurai, Keiichiro; Schorn, Christian; Schlatmann, Rutger; Schossig, Peter; Schlatmann, Rutger; Sinton, Ron; Slaoui, Abdelilah; Smith, Brittany L.; Schneidewind, Peter; Stanbery, Billy; Topic, Marko; Tumas, William; Vasi, Juzer; Vetter, Matthias; Weber, Eicke; Weeber, Arthur; Weidlich, Anke; Weiss, Dirk; Bett, Andreas W.
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2023 Low-temperature Metallization & Interconnection for Silicon Heterojunction and Perovskite Silicon Tandem Solar Cells
De Rose, Angela; Erath, Denis; Nikitina, Veronika; Schube, Jörg; Güldali, Derya; Minat, Ädem; Rößler, Torsten; Richter, Alexei; Kirner, Simon; Kraft, Achim; Lorenz, Andreas
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
2023 Analysing Grid-Level Effects of Photovoltaic Self-Consumption Using a Stochastic Bottom-up Model of Prosumer Systems
Karalus, Steffen; Köpfer, Benedikt; Guthke, Philipp; Killinger, Sven; Lorenz, Elke
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
2023 Representativeness of Energy Rating acc. to IEC 61853 for Different Locations in Middle and South Europe
Rivera Aguilar, Mariella Josefina; Reise, Christian; Kräling, Ulli
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
2023 Standard testing of absorber surface durability according to ISO 22975-3 versus measured thermal and high-humidity stress of absorber surface at extreme test sites
Kaltenbach, Thomas; Heck, Markus; Kaaya, Ismail
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
2022 The role of silver in terawatt PV production - perspectives and options
Bartsch, Jonas; Kluska, Sven; Glatthaar, Markus; Gervais, Estelle; Lorenz, Andreas; De Rose, Angela; Hallam, Brett; Yuchao Zhang , Yuchao Zhang; Tous, Loic
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Journal Article
2022 Accelerated Aging Tests vs Field Performance of PV Modules
Weiß, Karl-Anders; Klimm, Elisabeth; Kaaya, Ismail
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
2022 Agrivoltaics: Solar power generation and food production
Trommsdorff, Maximilian; Dhal, Ipsa Sweta; Özdemir, Özal Emre; Ketzer, Daniel; Weinberger, Nora; Rösch, Christine
Aufsatz in Buch
Book Article
2022 Investigation of decoupling of thermal and electrical performance of semi-transparent photovoltaic windows based on the external quantum efficiency
Zhou, Hao; Peng, Jinqing; Wilson, Helen Rose; Wang, Meng; Jonsson, Jacob; Ma, Tao; Wu, Ben; Wu, Bochao; Fu, Ganhua
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Journal Article
2022 Influence and mitigation of interference by LID and LETID in damp heat and thermal cycling tests on PV modules
Fokuhl, Esther; Mülhöfer, Georg; Wesselak, Viktor; Mikolajick, Thomas; Philipp, Daniel; Gebhardt, Paul
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Journal Article
2022 The Influence of Different Degradation Characteristics on the Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Silicon Photovoltaics: A Threefold Analysis
Herceg, Sina; Kaaya, Ismail; Ascencio-Vásquez, Julián; Fischer, Marie; Weiß, Karl-Anders; Schebek, Liselotte
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
2022 Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) products and systems: A review of energy-related behavior
Martín-Chivelet, Nuria; Kapsis, Konstantinos; Wilson, Helen Rose; Delisle, Veronique; Yang, Rebecca; Olivieri, Lorenzo; Polo, Jesús; Eisenlohr, Johannes; Roy, Benjamin; Maturi, Laura; Otnes, Gaute; Dallapiccola, Mattia; Upalakshi Wijeratne, W.M. Pabasara
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
2022 Practical recommendations for the design of automatic fault detection algorithms based on experiments with field monitoring data
Sarquis Filho, Eduardo Abdon; Müller, Björn; Holland, Nicolas; Reise, Christian; Kiefer, Klaus; Kollosch, Bernd; Costa Branco, Paulo J.
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
2022 Holistic design improvement of the PV module frame: Mechanical, optoelectrical, cost, and life cycle analysis
Tummalieh, Ammar; Beinert, Andreas J.; Reichel, Christian; Mittag, Max; Neuhaus, Dirk Holger
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
2022 FoilMet®-Interconnect: Busbarless, electrically conductive adhesive-free, and solder-free aluminum interconnection for modules with shingled solar cells
Paschen, Jan; Baliozian, Puzant; John, Oliver; Lohmüller, Elmar; Rößler, Torsten; Nekarda, Jan F.
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
2022 Solar cell efficiency tables (Version 60)
Green, Martin A.; Dunlop, Ewan; Hohl-Ebinger, Jochen; Yoshita, Masahiro; Kopidakis, Nikos; Bothe, Karsten; Hinken, David; Rauer, Michael; Hao, Xiaojing
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Journal Article
2022 A Comprehensive Study of Module Layouts for Silicon Solar Cells under Partial Shading
Klasen, Nils; Lux, Florian; Weber, Julian; Roessler, Torsten; Kraft, Achim
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Journal Article
2022 Life Cycle Assessment of PV Module Repowering
Herceg, Sina; Fischer, Marie; Weiß, Karl-Anders; Schebek, Liselotte
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
2022 FlexTrail Printing as Direct Metallization with Low Silver Consumption for Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells: Evaluation of Solar Cell and Module Performance
Schube, Jörg; Jahn, Mike; Pingel, Sebastian; De Rose, Angela; Lorenz, Andreas; Keding, Roman; Clement, Florian
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
2022 A new figure of merit for solar charging systems: case study for monolithically integrated photosupercapacitors composed of a large-area organic solar cell and a carbon double-layer capacitor
Delgado Andrés, Rodrigo; Berestok, Taisiia; Shchyrba, Kateryna; Fischer, Anna; Würfel, Uli
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
2022 Photovoltaic power forecasting methods
Kaaya, Ismail; Ascencio-Vasquez, Julian
Aufsatz in Buch
Book Article
2021 Performance Analysis of Bifacial PV Modules with Transparent Mesh Backsheet
Jang, Juhee; Pfreundt, Andrea; Mittag, Max; Lee, Kyungsoo
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
2021 International collaboration framework for the calculation of performance loss rates: Data quality, benchmarks, and trends (towards a uniform methodology)
Lindig, Sascha; Moser, David; Curran, A.J.; Rath, K.; Khalilnejad, A.; French, Roger H.; Herz, M.; Müller, B.; Makrides, G.; Georghiou, G.; Livera, A.; Richter, M.; Ascencio-Vásquez, Julián; Iseghem, M. van; Meftah, M.; Jordan, D.; Deline, C.; Sark, W. van; Stein, J.S.; Theristis, M.; Meyers, B.; Baumgartner, F.; Luo, W.
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
2021 Assessment of uncertainties and variations in PV modules degradation rates and lifetime predictions using physical models
Kaaya, Ismail; Ascencio-Vásquez, Julián; Weiß, Karl-Anders; Topic, Marko
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
2021 Evaluation of reflectance measurement techniques for artificially soiled solar reflectors: Experimental campaign and model assessment
Picotti, G.; Simonetti, R.; Schmidt, Thomas; Cholette, M.E.; Heimsath, Anna; Ernst, Sebastian-Johannes; Manzolini, G.
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
2020 Implementation of agrophotovoltaics. Techno-economic analysis of the price-performance ratio and its policy implications
Schindele, Stephan; Trommsdorff, Maximilian; Schlaak, A.; Obergfell, Tabea; Bopp, Georg; Reise, Christian; Braun, Christian; Weselek, A.; Bauerle, A.; Högy, P.; Goetzberger, Adolf; Weber, Eicke R.
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Journal Article
2020 A Genetic Algorithm Approach as a Self-Learning and Optimization Tool for PV Power Simulation and Digital Twinning
Guzman Razo, Dorian Esteban; Müller, Björn; Madsen, Henrik; Wittwer, Christof
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
2020 Advanced Analysis of Backsheet Failures from 26 Power Plants
Markert, Jochen; Eddine Mansour, Djamel; Kotterer, Sandra; Philipp, Daniel; Gebhardt, Paul
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
2020 Verification of deterministic solar forecasts
Yang, D.; Alessandrini, S.; Antonanzas, J.; Antonanzas-Torres, F.; Badescu, V.; Beyer, H.G.; Blaga, R.; Boland, J.; Bright, Jamie M.; Coimbra, C.F.M.; David, M.; Frimane, A.; Gueymard, C.A.; Hong, T.; Kay, M.J.; Killinger, Sven; Kleissl, J.; Lauret, P.; Lorenz, Elke; van der Meer, D.; Paulescu, M.; Perez, R.; Perpiñán-Lamigueiro, O.; Peters, I.M.; Reikard, G.; Renné, D.; Saint-Drenan, Yves-Marie; Shuai, Y.; Urraca, R.; Verbois, H.; Vignola, F.; Voyant, C.; Zhang, J.
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
2019 Global climate data processing and mapping of degradation mechanisms and degradation rates of PV modules
Ascencio-Vásquez, Julián; Kaaya, Ismail; Brecl, Kristijan; Weiß, Karl-Anders; Topic, Marko
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
2019 Degradation in photovoltaic encapsulant transmittance
Miller, D.C.; Bokria, Jayesh G.; Burns, D.M.; Fowler, S.; Gu, X.; Hacke, P.L.; Honeker, C.C.; Kempe, M.D.; Köhl, Michael; Phillips, N.H.; Scott, K.P.; Singh, A.; Suga, S.; Watanabe, S.; Zielnik, A.F.
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
Diese Liste ist ein Auszug aus der Publikationsplattform Fraunhofer-Publica

This list has been generated from the publication platform Fraunhofer-Publica

Information Materials & Flyers on the Topic "Solar Power Plants and Integrated Photovoltaics"

  • Floating Photovoltaics

     

    Floating photovoltaics (FPV) is an innovative technology with the potential to contribute significantly to the energy transition. Installed on floating structures in artificial bodies of water or offshore, FPV power plants can be deployed in flooded mining lakes, gravel pits and reservoirs.

    download [ PDF  0.65 MB ]
  • Integrated Photovoltaics – Activating Surfaces for the Energy Transition

     

    Photovoltaics is regarded as one of the most important pillars of the future energy supply. By the end of 2021, 59 GWP of photovoltaics had been installed in Germany, with about 75 % on roofs and the rest ground mounted. The integration of PV into buildings, vehicles and roads as well as the incorporation into agricultural and water areas and public places in urban centers unlocks vast areas for energy generation with a high economic potential.

    download [ PDF  1.36 MB ]
  •  

    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 ]
  • Solar Roofing Modules Replace Roof Tiles

     

    According to a study by Fraunhofer ISE, photovoltaic systems on Germany’s roofs have a technical potential of approx. 560 GWp. So far, rooftop systems have mostly been installed on house roofs. However, with a widespread expansion of rooftop solar installations, there is a risk that the public’s acceptance of photovoltaic systems could decline. One solution is to use integrated solar modules instead of roofing tiles, which are visually hardly distinguishable from conventional roofing tiles and produce solar power at the same time.

    download [ PDF  0.68 MB ]
  • Quality Assurance for PV Power Plants

     

    Our independant quality assurance services have been contributing to high performance and optimal yields of PV power plants for more than 30 years. Real world experience highlights the importance of system design, proper planning, engineering, component selection and construction work for successful PV systems. Thus, comprehensive quality assurance for PV power plants covers all phases of the completion process from the planning to system operation and maintenance.

    download [ PDF  0.83 MB ]