Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE

R&D for Energy Transition

With its research, the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE makes a significant contribution to a sustainable, economical, secure, and socially just energy supply on a global scale. As one of the world‘s largest solar research institutes, our goal is to drive forward the energy transition, by providing viable technological solutions, which are generated through excellent research results, successful industry collaborations and spin-offs. At Fraunhofer ISE around 1,400 employees conduct research in four key areas: energy provision, energy distribution, energy storage, and energy use.


In the market-oriented business areas of Photovoltaics: Materials, Cells and Modules​, Photovoltaics:​ Production Technology and TransferSolar Power Plants and Integrated PhotovoltaicsElectrical Energy​ StoragePower Electronics and GridsClimate-Neutral​ Heat and BuildingsHydrogen Technologies as well as System Integration, the Institute develops materials, components, systems and processes. In addition, we perform analyses, carry out studies and provide consultations. Fraunhofer ISE‘s state-of-the-art R&D infrastructure, with 22,300 m² of laboratory space, enables us to perform cutting-edge research at an international level. In our laboratories accredited according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025, we offer customized testing and certification procedures. Fraunhofer ISE is certified according to the quality management standard DIN EN ISO 9001:2015 and according to the standard DIN EN ISO 50001:2018 for energy management.

 

Fraunhofer ISE - Newsletter

You are interested in up-to-date information on our R&D activities?

 

Fraunhofer ISE -
Annual Report 2024/25

[PDF  10 MB]

Current Press Releases

 

Press Release #31 / 10.11.2025

Fraunhofer ISE Spin-Off Heat Pumps Watch Provides Neutral Facts About Heat Pumps

The spin-off led by scientist Dr. Marek Miara aims to provide orientation on the topic of heat pumps for professionals, policymakers, and homeowners considering a change in their heating systems. 

 

Press Release #30 / 3.11.2025

Fraunhofer ISE Research Project Completed: Heat Pumps Provide Climate-Friendly Heating in Existing Buildings

Over four years, researchers conducted detailed measurements on 77 heat pumps in single-family to three-family homes. 

 

Press Release #29 / 14.10.2025

Energy transition in the railway power grid: direct feed-in of solar power through innovative inverters

The project "PV4Rail" examined how the grid of Deutsche Bahn can be utilized for the feed-in of solar power.

 

Press Release #27 / 26.9.2025

Innovative Production Processes for the Core Components of Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers

Fraunhofer ISE has established a versatile platform for research on the production of membrane electrode assemblies.

News and Events

 

Trade Fairs, Conferences and Workshops

13.11.2025

Callum Gannon Receives Gerda Ruf Award

Callum Gannon received the Gerda Ruf Award 2025 for his outstanding master's thesis in the field of solar cell metallization. The juniorscientist conducted his research at the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Freiburg and at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE. Under the title “Development of a Laser Structured Electroplating Mask for III-V//Si Solar Cell Metallization,” Gannon investigated a novel approach to front-side metallization for highly efficient III-V solar cells. The Gerda Ruf Award is funded by the Fritz Hüttinger Foundation.
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10.11.2025

ERC Synergy Grant for Research on Highly Efficient Solar Cells

For their research project on highly efficient solar cells, Prof. Dr. Stefan Glunz from the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE and the University of Freiburg, Prof. Dr. Christoph Ballif from the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), and Dr. Stéphane Collin from the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) in Paris have received a Synergy Grant. The funding from the European Research Council (ERC) supports excellent international research teams.
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15.10.2025

Dr. Elias Frei appointed deputy director of Fraunhofer ISE

The head of the "Hydrogen Technologies" division additionally assumes the representation for institute director Prof. Dr. Andreas Bett as of October 1, 2025.
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2.10.2025

Fraunhofer ISE Receives German Sustainability Award

The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE has been awarded the German Sustainability Award (“Deutscher Nachhaltigkeitspreis”) for companies in the "Research and Development" sector. This was announced today by the Foundation for the German Sustainability Award e.V. The award is given to Fraunhofer ISE for its research and development achievements towards sustainability as well as for its commitment to integrating sustainability into operational processes.
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Current Posts from "Innovation4E", the Research Blog of Fraunhofer ISE

We want to share our expertise with you. The research blog of Fraunhofer ISE  »Innovation4E« offers a platform for information and exchange.