Press Releases

PV Rollout – 3rd European American Solar Deployment Conference, Atlanta, Georgia— February 28, 2013— VDE, a globally recognized premium certification body, today announced the establishment of a U.S.-based wholly owned subsidiary, VDE Americas. One of the first key activities is the introduction of a set of premium tailored products for the testing and certification of complete large scale PV systems with the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, a world-class applied research institute for solar energy. The new quality mark—VDE Quality Tested for PV Power Plants—verifies the complete certification of solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants, including quality, performance and safety of the PV system.

Photovoltaic systems are different, but not more dangerous, than traditional electrical installations. This is the conclusion drawn at a fire protection workshop held on January 24, 2013 by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE and TÜV Rheinland at the Solar Info Center in Freiburg. The workshop was attended by 120 participants, including manufacturers, researchers, representatives from the fire brigade and insurance companies. They agreed that the best fire protection is the adherence to the existing regulations through qualified skilled workers.

Freiburg and Abu Dhabi, January 17, 2013 The International Renewable Energy Agency IRENA and the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance their cooperation. IRENA, the global hub for renewable energies, is based in Abu Dhabi. Fraunhofer ISE in Freiburg is one of the world’s leading solar energy research institutes that works for providing technologies for the transformation of the global energy system towards the efficient use of ultimately 100% renewable energy. “By joining forces we intend to create synergies and accelerate the deployment of energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions on a global level,” said Prof Dr Eicke R. Weber, Director of Fraunhofer ISE at the signing ceremony which took place on Freiburg and Abu Dhabi, January 17, 2013 The International Renewable Energy Agency IRENA and the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance their cooperation. IRENA, the global hub for renewable energies, is based in Abu Dhabi. Fraunhofer ISE in Freiburg is one of the world’s leading solar energy research institutes that works for providing technologies for the transformation of the global energy system towards the efficient use of ultimately 100% renewable energy.

Fraunhofer and The University of British Columbia UBC in Vancouver, Canada will partner to jointly develop technologies for sustainable energy production and supply.

On January 15, 2013, the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, located in Freiburg, participates in the Zayed Future Energy Prize award ceremony. The Institute competes as one of three finalists in the category Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) for the well-endowed prize. The candidates have been selected concerning their impact affecting tangible industrial, social or environmental changes as well as their leadership in the field.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE and SCHOTT Solar AG have agreed on the transfer of 111 patent families in the field of crystalline silicon photovoltaics. With this transfer, both partners ensure that comprehensive know-how in the photovoltaic sector remains in Europe. “We have established an important milestone for keeping this future-oriented technology in Germany,” says the Institute’s director, Prof. Eicke Weber.