Research Projects

Concentrator Photovoltaics (CPV) is the technology that achieves by far the highest efficiencies for converting sunlight into electrical energy. This is due to the use of highly efficient multi-junction solar cells and special optics to the focus sunlight on the solar cells. In the EU-funded project CPVMatch, a consortium of 9 research institutes and companies has dedicated itself to optimizing these two elements in terms of efficiency and manufacturability. Recently, a concentrator module with a module efficiency of 41.4% was realized at Fraunhofer ISE as part of the project - this is the highest value ever achieved for a photovoltaic module. | Duration: May 2015 - October 2018

Germany was the world's leading production location for PV cells and modules until 2007. Thereafter, cost pressure has largely shifted production abroad. Equipment manufacturers who build turnkey production lines and export them worldwide are also under pressure. With innovative PV production technologies, we are strengthening mechanical engineering, enabling them to produce faster and cheaper. If the degree of automation continues to increase, production capacities could also be built up again in Germany. The aim of the project “Gepard” is to increase productivity in solar module production and thus reduce specific module costs while ensuring maximum module reliability. Stringer and lamination technology plays a key role in this process. These technologies will be further developed together with the project partners Bürkle and M10. The aim is to design a production concept with a 200 MW production facility with one stringer and one laminator each. | Duration: 1/2019 - 12/2022

Project in the Business Area Photovoltaics; Topic: Photovoltaic Modules and Power Plants; Field of Work: Service Life and Failure Analysis; Duration: April 2015 - March 2018

Up to now, the decision to buy solar modules has mainly been driven by price. Evaluation criteria such as recyclability, CO2 emissions during production or the avoidance of environmentally harmful substances play a subordinate role in the purchasing decision. For this reason, an ecodesign regulation with an associated energy label for solar modules is being prepared at EU level and is due to come into force in 2024. The aim is to provide customers with information on the sustainability of solar modules. In addition, solar modules that exceed certain limits are to be that exceed certain limit values. | Duration: 06/2023 - 05/2026

Project in the Business Area:Photovoltaics; Topic: Photovoltaic Modules and Power Plants; Field of Work: Service Life and Failure Analysis; Duration: 01/2021 - 07/2024

Project in the Business Area: Photovoltaics, Photovoltaic Modules and Power Plants, Topic: Module Technology, Service Life and Failure Analysis, Duration: 12/2020 - 11/2023

The "MiMoRisk" project aims to reduce module-related yield risks for future PV power plants. To this end, measurement uncertainties in module characterization are reduced and module technology, material and design-specific degradation risks are identified at an early stage. | Duration: 11/2022 - 10/2025

Project in the Business area: Photovoltaics, Photovoltaic Modules and Power Plants, Silicon Photovoltaics, Topic: Module Technology, Service Life and Failure Analysis, Forecasting of Solar Irradiance and Power, Duration: 04/2018 - 03/2021

Project in the Business Area: Photovoltaics; Topic: Photovoltaic Modules and Power Plants; Work Area: Service Life and Failure Analysis; Duration: 05/2022-04/2025

Project in Business Area: Photovoltaics; Power Electronics, Grids and Smart Systems Topic: Photovoltaic Modules and Power Plants; Energy System Analysis Field of Work: Integrated Photovoltaics; Module Calibration; Duration: 11/2022 - 10/2025