Research Projects

The goal of the project is the provision of algorithms to generate intra-day and day-ahead forecasts of PV power generation optimized for the specific PV system and its location. The algorithms to be developed are supposed to increase the economic efficiency of decentralized energy management systems with respect to one or several specified variables, such as the maximization of internal consumption, prevention of curtailment, grid usefulness, peak load reserve or storage design. | Duration: September 2016 - December 2019

The agrivoltaic project in Mali and the Gambia (APV-MaGa) is a research and development project that aims at proofing the technical and economic viability of an integrated triple land-use system in order to contribute to a more ecological and socio-economic sustainable development of the partner countries and in general, the West African economy. Thus, the double land use of agrivoltaics is extended by the range of water management. Furthermore, APV-MaGa aims at uniting agricultural research, socio-economic strategies and solar energy expertise to reveal challenges and opportunities of APV systems and to gain a deeper understanding of synergies and interactions between the Food-Water-Energy-Nexus. | Duration: 08/2020 - 12/2023

State-of-the-art methods are used to achieve maximum module performance from a given cell performance under laboratory conditions (Standard Testing Conditions STC). This optimization is an essential part of the product development for module manufacturers and suppliers in accordance with today's common evaluation of PV modules based on a specific price €/Wp. However, this consideration does not go far enough. The research project "CTS1000+" takes the next decisive step from a module optimized under laboratory conditions to a module with an increased energy yield (kWh) per installed power (kWp): It extends the Cell-To-Module (CTM) consideration in the direction of the overall system (Cell-To-System (CTS)). In a second step, the financial side is added: Improvements are also evaluated in terms of costs. The goal of the sub-project and the overall project is to reduce the electricity production costs (€/kWh) and to increase the achieved yields (kWh/kWp) through optimized modules and components. Necessary steps for this are an understanding of the mechanisms at work, the development of simulation and analysis tools, component optimization, adaptation of the PV module, and the development and application of advanced characterization methods. | Duration: 12/2019 - 11/2022

How should PV trackers optimally track? This question is being researched in the project »DeepTrack« together with PV Zimmermann Tracker GmbH. In DeepTrack, the latest AI and power plant simulation methods are applied to maximize the yield of complex power plants, such as Agri-PV power plants. The methods are implemented and investigated in a pilot plant at the solar test field in Merdingen. | Duration: 03/2023 - 02/2025

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

In the HUMAX research project, various measures to build humus and improve soil carbon content will be investigated in different combinations. The aim is to identify possible synergies of the measures and to show combined application options. A unique feature of the HUMAX project is that these measures are to be applied in agrivoltaic systems (AV) and agroforestry systems (AFS). In an innovative approach of the HUMAX project, humus increasing measures (cover crops, winter greening, compost application, etc.) will be combined and tested with other promising measures such as biochar. By combining the various humus-building measures, new ways shall be found to maximize the build-up of humus, the carbon sequestration and therefore the function of the soil as a carbon sink. For this purpose, the effects of the combinations of measures on soil carbon and agriculture in AV and AFS systems are examined. Building on this, a modular system will be developed that will allow farmers to put together the best possible combination of measures for targeted carbon and humus management in their business, given their general conditions at the site. As part of the project, research at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems focuses on the systemic and microclimatic analysis of various AV systems. The results are statistically evaluated and modeled in connection with the agronomic and soil physical studies in order to optimize AV systems with regard to microclimatic changes and build-up of soil organic carbon i.e., humus. | Duration: 05/2023 - 04/2029

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

Peatlands and other organic soils cover almost 7% of the agricultural land in Germany and their drainage-based use causes around 44% of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from agriculture and agricultural land use due to the mineralization of peat soils, approx. 43 million t. CO2-eq. in 2021 (UBA 2023). Rewetting is the most effective measure to reduce emissions. In order to achieve the climate targets that Germany has set itself, at least 50,000 ha of currently drained peatlands must be rewetted each year. The combination of PV systems and rewetting could be a significant lever for achieving this goal. | Duration: 12/2024 - 06/2028

Project in the Business Area: Photovoltaics, Photovoltaic Modules and Power Plants, Topic: Photovoltaic Power Plants, Duration: 04/2020 - 03/2023

Project in the Business Area Photovoltaics; Power Electronics, Grids and Smart Systems; Topic: Photovoltaic Modules and Power Plants; System Integration - Electricity, Heat, Gas; Fields of Work: Photovoltaic Power Plants; Forecasting of Solar Irradiance and Power; Duration: September 2016 - Dezember 2019