Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE
Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE

Research Projects

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  • EmitterPlus

    Integrated Process for Formation of Gas-Phase Emitters and Selective Contacts

    © Fraunhofer ISE

    Schematic representation of the solar cell structure with RVD emitter on the front and passivating contact on the back.

    In the project “EmitterPlus”, gas phase emitters (RVD: rapid vapor-phase direct doping) are investigated as an alternative to conventional emitters in solar cells with selective contacts (TOPCon: tunnel oxide passivated contacts). The aim is to develop an integrated process for emitter diffusion and annealing of the selective contacts, with which solar cells can be produced with an efficiency of 25%. For this purpose, existing processes will be adapted and further developed. In addition to the demonstration of highly efficient solar cells, the process and machine know-how necessary for an industrial implementation of the gas phase emitter process will be generated in order to subsequently develop the industrial implementation together with machine builders. | Duration: 06/2018 - 05/2020

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  • PoTaSi – Demonstration of the Potential of Monolithic Tandem Solar Cells Made of III-V Semiconductors and Silicon

    Triple solar cell with thin layer stack of epitaxially grown III-V compound semiconductors

    Image of a manufactured triple solar cell using scanning electron microscopy. The thin layer stack of epitaxially grown III-V compound semiconductors was bonded onto the silicon sub-cell, which is about 280 μm thick. The colouring was done according to an EDX element analysis.

    Increasing the efficiency of solar cells is one of the key factors in further reducing electricity generation costs. Multi-junction solar cells make this possible by converting the solar spectrum more efficiently in the different subcells. In the project "PoTaSi”, tandem solar cells made of III-V semiconductors are produced and analyzed on a silicon solar cell, whereby the monolithic integration of the partial cells is carried out by means of wafer bonding. The aim is to determine the technological potential of this tandem technology using optimized cell structures, calibrated measurements and optoelectronic simulation. To this end, the best available technologies are used and further developed in all areas. | Duration: 10/2017 - 9/2020

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  • SiTaSol – Application Relevant Validation of c-Si Based Tandem Solar Cell Processes with 30 % Efficiency Target

    III-V/Si tandem solar cell
    © Fraunhofer ISE

    III‑V Si tandem solar cells produced at Fraunhofer ISE on a wafer with a diameter of 100 mm.

    Crystalline silicon solar cells dominate the photovoltaic market due to the high availability of silicon, their low cost and their proven reliability over many years. A simple silicon solar cell, however, can only reach a limited efficiency. On the other hand, III-V multi-junction solar cells have already demonstrated that almost twice as much electricity can be generated on an area of the same size. | Duration: May 2017 - October 2020

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