Research Projects

Project in the Business Area Photovoltaics; Topic: Silicon Photovoltaics; Fields of Work: Epitaxy, Si-Foils and SiC Deposition; Duration: July 2012 - June 2016

Project in the Business Area Photovoltaics; Topic: Silicon Photovoltaics; Field of Work: Feedstock and Crystallization and Wafering; Duration: April 2015 - April 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

In order to produce perovskite layers of the highest quality for perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells, we are pursuing a hybrid route combining vacuum evaporation and solution deposition. The two processes complement each other perfectly to enable the deposition of perovskite layers on micrometer-sized silicon pyramids. This has enabled us to achieve efficiencies of over 32%. We are now transferring this technology to our Pero-Si-SCALE technology platform using industrially scalable equipment for full wafer sizes (M12). | Laufzeit: 05/2023 - 04/2026

The growing market for galvanically metallized (plating) solar cells requires innovative technology in the field of laser structuring - a higher resolution for smaller conductor paths, a large processing field for growing wafer formats and faster beam deflection for shorter process times. In "Miracle", Fraunhofer ISE and five industrial partners are coming together to jointly develop and build new system concepts that will make laser structuring for plating more economical and competitive and thus enable high silver savings in solar cell production. | Duration: 02/2023 - 01/2026

The rooftop PV and BIPV systems recommended by the European Commission in the EU Solar Strategy are being used more and more frequently, which is why rules for their environmental impact assessment are considered necessary. However, the detailed life cycle analysis is currently not available and is therefore the subject of intensive research. For EPDs (type 3 eco-labels), neutrality and independent verification of in-depth environmental data are important criteria. Although PCRs for creating EPDs for PV modules and PV systems are already available, there is currently no such comprehensive PCR that leads to harmonized EPD results for PV modules as well as for PV rooftop and BIPV systems and at the same time enables standardized, both product- and use-specific assessments. | Duration: 06/2024 - 05/2026

In the “HeriSol” project, listed buildings are being transformed from pure energy consumers into prosumers. Three real-life demonstrators show planners, architects, monument conservators, and building users how such a transformation can be achieved and how coloured building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) with MorphoColor® technology, bio-based thermal insulation, and micro heat pumps with Peltier elements can contribute to this. Digital tools such as BIM, digital twins, WLCA (whole life carbon assessment), PV simulations and visualisation, and living labs support planning with the goal of architectural, legal, and social integration. | Duration: 12/2024 - 11/2027

Project in the Business Area: Photovoltaics; Topic: Silicon Photovoltaics, Perovskite and Organic Photovoltaics​; Fields of Work: High-Efficiency Silicon Cell Fabrication and Analysis, Perovskite Silicon Tandem Photovoltaics​, Silicon Bottom Cells for Tandem Photovoltaics​; Duration: 04/2022 - 03/2025

The energy transition in the EU is resulting in a potential increase in resource requirements as well as relocation effects of raw material-related emissions abroad. Material efficiency, material substitution and the circular economy are increasingly being supported by political framework conditions, both to reduce the environmental impact of material production and to reduce supply risks in the supply chains. At the same time, the issue of local production and value creation to strengthen technological sovereignty is being given concrete form (e.g. IPCEI battery, EU Solar Energy Strategy, EU Critical Raw Materials Act, National Circular Economy Strategy (NKWS)). However, detailed assessments of the effects of these resource strategies, taking into account the EU objectives in terms of environmental impact, energy requirements, resource requirements, costs of the energy transition and supply chain security and a recommendation on strategies for measures and instruments to leverage potential for sustainable and resource-saving developments are lacking. | Duration: 01/2025 - 12/2027

Project in the Business Area: Photovoltaics; Research Topic: Photovoltaic Modules and Power Plants; Field of Work: Module Technology; Duration: 11/2019 - 10/2022