Ongoing Research Project

The “PV-GreenHHouse” project is investigating how different PV technologies can be integrated into existing greenhouses. The project partners – Fraunhofer ISE, Geisenheim University (HGU), the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW), and the Center for Business Administration in Horticulture (ZBG) (ZBG), in collaboration with the commercial grower Knobi Blumen in Hamburg, are addressing key challenges facing urban horticulture in Hamburg, particularly rising energy costs, climate adaptation, and the need for decarbonization. The goal is to develop practical solutions to increase energy efficiency and sustainably strengthen the industry’s competitiveness. | Duration: 01/2026 - 09/2029

Source Energy Company and Fraunhofer ISE have developed a new concept for resilient space solar power. By combining silicon-based solar cells with innovative shingle-matrix interconnection technology, they've engineered modules that withstand micrometeorite impacts, extreme temperature swings, and still deliver 76% of their original power after seven years in orbit—opening new possibilities for cost-effective LEO (low earth orbit) satellite missions. | Duration: 11/2023 - 09/2026

At Fraunhofer ISE, we are working together with our partners to improve building-integrated photovoltaic solutions in the EU and Switzerland. At the heart of this work is our matrix shingling pilot plant at Fraunhofer ISE's Module-TEC (link). We use this plant to manufacture prototypes for buildingintegrated photovoltaics (BIPV). Our services are aimed at companies that want to improve the efficiency, shading resilience, and aesthetics of their products. | Duration: 11/2023 - 10/2026

In the Shirkan 2.0 project, matrix shingle technology will finally become competitive through targeted further development and consistent cost reduction. In addition a new, high-throughput matrix shingle stringer, a system for automated cross-connection and a product configurator for the efficient design of matrix shingle modules are being developed. Using anisotropic conductive adhesives, the shingling of highly efficient silicon heterojunction solar cells and completely lead-free matrix shingle modules that are variable in size and shape are also being researched. The aim is to use matrix shingle technology, a globally unique PV module innovation whose machine technology and application intelligence originate from Germany, to secure an innovative market segment for the German photovoltaic industry in the long term. | Duration: 08/2023 - 07/2026

The majority of the building stock in Germany is in need of energy-efficient refurbishment - the annual refurbishment rate is less than 1%. In order to achieve the climate policy targets in the construction sector, an energy renovation rate of well over 2% per year and a rapid switch to renewable energy sources in building operation are required. In addition, considerable increases in efficiency in production are necessary. The Fraunhofer lead project "Bau-DNS" aims to significantly increase productivity in the construction industry, particularly in building refurbishment, and at the same time create the conditions for cost reductions. Three parallel process strands are being pursued, which are highly interdependent and must therefore be optimized simultaneously: the consistent use of data, the design of sustainable processes and the systemic production of components. | Duration: 01/2023 - 12/2026

The “GLADIR” project aims to reduce or eliminate barriers to R-strategies for existing glass in the construction industry through the use of digital technologies. On the one hand, it promotes resource conservation by developing sustainable and circular window and facade solutions and by reusing scrap glass panes. On the other hand, the project aims to achieve raw material savings by increasing the amount of recycled glass—in the form of high-quality glass cullet—that is reintroduced into float glass production. | Duration: 06/2026 - 05/2029

Project in the Business Area: Energy Efficient Buildings; Topic: Heat Pumps; Duration: 01/2023 - 12/2025

In existing multi-family homes, complex technology, heterogeneous data and a lack of standardised solutions present a hurdle to the decarbonisation using heat pumps. In the "MAMMUT" project, Fraunhofer ISE is working with project partners and an expert group of various HVAC companies to develop a system configurator for the retrofitting of multi-family homes. It captures the building condition and customer requirements, proposes suitable conversion options and thus supports consultation, planning and quotation preparation. This is intended to significantly facilitate the transition from fossil fuel heating systems to heat pumps. | Duration: 01/2026 - 12/2027

In the "batterFLY" collaborative project, five research institutions are working alongside experts from the aviation industry on innovative battery concepts. Their aim is to develop a battery cell that meets the aviation sector’s stringent requirements for service life, energy and power density, and safety, and which supports the drive towards sustainable aviation. In this context, Fraunhofer ISE is responsible for safety assessment, carries out abuse tests and provides the project partners with insights into compliance with the strict safety requirements. | Duration: 01/2026 - 12/2029

The housing sector is under pressure to find economically viable and socially acceptable ways to renovate its housing stock in a climate-neutral manner. Together with housing companies, “OptiPort” is developing a practical optimisation tool that calculates optimal renovation pathways for multi-family housing portfolios whilst accounting for real-world constraints such as skills shortages, financing and social acceptability. The project provides concrete renovation recommendations, assesses environmental and socio-economic impacts, and derives recommendations for action and policy for the sector. | Duration: 09/2024 - 08/2027