Sustainable Integration of Photovoltaic Systems Into Buildings and Infrastructure

At the Fraunhofer ISE, we are working together with our partners to improve building-integrated photovoltaic solutions in Europe. The core for the development of this technology is a state-of-the-art matrix shingle pilot plant in the Module-TEC of the Fraunhofer ISE. Using this plant, we are producing prototypes for building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). Our offer is aimed at companies that want to enhance the efficiency, shading resilience, and aesthetics of their products.

Initial Situation

Europa has set a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030. Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) could contribute to this, but there are still obstacles: flexible, automated production lines capable of manufacturing customized BIPV modules economically are scarce. Aesthetic integration of PV modules into facades and roofs also remains a challenge. Traditional wiring technologies show significant energy losses when partly shaded, a common occurrence on buildings. Matrix shingle technology can address these issues. However, prototypes that demonstrate the potential of this technology for building integration have been lacking so far.

Objective

Our goal is to make solar energy the most affordable energy source a fundamental part of modern construction. We are developing cutting-edge photovoltaic products that seamlessly integrate into buildings and are resource-efficient, visually appealing, and multifunctional.

Approach

At the Fraunhofer ISE's Module-TEC, we operate a pilot plant for matrix shingle technology, where we can produce BIPV modules in a range from 1 to 5000 pieces. We are optimizing the wiring process using conductive adhesive (ECA) and developing new module designs for various building applications, including lightweight roof modules, facade elements, carport modules, and noise barrier modules. By producing pilot series, we achieve a high technological maturity level (TRL 6–7), preparing the transition from research to industrial application. The modules are tested at five European locations under real conditions to validate their performance and reliability.

Results

Since the pilot plant became operational in early 2025, over 4700 matrix shingle modules have been manufactured, with a Grade-A rate of 97%. Simulations with over 3000 shading scenarios show that matrix shingle modules deliver up to 71% more energy than conventional half-cell modules when partially shaded. At the demonstrator building in Pully (Switzerland), the TOPCon matrix roofing shingles achieve 38.4 kWp – more than double the output of conventional residential modules on the same roof area. In collaboration with the project partner Freesuns, custom-designed glass-glass modules for heritage buildings have been developed and installed. Currently, field data is being collected at five European locations.

• Voltec Solar
• Etway
• Heliup
• M10 Industries AG
• Uniresearch BV
• Icares Consulting
• Bequerel Institute France
• Comissariat A L Energie Atomique Et Aux Energies Alternatives (CEA)
• Freesuns SA
• Centre Suisse D'eletronique Et De Microtechnique SA (CSEM)
• Ecole Polytechnique Federale De Lausanne (EPFL)
• Soprema