Center for High-Efficiency Solar Cells – Cornerstone laid for a new laboratory building at Fraunhofer ISE
For more than 30 years, the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE has been one of the world’s leading research institutes for solar energy. In the field of photovoltaics, which focuses on converting sunlight into electrical energy, the institute has repeatedly set world records for efficiency for various solar cell technologies, thereby helping to put Germany at the forefront of international research and development in this area. In order to strengthen Germany’s leading position, the institute is now constructing a new building with a clean room equipped to handle the latest technological challenges. The cornerstone of the “Center for High-Efficiency Solar Cells” was laid on October 4, 2017 in Freiburg. By financing this building, the federal government and the government of Baden-Württemberg are signaling their commitment to photovoltaic research in Germany.
Back in 2006, the goal of PV-TEC was not only to reduce the cost of solar electricity but also to establish quality assurance for efficient R&D in photovoltaics, thus supporting and strengthening the German and European PV industry. Additionally education and training are important at PV-TEC. At its start, PV-TEC was equipped to process the classic screen printed solar cell. Later with support from the federal and state governments, the system technology could be augmented to manufacture more up-to-date solar cell structures with passivated surfaces. In all, the laboratory has contributed significantly to the introduction of new technologies in industrial production over the past ten years.
