Prof. Ralph Gottschalg is to become the new head of the Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics CSP in Halle (Saale). The physicist comes from Loughborough University/England. At the same time, Gottschalg will take up a professorship in the field of photovoltaic energy systems at the Anhalt University of Applied Sciences.
The 48-year-old was appointed by the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft together with Anhalt University of Applied Sciences and will take up his position on 15 April. “After more than 20 years in England I am looking forward to the new tasks. Working at the Fraunhofer CSP offers wonderful opportunities to help shape the future of photovoltaics together with many excellent colleagues. Working with clients from industry is just as appealing to me as working with the students at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences,” says Gottschalg.
Born in Karlsruhe, he received his diploma in physics from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). He holds a Master’s degree from Loughborough University near Birmingham. He became acquainted with the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft during his time at the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI, before completing his doctorate at the Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology (CREST) of Loughborough University. Gottschalg has been Professor of Applied Photovoltaics there since 2010.
“With Ralph Gottschalg, we have gained an internationally renowned photovoltaic expert. His high degree of application orientation, his outstanding research profile and his excellent international network fit in perfectly with the strategy of the Fraunhofer CSP. I am looking forward to the valuable impulses he will give us,” says Prof. Ralf B. Wehrspohn, head of the Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS. Founded in 2007, Fraunhofer CSP, a joint institution of the Fraunhofer IMWS in Halle (Saale) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Freiburg, was most recently managed by Wehrspohn on a provisional basis. Dr. Karl Heinz Küsters, who also acted as provisional director, will remain associated with the institution as a consultant.
In his research work, Gottschalg is primarily concerned with increasing energy yields and reducing costs in photovoltaics. His areas of expertise also include the simulation and modeling of the behavior of solar modules and systems as well as automation in production and measurements in quality control. In his projects, he also focuses on the framework conditions of photovoltaics, from meteorology and electricity networks to legislation and social factors.
“With Ralph Gottschalg, a very renowned researcher with a great deal of academic experience and great enthusiasm for the potential of photovoltaics will enrich our university in the future and further enhance the attractiveness of our English-language master’s degree course Photovoltaics Engineering Science,” says Prof. Jörg Bagdahn, President of Anhalt University of Applied Sciences. He established Fraunhofer CSP in 2007 and was elected President of the University in May 2016. “I am certain that Ralph Gottschalg will continue my work at Fraunhofer CSP and in the faculty of electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and industrial engineering at the university with great success.”
About the Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics CSP
The Fraunhofer CSP conducts applied research in the fields of silicon crystallization, solar module technology and solar wafer production. With the highest level of competence, it develops new technologies from ingot production to module production and is involved in the development of new materials along the value-added chain. Another focus is the evaluation of solar cells and modules as well as the electrical, optical and microstructural characterization of materials and components. State-of-the-art research and analysis equipment is available for this purpose. Fraunhofer CSP is a joint institution of the Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS and the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE.
