Credentials

Photovoltaics is one of the key technologies for a climate-neutral and secure energy supply. However, to further increase the performance of modern solar cells, it is necessary to advance not only the cells themselves but also the processes used to create their electrical connections. This is precisely where the “LOTSE” research project at the Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS in Halle (Saale) comes in.

The development of microelectronic applications requires high-performance, ultra-pure starting materials. In collaboration with PSC Polysilane Chemistry GmbH, the Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS in Halle (Saale) is working on the “SilaTec” project to develop a modular process and analytical platform for the production, purification, and quality control of such precursor materials.

The energy transition places high demands on the reliability of solar systems, power grids, battery storage systems, and other electrical energy systems. That is why it is important to detect potential damage or signs of aging early on, before they lead to performance declines, costly repairs, or even outages. This is where the “ALIVE” project at the Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS in Halle (Saale) comes in.

In photovoltaic technology, not only higher efficiencies but also reduced material consumption, sustainable materials, as well as the reliability and durability of solar modules are becoming increasingly important. Glass-glass modules, in which solar cells are protected between two glass panes, offer significant potential. By using thinner glass sheets (less than 2.2 mm thick), material usage and weight can be reduced. At the same time, however, ensuring sufficient mechanical stability becomes more challenging. This is where the "SmaShGlas" project of the Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics CSP in Halle (Saale), Germany, comes in.

In the TruStable research project, we are developing data-driven and physics-based models to predict the degradation of perovskite-silicon tandem cells. By combining cell and module analysis, accelerated aging tests, field trials, and innovative microanalysis, we aim to identify aging mechanisms at an early stage and significantly improve the reliability of the technology.

Growing global PV developments and implementations go hand in hand with an increasing number of IP problems and patent infringement lawsuits. The IP Protection project aims to develop high-resolution material and thin-film analysis methods for next-generation solar cell technologies, thereby contributing to the protection of intellectual property rights of German and European market participants.

PFAS are used in hydrogen technologies but pose significant environmental and health risks. The UPeM project is developing standardized methods to measure and assess the release of these substances—laying the groundwork for safe applications in fuel cells and electrolysis.

Photovoltaic systems are constantly exposed to environmental factors during operation. Dust, pollen, agricultural emissions, or other deposits on the module surfaces lead to so-called soiling effects and can significantly reduce the energy output of PV systems. At the same time, regular cleaning and manual inspections are time-consuming and not always economically viable. In the collaborative project “PV-SoilSens,” the project partners plan to develop an energy-self-sufficient and self-regenerating soiling sensor.

Mitteldeutschland entwickelt sich zu einem wichtigen Standort der Wasserstoffwirtschaft. Der Erfolg hängt jedoch stark von qualifizierten Fachkräften ab. Um das vorhandene Potenzial für grünen Wasserstoff auszuschöpfen, braucht es gezielte Weiterbildung, neue Lernformate und eine enge Zusammenarbeit zwischen Wissenschaft, Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft.