Press Releases

In order for the sunlight to be optimally utilized by photovoltaic modules, they must be cleaned regularly. Chemical cleaning additives are intended to enhance the cleaning effect. However, these can bring with them a high potential for damage. The Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics CSP has developed a test method to investigate the material compatibility of such cleaning agents and effects on the functionality of modules.

Photovoltaic (PV) modules are designed for a service life span of more than 25 years. However, first signs of damage to the electrical insulation can already be observed in many modules after only being in use for 4-8 years. This applies often to modules with polymeric back sheets. The Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics CSP, along with four other research institutes, is working on an improved field-relevant test method for these back sheets. Materials and processes are thereby tested under real operating conditions for an operational service life span of more than 20 years.

In cooperation with seven partners from industry and research, the Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics CSP in Halle (Saale) is scaling up climate-neutral photoelectrochemical generators separating hydrogen from water to commercial capacity.

Inverters are the essential key component for feeding the electrical energy generated by solar modules into the power grid. How can failures and malfunctions of these inverters be reduced? The Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS is investigating this question in cooperation with DiSUN Deutsche Solarservice GmbH and DENKweit GmbH as part of the "robStROM" project funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action.

In their joint “VR4PV” project, the Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics CSP, the Fraunhofer Institute for Factory Operation and Automation IFF, DENKweit GmbH and Dexor Technology GmbH conducted research on how to reduce the operating costs of solar parks and thus generate solar energy more cost-effectively in the future. Using a digital twin, novel measurement methods and machine learning, the research partners succeeded in optimising the operational management of photovoltaic parks.

On the initiative of the European Metropolitan Region of Central Germany, the Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics CSP and the Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, around 40 stakeholders from the eastern German solar industry and representatives from the States of Saxony-Anhalt, Saxony, Thuringia and Brandenburg gathered today in Halle (Saale). The workshop focused on the potential of the solar industry to create value for the region and the possibilities of institutional, cross-state cooperation.

How can microstructural defects that affect the overall performance of an electrolyzer be located non-destructively? Until now, this has been difficult as common methods are non-imagining. Here the "VACE-LIT" method developed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials IMWS offers a solution.

The encapsulation of solar cells is of great importance for the overall performance of a solar module. Only if this has a seamless finish, protection of the solar cells from environmental influences can be guaranteed. In a new project, Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics CSP and its partners are investigating the ideal degree of cross-linking for module reliability in order to increase the stability, reliability of supply, system performance and productivity of photovoltaic systems.

The Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics CSP in Halle (Saale) has been awarded as one of "Germany's most innovative companies" for the fourth time in a row. The ranking is compiled by the business magazine »Capital« in cooperation with the market research service provider »Statista« and is based on surveys among industry and innovation experts.