Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE

R&D for Energy Transition

With its research, the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE makes a significant contribution to a sustainable, economical, secure, and socially just energy supply on a global scale. As one of the world‘s largest solar research institutes, our goal is to drive forward the energy transition, by providing viable technological solutions, which are generated through excellent research results, successful industry collaborations and spin-offs. At Fraunhofer ISE around 1,300 employees conduct research in four key areas: energy provision, energy distribution, energy storage, and energy use.


In the market-oriented business areas of Photovoltaics: Materials, Cells and Modules​, Photovoltaics:​ Production Technology and TransferSolar Power Plants and Integrated PhotovoltaicsElectrical Energy​ StoragePower Electronics and GridsClimate-Neutral​ Heat and BuildingsHydrogen Technologies as well as System Integration, the Institute develops materials, components, systems and processes. In addition, we perform analyses, carry out studies and provide consultations. Fraunhofer ISE‘s state-of-the-art R&D infrastructure, with 22,300 m² of laboratory space, enables us to perform cutting-edge research at an international level. In our laboratories accredited according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025, we offer customized testing and certification procedures. Fraunhofer ISE is certified according to the quality management standard DIN EN ISO 9001:2015 and according to the standard DIN EN ISO 50001:2018 for energy management.

 

Fraunhofer ISE - Newsletter

You are interested in up-to-date information on our R&D activities?

 

Fraunhofer ISE -
Annual Report 2025/26

[PDF  10 MB]

Current Press Releases

 

Press Release #25 / 9.9.2026

More Energy at the Same Weight: Fraunhofer ISE Optimizes Battery Cells

Together with partners from research and industry, Fraunhofer ISE has modified the structure of battery electrodes so that the battery cells can store 10 to 15 percent more energy at the same weight. 

 

Press Release #24 / 3.9.2026

Methanol Qualified as a Feedstock for Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Methanol has been recognized as an approved feedstock for the alcohol-to-jet production pathway. Methanol-to-jet blending components can be produced and mixed with at least 50 percent by volume of conventional kerosene to create a “drop-in” fuel.

 

Press Release #23 / 24.8.2026

Semi-transparent PV Modules Developed Us-ing an Industry-ready Manufacturing Process

The University of Freiburg and Fraunhofer ISE have built 14.5 by 14.5- centimeter organic PV modules with an average transparency of 43.2 percent and an efficiency of up to 9.26 percent, using processes that are industrially proven. 

 

Press Release #21 / 4.8.2026

Silicon Photovoltaics Make Power Generation in Space More Cost-Effective

The American company Source Energy and Fraunhofer ISE have jointly developed a new product line for space satellites based on silicon solar cells. The solar arrays are using a special interconnection technology. 

News and Events

 

Trade Fairs, Conferences and Workshops

9.9.2026

How hot does a battery cell really get? Minimally invasive core temperature measurement of battery cells

At high discharge currents, the temperature inside a lithium-ion cell is usually inaccessible to measurement; measurements are typically taken at the cell casing. Yet the heat generated during discharge is critical to safety and service life—and thus also to the design of the battery management system. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, in collaboration with Hilti AG, have developed a minimally invasive method for retrofitting thermocouples into the electrode core of commercial pouch cells. The results have been published as open access in the Journal of The Electrochemical Society.
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4.9.2026

“PaNaBat” International Platform: Fraunhofer ISE Supports Research on Sustainable Battery Raw Materials

Lithium has become an indispensable part of our daily lives, yet its extraction takes a toll on the environment and local livelihoods. This is where the German-Chilean research project “PaNaBat” comes in: a joint networking platform aims to strengthen collaboration in research, education, technology transfer, and industrial cooperation in the areas of sustainable battery raw materials, lithium extraction, and battery recycling. Fraunhofer ISE is contributing its extensive laboratory and research infrastructure for the development of battery materials and cell technologies.
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27.8.2026

A New Milestone for Photovoltaics: Solvent-Free Tandem Solar Cells

Researchers from the Early-Career Research Group on Optoelectronic Thin-Film Materials at the Institute for Sustainable Technical Systems (INATECH) at the University of Freiburg and the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE have developed a new process chain for perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells that operates entirely without solvents. The research findings have now been published in the renowned journal Joule.
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30.7.2026

Indo-German Research on Floating Photovoltaic Systems

The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) in Shimla, India. The goal is to collaborate on research projects in the field of renewable energy, to facilitate the joint supervision of master’s and PhD students and to offer exchange programs. The collaboration will focus in particular on research into floating photovoltaic systems as well as agrivoltaics.
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Current Posts from "Innovation4E", the Research Blog of Fraunhofer ISE

We want to share our expertise with you. The research blog of Fraunhofer ISE  »Innovation4E« offers a platform for information and exchange.