Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS
Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS
Wechselrichter Defekt
© Fraunhofer IMWS
Rasterelektronenmikroskopische Abbildung eines geschädigten Relais-Kontaktes nach zyklischer Strombelastung.

Improved methodology for predicting the reliability of inverters

The causes of defects and failure processes in inverters are not yet sufficiently well understood. In the “Reliability Design” project, the Fraunhofer IMWS has supported the development of more precise methods for lifetime predictions.

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© Fraunhofer IMWS

DWV Innovationspreis Sauerstoff
© Landesmesse Stuttgart GmbH & Co. KG
Dr. Franziska Hönig wurde mit dem DWV-Innovationspreis geehrt. Es gratulierten Prof. Dr. Walter Czarnetzki (Hochschule Esslingen, Mitglied der Jury, links) und Prof. Dr. Ulrich Blum (ITEL, Erstgutachter der Dissertation).

Oxygen as a valuable by-product of water electrolysis: Franziska Hönig receives DWV award for her dissertation

In her doctoral thesis, Dr. Franziska Hönig focuses on the potential of oxygen, which is also produced during electrolysis, in particular for the economic efficiency of decentralized energy systems.

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© Landesmesse Stuttgart GmbH & Co. KG

BIPV Alu
© Fraunhofer CSP
Das erste umgesetzte »AluPV«-Konzept stellt eine Kombination aus Designelement und flachem PV-Streifenelement aus Aluminium-Profilen dar.

Modular aluminum elements with integrated PV modules

Production processes for connecting photovoltaic modules with aluminum components are investigated at Fraunhofer CSP. They allow efficient energy generation, architectural freedom of design and cost-effective manufacturing processes. Initial results will be presented at the EU PVSEC from September 23 to 27 in Vienna.

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© Fraunhofer CSP

© Fraunhofer CSP
Das 380 Watt-Solarmodul entstand als »Bio-Modul-Prototyp« innerhalb des Projekts »E2 – E-Quadrat. Erneuerbare Energien aus Erneuerbaren Rohstoffen«.

Sustainable solar modules made from renewable raw materials

In the recently completed project “E2 - E-Quadrat. Renewable energies from renewable raw materials” the Fraunhofer CSP, together with partners, has developed a solar module in which the components that are not directly required for light-to-electricity conversion are made from biodegradable materials, recyclable materials or renewable raw materials.

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© Fraunhofer CSP

© Fraunhofer CSP
Innovative Analytik, Bewertung und Qualifizierung von Materialien und Rohstoffen ist am Fraunhofer CSP durch eine hochmoderne Ausstattung möglich.

Recycling photovoltaic modules for a sustainable value chain

The recycling of components from end-of-life solar modules is an important approach to the sustainable use of resources. This is where the recently launched joint project "RETRIEVE" comes in. The Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics CSP is contributing its expertise in material analysis and process optimization.

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© Fraunhofer CSP

© Fraunhofer CSP
Die am Fraunhofer CSP vorhandene Mess- und Klassifizierungsplattform »MK4« bietet Pro-zess- und Datenanalytik für die Hochleistungs-Photovoltaik-Produktion.

Digitalised production lines for solar cells and modules made in Europe

Solar cells made in Europe can set themselves apart from the competition through highly efficient technologies and compliance with environmentally friendly produc-tion processes and standards. This is where the EU-funded joint project PILATUS comes in, which aims to create three digitalised pilot lines for the production of silicon wafers, solar cells and PV modules in Europe by 2025.

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© Fraunhofer CSP

Novel encapsulation and backsheet films for extreme durability of photovoltaic modules

The quality and manufacturing of the encapsulation and backsheet films play an important role in the reliability of a solar module. Together with partners, the Fraunhofer CSP is investigating new types of encapsulation and backsheet films for PV modules that should have a service life of at least 40 years.

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© Fraunhofer CSP
UV-Bestrahlung der Rückseite eines PV-Moduls über einen langen Zeitraum, um UV-induzierte Veränderungen an den Polymerrückseiten zu erwirken.

New standardizable method for testing PV module back sheets

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 CSP 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.

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© Fraunhofer CSP

Innovations and quality assurance for PV

Photovoltaik Bestaendig Konstanz Test
© Fraunhofer CSP
The performance of solar cell modules is analyzed on the institute’s test panel.

To make photovoltaics more efficient, to improve the reliability and life of solar cells and modules and to develop new, microstructure-based technologies for our clients – these are our goals at the Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics CSP. The main areas of our work are in solar cell diagnostics, the manufacture and evaluation of silicon wafers and issues regarding module technology and module reliability.

We work along the respective value-adding chains with all relevant technologies and find solutions to material and process-related challenges. We open up new possible applications for photovoltaics, for example, through curved or particularly lightweight modules for use in or rather on buildings and in car roofs or systems for use in extreme climates, and in doing so we contribute to climate research.

We offer:

  • Failure diagnostics and reliability analysis
  • Characterization of photovoltaic materials
  • Power measurement and yield analysis
  • Production and evaluation of semiconductor wafers
  • Life and environmental simulation
  • Development and prototypical production of solar modules and their reliability testing under laboratory and climatic conditions
  • Hydrogen production and storage in interaction with renewable energy