Wolfgang Mildner presenting the SolarTAP Project at the MID Summit 2024 in Stuttgart.

3D-MID Summit 2024: Advancing Innovation

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On October 23, 2024, the MID Summit & MID Workshop took place at Hahn-Schickard in Stuttgart, Germany. This two-day event, jointly organized by Hahn-Schickard and the Research Association 3-D MID e.V., served as a premier platform for professionals in the field of Mechatronic Integrated Devices (MID) to explore the latest technological advancements, engage with industry experts, and participate in technical presentations and workshops.

A highlight of the summit was the presentation by Wolfgang Mildner, network manager for the SolarTAP Project. In his talk titled “SolarTAP – A Technology Acceleration Platform for Emerging PV Technology from the Lab to the Fab,” Mildner introduced the SolarTAP initiative, a Helmholtz Association project aimed at accelerating the deployment of printed photovoltaic technologies, such as organic photovoltaics and perovskites. The initiative focuses on integrating solar energy solutions into sectors like agriculture, construction, and transportation, working closely with industrial partners to bring these technologies to market readiness.

Attendees networking at the MID Summit 2024 in Stuttgart, discussing innovative MID technologies.
Networking Session at MID Summit 2024

The MID Summit & MID Workshop 2024 featured a diverse program, including expert presentations from both industry and research sectors, a poster session showcasing current research projects, and a trade exhibition. Participants had the opportunity to engage in workshops on topics such as new research areas, printed hybrid electronics, sustainability, and market research. The event facilitated networking and knowledge exchange among professionals, fostering collaboration and innovation within the MID community.

Overall, the MID Summit & MID Workshop 2024 provided valuable insights into the latest developments in MID technologies and their applications, highlighting initiatives like SolarTAP that aim to bridge the gap between research and industrial implementation.

Hidronik Network group photo at the Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg for Renewable Energy.

Hidronik Network Explores Sustainable Energy Solutions

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On October 19, 2024, the Hidronik Network visited the Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg for Renewable Energy (HI ERN), a leading research institution dedicated to developing material- and process-based solutions for the sustainable and cost-effective utilization of renewable energies.

Dr. Jens Hauch presented the innovation platform Solar TAP and guided the visitors through HI ERN’s state-of-the-art laboratories.

Dr. Jens Hauch presenting Solar TAP's advancements to Hidronik Network participants during their visit to the Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg.
Dr. Jens Hauch presenting Solar TAP’s advancements to Hidronik Network participants during their visit to the Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg.

Hidronik Participants engaged in discussions with experts, exploring cutting-edge research in printable photovoltaics and hydrogen technologies. The visit fostered valuable connections and opened opportunities for future collaborations in sustainable energy technologies.

This collaboration between Hidronik and HI ERN exemplifies the synergy between industry and research institutions, driving innovation in sustainable energy technologies.

1. Network General Assembly at KITr

1. Network General Assembly at KIT

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Official launch of the SolarTAP industry network

On October 7, the first general assembly of the Solar TAP network took place at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), marking an important milestone for the Solar TAP community. At this event, key industry partners came together to elect the first board members of the Solar TAP network and lay the foundation for future collaborations.

Dr. Christian Camus from LayTec and Dr. Tobias Stubhan from SCIPRIOS GmbH were elected as Solar TAP board members. Dr. Christian Camus will use his experience in academic and industrial research to facilitate effective technology transfer from academia to industry. Dr. Tobias Stubhan, founder of a deep-tech startup, is committed to promoting technology development and transfer within Solar TAP, driven by SCIPRIOS’ mission of “Making Science Better”.

Dr. Jens Hauch the Solar TAP Manager, presented to the industry participants how technology transfer projects at Solar TAP can be accelerated by a factor of ten thanks to the existing partner network and infrastructure, standardized proposals, model contracts, and personnel. This enables Solar TAP members to drive innovation forward more effectively and efficiently.

During the assembly, participants engaged in active discussions and collaborative brainstorming sessions on key topics, including the emerging photovoltaic/multi-benefit value chain, accelerated technology development, roadmapping for value creation, and maximizing the benefits of the network.

The event concluded with a guided tour of KIT’s laboratories, offering participants a firsthand experience of the facilities available to network members.

Copyright: Ralf-Uwe Limbach / Karen Forberich / Stefanie Ditze

Photovoltaics meets agriculture

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Agri-PV systems in the focus of the 3rd Solar TAP Industry

Düren/Jülich, 10 – 11 April 2024 – Within the Solar TAP innovation platform (short for “Solar Technology Acceleration Platform for emerging Photovoltaics”), industry and science work hand in hand to rapidly develop new photovoltaic technologies to market maturity. The platform’s third industry day focussed on the integration of photovoltaics in agriculture, also known as Agri-PV. This ground-breaking technology promises to revolutionise the efficiency of agriculture and at the same time pave the way for sustainable energy.

Agri-PV: How the production of solar power and plants can succeed side by side

Lightweight, flexible and customisable: Printed innovative photovoltaic technologies (so-called “emerging photovoltaics”) offer more than just the generation of sustainable energy. One example of an application with multiple benefits is agri-photovoltaics (agri-PV for short), which offers enormous potential for Germany’s energy transition. Prof. Ulrich Schurr, Director of the Institute of Plant Sciences at the Jülich Research Centre (IBG-2), highlighted the global status in his keynote speech and thus set the focus of the “3rd Solar TAP Industry Day”. Dr Matthias Meier-Grüll (IBG-2) added an overview of the Agri-PV demonstration projects at Forschungszentrum Jülich.

Read the complete article here (German)

Helmholtz-Innovationsplattformen: 1. Statusseminar at EnCN, Nürnberg on 05.12.2023

1st Helmholtz Innovation Platform Status Symposium

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Solar TAP at the Forefront of Emerging PV Technologies: A Recap of the Helmholtz Innovation Seminar

On December 5, 2023, SolarTAP proudly participated in the Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft Innovation Flagships Status Seminar held at the Energy Campus Nuremberg (EnCN). The event marked a significant stride in our commitment to spearheading innovation in photovoltaic technologies.

Helmholtz-Innovationsplattformen: 1. Statusseminar at EnCN, Nürnberg on 05.12.2023
Helmholtz-Innovationsplattformen: 1. Statusseminar at EnCN, Nürnberg on 05.12.2023
Helmholtz-Innovationsplattformen: 1. Statusseminar at EnCN, Nürnberg on 05.12.2023

From 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, our team, alongside the bright minds from Hi-Acts and SOOP, showcased our recent advancements. Led by our esteemed Steering Committee members Christoph Brabec, Eva Unger, Ulrich Lemmer, and supported by Hannah Funk from VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH, Solar TAP presented our latest research and development projects.

The seminar focused on the implementation status of our initiatives, featuring discussions on team structures, portfolio development, and insightful market analysis. Our presentation highlighted our recent achievements in partnerships and provided a platform for exchanging marketing strategies and networking activities.

A special segment dedicated to Solar TAP emphasized our mission to drive breakthroughs in Emerging PV Technologies. Attendees had the opportunity to engage in a vibrant discussion about the sustainability of innovation platforms and the potential for future breakthroughs.

We also explored the collaborative efforts towards common marketing and brand development strategies. The day concluded with a collective discussion on how we can further integrate our marketing efforts across various platforms including print and trade shows.

This seminar was not just a reflection of our past achievements but also a stepping stone towards future innovations. We thank all participants and organizers for making this event a success and look forward to continuing our journey in revolutionizing the energy sector.

2. Solar TAP Industry Day at the Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin on 10.11.2023

2. Solar TAP Industry Day

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The 2nd Solar TAP Industry Day in Berlin on November 10, 2023, gathered over 65 industry experts and researchers to discuss the advancement of multi-benefit photovoltaic technologies.

The event focused on the collaborative efforts between industry and science to accelerate the market readiness of innovative, lightweight, and flexible photovoltaics.

2. Solar TAP Industry Day at the Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin on 10.11.2023
2. Solar TAP Industry Day at the Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin on 10.11.2023
2. Solar TAP Industry Day at the Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin on 10.11.2023
2. Solar TAP Industry Day at the Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin on 10.11.2023
2. Solar TAP Industry Day at the Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin on 10.11.2023
2. Solar TAP Industry Day at the Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin on 10.11.2023

Participants engaged in a structured roadmapping process to refine application profiles for key sectors such as building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), agriculture, and transportation. Laboratory tours at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin provided insights into cutting-edge research infrastructure supporting these developments.

The event underscored the significant potential of multi-benefit PV in expanding renewable energy applications.

Event Details:

  • Date: 10.11.2023
  • Time: 08:30 am – 05:00 pm
  • Location: Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin / BESSY II Lecture Hall, Albert-Einstein-Straße 15, D-12489 Berlin

Agenda:
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1. Solar TAP Industry Day at the Energy Campus Nuremberg on 21.07.2023HI ERN/Kurt Fuchs

1. Solar TAP Industry Day

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The Solar TAP project, funded by the Helmholtz Association, aims to accelerate “Multi-Benefit” photovoltaic technology through collaboration between top research centers.

Join us to learn more about Solar TAP, connect with industry leaders, and participate in the kickoff workshop for roadmap development.

1. Solar TAP Industry Day at the Energy Campus Nuremberg on 21.07.2023
1. Solar TAP Industry Day at the Energy Campus Nuremberg on 21.07.2023
1. Solar TAP Industry Day at the Energy Campus Nuremberg on 21.07.2023
1. Solar TAP Industry Day at the Energy Campus Nuremberg on 21.07.2023

On July 21, 2023, the first “Solar TAP Industry Day” took place in Nuremberg, attended by over 60 professionals from industry and academia who gathered to learn about and network around new photovoltaic technologies.

The event served to introduce the Solar TAP innovation platform, aimed at accelerating the transfer of technology from the laboratory to the industry, focusing on “multi-benefit” photovoltaics and associated technologies. Participants, including 18 companies, took the opportunity to introduce themselves through short presentations and engage in in-depth discussions.

Two keynote presentations highlighted the crucial connection between research and industry, addressing the challenges and opportunities for new PV solutions. A subsequent workshop was held to develop a joint roadmap, setting the framework for future collaborations.

The day concluded with a tour of HI ERN’s “Solar Factory of the Future,” where printable organic solar cells are being developed.

Event Details:

  • Date: 21.07.2023
  • Time: 09:00 am – 02:15 pm
  • Location: EnCN, Nürnberg

Agenda:
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