Helmholtz - Solar TAP

Solar TAP at Helmholtz Energy Parliamentary Evening

5. March 2026/in Uncategorized, Event review, Helmholtz/by Stefanie Ditze

Solar TAP contributes to discussions at the Helmholtz Energy Parliamentary Evening in Berlin.

On 4 March 2026, representatives from science, industry and politics gathered in Berlin for the Parliamentary Evening “Energy Research and Innovation for Germany’s Economic Strength.” The event, hosted at BASECAMP, focused on the role of energy research and innovation in strengthening Germany’s competitiveness and advancing the transition to a sustainable energy system.

Germany faces the challenge of achieving climate neutrality, energy security and economic competitiveness at the same time. Energy research plays a key role in connecting these objectives and accelerating the transfer of innovative technologies into industrial applications.

Exchange between research, industry and policy

The evening began with opening remarks and keynote impulses moderated by Prof. Dr. Bernd Rech (Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin). Speakers included Prof. Dr. Karl Lauterbach (Member of the German Bundestag), Prof. Dr. Martin Keller (President of the Helmholtz Association), Prof. Dr. Jan S. Hesthaven (Vice President of the Helmholtz Research Field Energy) and Prof. Dr. Thomas Thiemann (Senior Vice President Energy Transition Technologies, Siemens Energy).

**Copyright: Helmholtz Energy/Setzpfandt**

Following the opening session, participants continued the discussions at the Energy Research Marketplace, an interactive format designed to foster dialogue and exchange. At thematic tables, representatives from science and industry presented examples of collaboration and discussed current challenges and opportunities for the energy transition.

Solar TAP perspectives on innovative materials for energy technologies

One of the discussion tables focused on “Innovative Materials for Photovoltaics and Batteries.”

Here, Prof. Christoph Brabec (Forschungszentrum Jülich), member of the Solar TAP Steering Committee, and Tobias Stubhahn (SCIPRIOS GmbH), member of the Solar TAP Network Board, contributed to the discussion on advanced materials and their role in next-generation energy technologies.

Their participation highlighted the importance of close collaboration between research institutions and industrial partners to accelerate the development and implementation of new materials and technologies in the field of photovoltaics and energy storage.

Strengthening innovation through collaboration

The event demonstrated the value of open dialogue between science, industry and policymakers. By bringing together expertise from different sectors, such formats help identify pathways for strengthening technological leadership and advancing innovation in the energy sector.

Solar TAP supports this exchange by fostering collaboration between research and industry partners working on next-generation photovoltaic technologies and materials, contributing to the development of sustainable energy solutions.

Solar TAP Enables Industry Training at SFF

27. June 2025/in Helmholtz, News/by Irina Döhrer

Advancing Printed Electronics: Solar TAP Supports Industry Training at Solar Factory of the Future

Through the initiative of Solar TAP Network Member Automatic Research, a collaborative training session was held at the Solar Factory of the Future at the Energy Campus Nürnberg, part of the Solar TAP research infrastructure. The event supported Pietro Fiorentini, a customer of Automatic Research, in learning how to use sheet-to-sheet slot-die printing on various substrates and with different functional inks.

A technician from the Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nuremberg (HIERN) conducted the training and worked closely with the company to address several technical challenges encountered during the process. Expertise from the HIERN played a key role in solving specific tasks during the hands-on sessions.

Automatic Research and their customer in learning how to use sheet-to-sheet slot-die printing on various substrates and with different functional inks @copyright by Helmholtz-Institut Erlangen-Nürnberg

A central asset of the Solar Factory of the Future is its Roll-to-Roll (R2R) slot-die printing machine, which offers cutting-edge capabilities for the production of organic and perovskite solar modules. Equipped with advanced slot-die coating and laser processing technology, the industrial-scale machine enables the production of flexible solar modules at speeds of up to 2 meters per minute. It is ideally suited for both large-scale prototyping and high-throughput materials research.

Solar TAP facilitated direct collaboration between Automatic Research and top-tier slot-die printing specialists, enabling focused problem-solving and efficient knowledge transfer. This engagement drives progress in printed electronics and paves the way for new market potential across the industrial network.

By fostering these hands-on collaborations, Solar TAP gains deeper insight into practical industry challenges and scaling barriers—reinforcing its role as a vital bridge between pioneering research and real-world application.

HZB showcases building-integrated PV Innovations at Inolope Expo 2025

1. March 2025/in News, Event review, Helmholtz/by Irina Döhrer

Three exciting days at Inolope Expo 2025 are behind us.

From February 12 to 14, 2025, the inaugural Inolope Expo took place in Dortmund—an exhibition dedicated to innovative building envelopes and cutting-edge façade technologies. Held alongside the established elektrotechnik trade fair for building, energy, and industrial systems, the event attracted a diverse and expert audience, particularly interested in photovoltaics and the future of sustainable building design.

As a key partner of Solar TAP (Technology Acceleration Platform), the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) was proud to represent the platform with its Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) division. At their booth, visitors experienced hands-on demonstrations of solar façades and solar roof tiles at full scale—capturing the attention of over 360 engaged professionals throughout the three-day event.

HZB showcases building-Integrated PV Innovations © copyright by HZB/Baip

These conversations highlighted both the potential and challenges of integrating photovoltaics into architecture. HZB’s team actively addressed misconceptions, shared practical knowledge, and advised visitors on the benefits and applications of BIPV technologies—an essential focus area within Solar TAP’s mission.

In addition to the exhibition, HZB contributed to the Inolope Expert Forum, offering insights into legal frameworks, simulation tools, and findings from ongoing real-world BIPV projects.

HZB contributes to the Inolope Expert Forum, offering insights into legal frameworks, simulation tools, and findings from ongoing real-world BIPV projects © copyright by HZB/Baip

The strong presence of Solar TAP at Inolope Expo 2025 marked a successful step forward in advancing integrated photovoltaic solutions and promoting a more sustainable built environment.

2nd Helmholtz Innovation Platform Status Symposium

23. November 2024/in Event review, Helmholtz/by Stefanie Ditze

On November 21, 2024, the Solar TAP team had the opportunity to participate in the 2nd Helmholtz Innovation Platform Status Symposium, which took place at the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research in Kiel. This was an important event that brought together the three innovation platforms: Hi-Acts, SOOP and Solar TAP. These platforms, founded in 2023, aim to promote innovation and facilitate knowledge transfer within the Helmholtz Association, one of Europe’s largest scientific organizations.

Dr. Jens Hauch showcases an innovative solar solution to a visitor during the exhibition session of the symposium.

Dr. Stefanie Ditze highlights flexible OPV modules designed for innovative applications in photovoltaics.

The symposium featured a packed agenda with presentations from each platform highlighting the significant progress made over the past year. For Solar TAP, this was an excellent platform to showcase our latest research developments and strategic initiatives to advance the solar energy sector. The presentation was enriched by our industry partners who provided insights into best practices and innovative approaches to technology transfer.

In addition to the presentations, the symposium also offered interesting exhibitions where participants could learn about the work of the three platforms and exchange ideas.

Looking forward, 2025 will be an important year for Solar TAP as we evaluate our platform and prepare for future expansion and impact in the field of solar innovation.

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

1st Helmholtz Innovation Platform Status Symposium

5. December 2023/in Event review, Helmholtz/by Stefanie Ditze

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.

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.

HI ERN/Kurt Fuchs

1. Solar TAP Industry Day

21. July 2023/in Event review, Helmholtz, News/by j.hauch

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.

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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