Prio Optics Wins Most Impactful Technology Award at LOPEC 2025

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Solar TAP is delighted to celebrate the success of Prio Optics GmbH, under the leadership of Dr. Qiaoshuang Zhang, in developing groundbreaking achievement in optical filters with printing technology. This project, initially a transfer project from Solar TAP innovation platform at the Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT), exemplifies the successful transformation of transfer of research to real-world applications.

With the support of Solar TAP, the innovative ideas conceived at KIT’s Light Management Lab evolved significantly. Utilizing inkjet-printing techniques, the team developed unique filters that dramatically reduce material waste and energy consumption. This method of producing functional films, particularly Bragg mirrors, which selectively transmit or reflect light wavelengths, showcases advanced sustainable manufacturing practices.

This award from LOPEC 2025 reaffirms the value of collaborative efforts within the Solar TAP network, paving the way for more innovative solutions in photovoltaic technology.

We are proud of our partnership with Prio Optics and look forward to further collaborations that push the boundaries of photovoltaic technology and sustainability.

HZB showcases building-integrated PV Innovations at Inolope Expo 2025

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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.

3rd Backsheet Workshop at HI ERN Brings Experts Together in Erlangen

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HI ERN Welcomes Experts to Erlangen for the 3rd Backsheet Workshop.

The 3rd Backsheet Workshop, held from January 30–31, 2025, at HI ERN in Erlangen, brought together leading voices from research and industry to discuss the latest advances in photovoltaic backsheet materials. Prof. Christoph Brabec, Director at HI ERN and member of the Solar TAP Steering Committee, Dr. Jens Hauch, Solar TAP Manager, and Dr. Claudia Buerhop, Head of the Outdoor Group at HIERN, opened officially the workshop, setting the stage for two days of engaging presentations and discussions.

A strong emphasis was placed on polymers and glass as key components for long-term PV performance and durability. A highlight was the talk by Christian Camus (LayTec), industry partner in the Solar TAP project, who presented innovative approaches to polymer testing in PV manufacturing, demonstrating how industrial AI and in-line analytics are driving quality and reliability.

3rd Backsheet Workshop at HI ERN Brings Experts Together in Erlangen @copyright by Helmholtz-Institut Erlangen-Nürnberg

Another standout was the live demonstration of BOM identification by the pre-seed startup ANYMO from HI ERN/Forschungszentrum Jülich utilizing NIR spectroscopy, showcasing next-generation tools for fast and precise material analysis.

Many thanks to all who contributed to this inspiring and forward-looking event!

HZB Sets New World Record in CIGS Solar Cell Efficiency

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Combining two semiconductor thin films into a tandem solar cell can achieve high efficiencies with a minimal environmental footprint. Teams from HZB and Humboldt University Berlin have now presented a CIGS-perovskite tandem cell that sets a new world record with an efficiency of 24.6%, certified by the independent Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems.

Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB), in collaboration with Humboldt University Berlin, has achieved a new world record for the efficiency of CIGS-perovskite tandem solar cells. The record-breaking efficiency of 24.6% has been certified by the independent Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems. This innovative tandem cell combines a CIGS bottom cell with a perovskite top cell, leveraging advancements in contact layers between the cells. This breakthrough is a significant milestone in solar technology, promising highly efficient solar cells with a reduced environmental impact.

For more details, read the full press release here.

Innovative Advances in Perovskite Solar Cell Research

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The pv magazine currently reports on advances in perovskite solar cells.

HI ERN Researcher with advanced perovskite solar cell. Copyright: Kurt Fuchs/HI ERN

Recent research from Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg for Renewable Energy (HI ERN), featured in pv magazine, highlights a groundbreaking materials strategy for improving hole transport layers (HTLs) in perovskite solar cells. This development directly aligns with Solar TAP’s mission to enhance scalability, efficiency, and durability in next-generation photovoltaics.

HI ERN is part of the Solar TAP Technology Acceleration plattform which ensures that cutting-edge scientific advancements are translated into real-world applications. By optimizing HTLs, researchers have found ways to boost charge transport and stability—critical factors for the commercialization of perovskite-based solar technologies.

Read the complete article here.

SCIPRIOS Wins Bavarian Innovation Award 2024

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SCIPRIOS Receives Bavarian Innovation Award 2024 for Groundbreaking Work at the Intersection of Science and Industry.

Congratulations to our Solar TAP Network Member SCIPRIOS GmbH: The Fürth-based high-tech company has been awarded the Bavarian Innovation Award 2024 in the category “Cooperation between Industry and Science”. The award recognizes SCIPRIOS’s advanced automation systems, which are used in cutting-edge materials research and are accelerating the development of clean energy technologies.

SCIPRIOS’s innovations—ranging from precision measurement devices and lab robots to pilot production systems—enable key advancements in materials science. According to the award jury, these technologies not only push the frontiers of research, but also support global sustainability goals by fostering the development of core energy transition technologies such as photovoltaics, fuel cells, and batteries.

A notable highlight of SCIPRIOS’s portfolio is the Spincoating Robot system, developed using licensed technology from Forschungszentrum Jülich and the Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg for Renewable Energies (HI ERN). This innovation has further strengthened the company’s role in the Solar TAP initiative, where it contributes to scaling up printed photovoltaics from lab to industry.

SCIPRIOS Wins Bavarian Innovation Award 2024 for Groundbreaking Work at the Intersection of Science and Industry @ copyright by IHK München/Andreas Gebert

Founded in 2018 as a spin-off of FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg and HI ERN by Dr. Tobias Stubhan, SCIPRIOS has built strong ties with academic institutions in the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region to test and refine its technologies. The company previously won the IHK Start-Up Award of Middle Franconia in 2023.

Well-deserved recognition for a team that bridges science and industry to power a sustainable future!

Solar TAP Showcases Printed Photovoltaics at glasstec 2024 in Düsseldorf

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Solar TAP highlighted its innovative approach at glasstec 2024 in Düsseldorf.

From October 22 to 25, 2024, Solar TAP made a strong impression at glasstec 2024 in Düsseldorf, the world’s leading trade fair for the glass industry. The initiative presented its innovative approach to integrating glass as a key enabler in advancing solar energy applications—especially in the field of photovoltaics.

As part of the Helmholtz Association, Solar TAP brings together the expertise of Forschungszentrum Jülich, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. The platform’s mission is to accelerate the deployment of next-generation solar technologies by promoting Multi Benefit Photovoltaics—solutions that serve dual purposes beyond energy generation.

At glasstec, Solar TAP highlighted how emerging printed solar cell technologies, including organic photovoltaics (OPV) and perovskite solar cells, can be seamlessly embedded into everyday environments. These flexible, lightweight modules open new possibilities for solar integration in agriculture (Agrivoltaics), building facades (BiPV), and transportation (MobilityPV).

Solar TAP Showcases Printed Photovoltaics at glasstec 2024 in Düsseldorf @ copyright by Helmholtz-Institut Erlangen-Nürnberg

Through strategic collaboration with a wide network of industrial partners, Solar TAP drives the development and commercialization of these technologies across the entire value chain—from lab-scale research to industrial-scale manufacturing (“lab-to-fab”). The goal: to fast-track market readiness and foster broad adoption of sustainable, multifunctional solar solutions.

The exhibition at glasstec 2024 underscored the pivotal role of glass as not only a protective layer but a functional and aesthetic component in the solar revolution.

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.

Solar TAP Showcased Industry Collaboration and Innovation at ISOS‑15

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Solar TAP Emphasized the Power of Industry Collaboration and Innovation at ISOS‑15

From September 30 to October 2 2024, the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB), in collaboration with Humboldt University, hosted the 15th International Summit on Organic and Hybrid Perovskite Solar Cell Stability (ISOS‑15). Since its inception in 2008, this prestigious summit has served as a key platform for discussions on the long-term stability of third-generation solar cells and has led to important outcomes, including the influential ISOS ageing protocols.

Registration for ISOS-15. (c)copyright: Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin.

This year’s event attracted over 180 participants from academia and industry, reflecting the growing global interest in the durability and commercial viability of Emerging PV technologies.

Over 180 participants engaged in discussions on PV stability and degradation. (c)copyright: Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin.

Solar TAP was proud to sponsor and exhibit at ISOS‑15, actively supporting the global Emerging PV community. As part of its commitment to advancing next-generation photovoltaic technologies, the Solar TAP team contributed to critical conversations on material longevity, protection from degradation, and the development of reliable testing methods for device ageing.

A highlight on the opening day was the visit of César Omar Ramírez Quiroz from FOM Technologies, who stopped by the Solar TAP booth to officially deliver the signed ascension agreement—welcoming FOM as the newest member of the Solar TAP Industry Network.

Dr. Jens Hauch (Solar TAP Manager, on the right) welcomes César Omar Ramírez Quiroz from FOM Technologies as the newest member of the Solar TAP Industry Network. @copyright by Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH.

The summit addressed several key dimensions of solar cell durability. Topics included the intrinsic stability of materials—exploring how well they perform under long-term operational conditions—as well as strategies to shield devices from extrinsic environmental factors, such as moisture, oxygen, and UV radiation. Another focal point was the design and interpretation of ageing experiments, aiming to improve the accuracy and comparability of stability measurements. These discussions were essential for understanding the real-world reliability and cost-efficiency of third-generation photovoltaic technologies.

Impressions from ISOS-15: presentations, panel discussions, poster sessions, and networking. (c)copyright: Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin.

For Solar TAP, ISOS‑15 was more than just a conference—it was a powerful affirmation of the collaborative spirit driving innovation in the field. The event offered a unique opportunity to connect with leading experts, strengthen our industry network, and share our vision for accelerating the transition of emerging PV technologies into robust, multi-benefit applications.

Prof. Christoph Brabec is a director at the Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg for Renewable Energy (IET-2), a branch office of Forschungszentrum Jülich. Copyright: — Martin Leclaire

effzett: Interview with Christoph Brabec

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Prof. Christoph Brabec is a director at the Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg for Renewable Energy (IET-2), a branch office of Forschungszentrum Jülich. In the following interview excerpt, Professor Brabec discusses the importance of integrating recycling considerations into the design of photovoltaic materials and devices.

The full article is available can be read here.

Mr. Brabec, together with colleagues from Germany, the UK, and the USA, you have published a paper promoting the sustainable development of organic electronics. Could you tell us a bit more about this?

This technology is being used in more and more products. Displays are currently the largest market; you might be familiar with the terms AMOLED or OLED for TVs and smartphones. And more applications are set to be added in the coming years. To avoid producing unnecessary electronic waste in future, we need to design sustainable solutions for organic electronics today. In other words, we not only need to develop manufacturing processes and properties, but also plan for technical recycling solutions in the laboratory. In 20 years’ time, when a mass market may have developed, it will be too late.

What does organic electronics refer to exactly?

This is a collective term for electronic circuits consisting of organic polymers or smaller organic molecules. Above all, it refers to semiconductors, which are the central building blocks of all digital devices. The conventional variants are largely based on silicon, while the organic ones are mainly based on carbon. There are pure carbon semiconductors such as diamond, fullerene, or graphene. However, the typical variants are heterosystems, which contain elements such as sulphur, fluorine, or nitrogen.

Read the complete article here