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A Technology Acceleration Platform
for emerging Photovoltaics

Light, flexible, semitransparent and adaptable – The Solar TAP innovation platform develops innovative solutions for multi-benefit photovoltaic applications.

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Project

Solar TAP is a Helmholtz initiative with the goal to accelerate the deployment of multi-benefit photovoltaics based on emerging printed PV-Technologies like organic photovoltaics and perovskites.

Solar TAP wants to make existing surface areas in agriculture, construction and transportation usable for the expansion of solar energy through the use of printed solar cells. In this way, not „only“ green energy is generated, but in certain applications additional benefits are created resulting in a „multi-benefit“ for the respective application.

Together with a network of industrial partners, Solar TAP is further developing the necessary technologies and transferring the results along the entire value chain „lab-to-fab“ in order to quickly make these new PV solutions market-ready and accelerate the commercial use of the technologies.

Partners

Solar TAP is a cooperation of the leading Helmholtz Centers for photovoltaic research.

In Solar TAP the three Helmholtz centers

  • Forschungszentrum Jülich
  • Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin
  • Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

Solar TAP encompasses

  • 3 Helmholtz Centers,
  • 9 major research infrastructures,
  • and more than 25 scientists.

are aligning their world class infrastructures in order to create the joint Technology Acceleration Platform and providing fast and simple access to laboratories, equipment and scientists through collaborative pre-financed projects.

Industry Network

Solar TAP wants to accelerate the transfer of technologies from „Lab-to-Fab“ through close cooperations with industry.

Within Solar TAP an active industry network is developed to foster the exchange between R&D and commercialization efforts. Solar TAP will create an environment to provide fast and proven solutions to industry by:

  • transforming innovations from low to high TRL levels.
  • reducing risks for industry by incorporating market needs into development.
  • creating a technology roadmap for printed and multi-benefit PV.
  • aligning nine world-class research infrastructures for targeted open innovation.
  • harnessing the innovative energy of Helmholtz

Our infrastructures

Solar TAP combines some of the best research infrastructures in the world for the development, simulation and demonstration of emerging PV-technologies.

The emergence of hybrid organic–inorganic metal halide perovskite semiconductors over the past decade opened a window of opportunity for next generation perovskite thin-film photovoltaics. It affords a novel opportunity to advance the power conversion efficiency of the market-dominating photovoltaic technologies based on crystalline Si or CIGS thin film photovoltaics in so-called tandem solar cells. Advancing the technological readiness of tandem photovoltaics demands research and innovation in our core areas of expertise: novel perovskite semiconductors, scalable processes to manufacture perovskite thin-films, perovskite-based tandem solar cells, nanophotonic light management structures, and energy yield modelling. The core lab enables the processing of high efficiency perovskite solar cells and perovskite-based tandem solar cells.
The emergence of hybrid organic–inorganic metal halide perovskite semiconductors over the past decade opened a window of opportunity for next generation perovskite thin-film photovoltaics. It affords a novel opportunity to advance the power conversion efficiency of the market-dominating photovoltaic technologies based on crystalline Si or CIGS thin film photovoltaics in so-called tandem solar cells. Advancing the technological readiness of tandem photovoltaics demands research and innovation in our core areas of expertise: novel perovskite semiconductors, scalable processes to manufacture perovskite thin-films, perovskite-based tandem solar cells, nanophotonic light management structures, and energy yield modelling. The core lab enables the processing of high efficiency perovskite solar cells and perovskite-based tandem solar cells.
FZJ operates within HI ERN several technology acceleration platforms (TAP) to automate synthesis, film formation, device manufacturing and characterization. These lines make it possible to optimize multiple parameters simultaneously and support researchers in the materials discovery process from materials inception to device application. The “Autonomous Materials and Device Application Platform” (AMANDA) is a custom software backbone with the capability of controlling multiple Materials Accelerations Platforms. The software allows for a high degree of automation to accelerate research while keeping the lab processes flexible. Data is collected at all stages of the process for a comprehensive and complete documentation. All data sets are interlinked and retrievable to allow systematic analyses across experiments. Processing is conducted automatically on several material acceleration platforms (MAPs) which can transport substrates, load spincoaters, perform spincoating, pattern structures and anneal the films sequentially on up to 96 substrates in parallel with variable processing parameters. All processes may be run in inert conditions. An attached evaporator, automated jV-characterization and an integrated accelerated stability testing station make it possible to finish and completely characterize photovoltaic devices made with novel materials.
FZJ operates within HI ERN several technology acceleration platforms (TAP) to automate synthesis, film formation, device manufacturing and characterization. These lines make it possible to optimize multiple parameters simultaneously and support researchers in the materials discovery process from materials inception to device application. The “Autonomous Materials and Device Application Platform” (AMANDA) is a custom software backbone with the capability of controlling multiple Materials Accelerations Platforms. The software allows for a high degree of automation to accelerate research while keeping the lab processes flexible. Data is collected at all stages of the process for a comprehensive and complete documentation. All data sets are interlinked and retrievable to allow systematic analyses across experiments. Processing is conducted automatically on several material acceleration platforms (MAPs) which can transport substrates, load spincoaters, perform spincoating, pattern structures and anneal the films sequentially on up to 96 substrates in parallel with variable processing parameters. All processes may be run in inert conditions. An attached evaporator, automated jV-characterization and an integrated accelerated stability testing station make it possible to finish and completely characterize photovoltaic devices made with novel materials.
The Helmholtz Innovation Lab HySPRINT was initiated in 2016 through financial support from the Helmholtz Initiative and Networking Fund. HySPRINT provides a cooperation platform for industry at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin with a focus on (opto)electronic devices at an early technological stage of development. The laboratory infrastructure located in the Berlin-Adlershof Technology Park provides industrial partners access to relevant technological processes and characterization methods, in particular for halide perovskite - silicon multi-junction PV technology. The success of the environment and infrastructure that was established is evident from the achievement of world-record tandem solar cells and start-ups. The HySPRINT Laboratory has facilities to optimize device layer stacks through high-throughput manufacturing and assessment of test-devices using scalable manufacturing methods. Complementary to the materials screening abilities of AMANDA, HySPRINT will offer Solar TAP partners high-throughput ink and process optimization by combinatorial inkjet printing (IJP) and slot-die coating (SDC). For the combinatorial slot-die coating and process monitoring, an automized setup with differential ink feed and automatable in-line process monitoring will be designed and purchased. These capabilities will be complemented with the provision and development of in-line process monitoring tools in collaboration with industrial partners.
The Helmholtz Innovation Lab HySPRINT was initiated in 2016 through financial support from the Helmholtz Initiative and Networking Fund. HySPRINT provides a cooperation platform for industry at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin with a focus on (opto)electronic devices at an early technological stage of development. The laboratory infrastructure located in the Berlin-Adlershof Technology Park provides industrial partners access to relevant technological processes and characterization methods, in particular for halide perovskite – silicon multi-junction PV technology. The success of the environment and infrastructure that was established is evident from the achievement of world-record tandem solar cells and start-ups. The HySPRINT Laboratory has facilities to optimize device layer stacks through high-throughput manufacturing and assessment of test-devices using scalable manufacturing methods. Complementary to the materials screening abilities of AMANDA, HySPRINT will offer Solar TAP partners high-throughput ink and process optimization by combinatorial inkjet printing (IJP) and slot-die coating (SDC). For the combinatorial slot-die coating and process monitoring, an automized setup with differential ink feed and automatable in-line process monitoring will be designed and purchased. These capabilities will be complemented with the provision and development of in-line process monitoring tools in collaboration with industrial partners.
Thin-film photovoltaic technologies and products are developed at PVcomB together with industry. The transfer of technology and knowledge takes place in research projects with industrial partners and through the training of highly qualified specialists.
Thin-film photovoltaic technologies and products are developed at PVcomB together with industry. The transfer of technology and knowledge takes place in research projects with industrial partners and through the training of highly qualified specialists.
The “Solar Factory of the Future” (SFF) develops printing, coating, and patterning processes for high-throughput (HT) manufacturing of fully solution processed electronics, particularly of emerging photovoltaics (e-PV), utilizing its unique infrastructure, comprising roll-to-roll coating/printing, laser patterning, and encapsulation. The unique expertise of the SFF in the field of upscaling production processes of printed PV to a commercially relevant level originates from the combination of rational methods of ink formulation with smart coating and patterning procedures. As one of few research institutions worldwide, SFF is set up to provide module batch sizes up to the 100 m2 regime and has the competence to scale the output of its R2R processing line to the MW level. The combination of scientific expertise and technical competence positions the SFF to bridge the gap between laboratory research and industrial manufacturing regime. The SFF currently holds the efficiency world record for large area organic PV modules.
The “Solar Factory of the Future” (SFF) develops printing, coating, and patterning processes for high-throughput (HT) manufacturing of fully solution processed electronics, particularly of emerging photovoltaics (e-PV), utilizing its unique infrastructure, comprising roll-to-roll coating/printing, laser patterning, and encapsulation. The unique expertise of the SFF in the field of upscaling production processes of printed PV to a commercially relevant level originates from the combination of rational methods of ink formulation with smart coating and patterning procedures. As one of few research institutions worldwide, SFF is set up to provide module batch sizes up to the 100 m2 regime and has the competence to scale the output of its R2R processing line to the MW level. The combination of scientific expertise and technical competence positions the SFF to bridge the gap between laboratory research and industrial manufacturing regime. The SFF currently holds the efficiency world record for large area organic PV modules.
Solar TAP links existing acceleration platforms for semiconductor materials, photovoltaic devices, module processing, and application development into one technology acceleration platform to boost the development of photovoltaic applications. Automated and interlinked labs focus on multiple stages of technology development and open new possibilities for digitalization and computer-aided design. These design efforts are bundled in the Digital Twin Lab that focuses on developing a virtual representation of the entire scientific and economic value chain: The digital twin.
Solar TAP links existing acceleration platforms for semiconductor materials, photovoltaic devices, module processing, and application development into one technology acceleration platform to boost the development of photovoltaic applications. Automated and interlinked labs focus on multiple stages of technology development and open new possibilities for digitalization and computer-aided design. These design efforts are bundled in the Digital Twin Lab that focuses on developing a virtual representation of the entire scientific and economic value chain: The digital twin.
At the Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin, a living lab has been constructed 2021 with building integrated photovoltaics in colored panels on three of the four sides (South, West and North), with a total nominal power around 50 kW. For research purposes, the ventilated curtain wall facades, with varying insulation situations behind the PV modules, are extensively monitored 24/7 for building specific parameters such as temperature and air flow, next to the more usual electrical, optical and meteorological data. For a new ensemble of research buildings, on the same location, a first building has been designed by the prize-winning architects and is planned for delivery in 2025. Part of this building will be a number of metal façade elements, which are very well suited for and planned as testing areas for flexible solar modules. This part of the living lab will offer a perfect testing area for the Solar TAP products and will allow for a one-to-one comparison to more traditional PV elements but will also highlight the additional value that Solar TAP´s flexible PV technology can offer.
At the Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin, a living lab has been constructed 2021 with building integrated photovoltaics in colored panels on three of the four sides (South, West and North), with a total nominal power around 50 kW. For research purposes, the ventilated curtain wall facades, with varying insulation situations behind the PV modules, are extensively monitored 24/7 for building specific parameters such as temperature and air flow, next to the more usual electrical, optical and meteorological data. For a new ensemble of research buildings, on the same location, a first building has been designed by the prize-winning architects and is planned for delivery in 2025. Part of this building will be a number of metal façade elements, which are very well suited for and planned as testing areas for flexible solar modules. This part of the living lab will offer a perfect testing area for the Solar TAP products and will allow for a one-to-one comparison to more traditional PV elements but will also highlight the additional value that Solar TAP´s flexible PV technology can offer.
The integration of novel PV-technologies will focus on various application cases with high potential. Agri-Horti-PV application development will build on the Agri-Horti-PV test site (Agri-Food-Energy Park -- Agri FEe) established by FZJ: Plant Sciences at Alt-Morschenich in the context of BioökonomieREVIER (a large-scale regional transformation of the lignite-mining region Rheinisches Revier into a model region for sustainable bioeconomy ).
The integration of novel PV-technologies will focus on various application cases with high potential. Agri-Horti-PV application development will build on the Agri-Horti-PV test site (Agri-Food-Energy Park — Agri FEe) established by FZJ: Plant Sciences at Alt-Morschenich in the context of BioökonomieREVIER (a large-scale regional transformation of the lignite-mining region Rheinisches Revier into a model region for sustainable bioeconomy ).
The Mobility PV Platform will be built up as part of Solar TAP. The aviation platform in plant sciences at FZ Jülich already contains various aircrafts used to carry camera equipment for plant phenotyping analytics. The airships and autonomous gliders of the platform will be used in Solar TAP for light weight printed PV integration. Together with the industrial partners concepts for PV integrated aircrafts with adapted energy management will be developed to demonstrate full electrification of aviation.
The Mobility PV Platform will be built up as part of Solar TAP. The aviation platform in plant sciences at FZ Jülich already contains various aircrafts used to carry camera equipment for plant phenotyping analytics. The airships and autonomous gliders of the platform will be used in Solar TAP for light weight printed PV integration. Together with the industrial partners concepts for PV integrated aircrafts with adapted energy management will be developed to demonstrate full electrification of aviation.

Printed solar technologies offer many advantages

and efficiencies that have caught up with Silicon.
Printed photovoltaics is

Light-weight

Produced as thin films on flexible substrates very low power-to-weight ratios can be achieved.

Transparent

Transparency between 10% and 90% are possible.

adaptable

Flexible and light-weight modules with different colors can be adapted to many applications.

colorful

Dependent on the choice of semiconductor red, green, blue and grey modules are possible.

color tunable

Combining multiple semiconductors makes it possible to tune the absorption spectrum.

sustainable

Printed PV can be produced with significantly lower energy input and chemical waste.

scalable

Due to the simple production processes production of printed PV may be rapidly upscaled.

recyclable

Substrates and packaging of printed PV represent 99% of the materials used and may easily be recycled.

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

The Solar TAP Community

Solar TAP is an active community of industry stakeholders and scientists that are working on the development of a sustainable emerging PV industry for applications in multi-benefit photovoltaics.

The industry days provide a forum for intensive exchange, information on participating companies, scientists, infrastructures and ongoing projects.  Apart from tours of the research infrastructures the industry days feature live roadmapping workhops.

There are regular information sessions on Solar TAP via online streams.

The 1. live Solar TAP industry day with more than 60 participants took place on July 21st, 2003.

Leading Helmholtz Experts

The steering committee coordinates the activities of the Solar TAP platform across the three participating Helmholtz centers and with the industry network.

With Prof. Christoph Brabec, Prof. Eva Unger and Prof. Ulrich Lemmer the Solar TAP steering committee consists of internationally recognized experts for emerging photovoltaic technologies.

Get in touch
Prof. Christoph Brabec

Prof. Christoph Brabec

Helmholtz Institute
Erlangen-Nuremberg
Forschungszentrum Jülich

c.brabec(at)fz-juelich.de

Prof. Eva Unger

Prof. Eva Unger

Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin

eva.unger(at)helmholtz-berlin.de

Prof. Ulrich Lemmer

Prof. Ulrich Lemmer

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

ulrich.lemmer@kit.edu

Solar TAP Management

For the day-to-day management of Solar TAP the steering committe is supported by a management team – your first point of contact to Solar TAP

Solar TAP is coordinated by the Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nuremberg, an institute of the Forschungszentrum Jülich.

The general manager of all Solar TAP activities is Dr. Jens Hauch. Wolfgang Mildner is managing the Solar TAP industry network.

Get in touch
Dr. Jens Hauch

Dr. Jens Hauch

Solar TAP Management

Helmholtz Institute
Erlangen-Nuremberg
Forschungszentrum Jülich

+49 9131 12538-301
j.hauch(at)fz-juelich.de

Wolfgang Mildner

Wolfgang Mildner

Solar TAP
Industry Network Manager

Helmholtz Institute
Erlangen-Nuremberg
Forschungszentrum Jülich

+49 9131 12538-300
w.mildner(at)fz-juelich.de

Dr. Stefanie Ditze

Dr. Stefanie Ditze

Solar TAP Management

Helmholtz Institute
Erlangen-Nuremberg
Forschungszentrum Jülich

+49 9131 12538-319
s.ditze(at)fz-juelich.de

A cooperation of

Forschungszentrum Jülich
Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

Funded by

Helmholtz