Solar TAP will be continued on a permanent basis as a Helmholtz Innovation Platform.
Following an excellent evaluation, the Helmholtz Association has decided to establish Solar TAP as a long-term platform, securing its role in accelerating photovoltaic technology transfer between research and industry.
Since its launch in 2023, Solar TAP has evolved into a central hub for cooperation in emerging photovoltaic technologies. With its permanent establishment, Solar TAP now provides a stable framework for long-term collaboration and innovation.
Solar TAP as a joint platform of Helmholtz centres
Solar TAP is coordinated by the Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg for Renewable Energy (HI ERN) and jointly carried by three Helmholtz centres: Forschungszentrum Jülich, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). Within Solar TAP, these partners bundle their infrastructures and expertise into a Europe-wide unique innovation ecosystem.
Through this joint approach, Solar TAP enables companies to access advanced research infrastructures that are typically only available within large research institutions.
Access to high-end photovoltaic research infrastructures
A core objective of Solar TAP is to provide fast and practical access to state-of-the-art photovoltaic research infrastructures. These include roll-to-roll pilot lines, high-end printing technologies and digital twins.
Within Solar TAP, companies can test materials, components or complete production steps under realistic conditions. This supports early validation, generates reliable data and helps shorten development cycles towards application and market readiness.
Focus on printed and flexible photovoltaic technologies
Solar TAP focuses on printed, ultralight and flexible photovoltaic modules that can be freely shaped and integrated into a wide range of applications. These include use cases in agriculture, building envelopes and mobile systems, where photovoltaics can provide additional functionality alongside energy generation.
By concentrating on emerging photovoltaic technologies, Solar TAP addresses areas with high innovation potential and strong relevance for future energy systems.
Strong and growing industry engagement within Solar TAP
Solar TAP has established itself as a trusted platform for industry collaboration. Today, the Solar TAP network includes more than 50 companies, ranging from start-ups to global market leaders. In research and transfer projects, over 60 industrial partners are already working together with Solar TAP.
The continuous increase in industrial engagement reflects the value of Solar TAP’s open, reliable and low-barrier access to Helmholtz research infrastructures.
Exploratory Innovation Activities as a key transfer instrument
An important element of Solar TAP are the Exploratory Innovation Activities (EIAs). These short and flexible collaboration formats allow projects to start within days or weeks. EIAs enable early feasibility testing, reduce risks and often serve as an entry point into larger cooperative or publicly funded projects.
A stable framework for long-term technology transfer
With its permanent establishment, Solar TAP strengthens its mission to accelerate innovation in emerging photovoltaic technologies. As a Helmholtz Innovation Platform, Solar TAP will continue to support close collaboration between research and industry and contribute to the transfer of new photovoltaic technologies towards application.