A milestone year for technology transfer.
The Solar TAP Year-in-Review 2025 highlights a milestone year for technology transfer in photovoltaics. Solar TAP would like to thank all partners and network members who have supported the platform throughout this important year.
The key highlight of the year: Solar TAP has proven itself as a successful model for technology transfer and will be continued as a Helmholtz Innovation Platform on a permanent basis. This marks an important step in strengthening long-term collaboration between research and industry and accelerating the transfer of emerging photovoltaic technologies from Helmholtz research into application.
From project to permanent platform
Following a successful evaluation, Solar TAP will continue beyond its initial project phase, which ends in 2025, as a permanently supported Helmholtz Innovation Platform. This ensures sustainable support for industry–science collaboration in emerging photovoltaic technologies and provides a stable framework for long-term innovation activities.
Strong and growing industry engagement
In 2025, the Solar TAP network continued to grow and now encompasses more than 50 companies. Projects within the platform have involved over 60 industrial partners, ranging from start-ups to established industrial players. Industry contributions have continued to increase, reflecting strong trust in Solar TAP and its transfer approach.
Effective technology transfer instruments
With formats such as Exploratory Innovation Activities (EIAs), Solar TAP enables rapid, low-barrier collaboration and early feasibility testing using Helmholtz research infrastructures. Within the first three years, more than 30 EIAs with industry partners were successfully completed, supporting early-stage innovation and accelerating transfer processes.
Application-oriented innovation
Solar TAP activities in 2025 covered a broad range of application-oriented topics – from AgriPV and building-integrated photovoltaics to production technologies for advanced solar cells. Across all activities, the focus remained on practical relevance, scalability, and clear pathways towards industrial application.
Events, exchange and visibility
Throughout the year, Solar TAP fostered exchange and visibility through numerous events and activities. The team participated as an exhibitor at major trade fairs such as LOPEC 2025 and Hannover Messe 2025, welcomed partners at Industry Days, and organised joint events together with Innovation Labs and Hi-Acts.
With its permanent establishment, Solar TAP now enters the next phase with a clear mission: accelerating emerging photovoltaic technologies through close collaboration between research and industry.
We thank all partners for their trust and collaboration in 2025 and look forward to shaping the future of photovoltaics together