Tag Archive for: Photovoltaics

Joint Solar TAP/Hi-Acts Workshop

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Accelerator Meets Application: Solar TAP and Hi-Acts Host First Joint Industry Workshop at HZB

On May 22, 2025, Solar TAP and Hi-Acts — two Helmholtz Innovation Platforms — co-hosted their first-ever Joint Industry Workshop at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (BESSY II). Held directly after the Solar TAP Industry Day, the event brought together industry professionals, researchers, and innovation leaders to explore the transformative potential of accelerator-based analytics for advanced functional materials.

Under the theme “Accelerator-based Analytics meets Advanced Functional Materials”, the workshop showcased how particle accelerator technologies can drive real-world innovation in sectors such as photovoltaics, energy storage, electronics, and beyond.

Joint Solar TAP/Hi-Acts Workshop @copyright by Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH

The program offered a rich mix of perspectives and interactive formats. Participants enjoyed insightful presentations by experts from HZB, DESY, LayTec AG, the University of Potsdam, and FOM Technologies, who showcased real-world applications and technological innovations.

Solar TAP Manager together with industry partners from FOM Technologies. @copyright by Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH

In parallel, dynamic discussion tables invited in-depth exchange on topics such as advanced material analysis, nanostructure engineering, in-situ diagnostics, and device characterization. A highlight of the day was the exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the BESSY II synchrotron, giving participants rare access to one of the world’s most advanced accelerator facilities.

Exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the BESSY II synchrotron @copyright by Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH

For Solar TAP, this collaborative format provided a high-impact opportunity to align industry needs with research capabilities — particularly in thin-film processing, scalable device fabrication, and diagnostics for printed and hybrid photovoltaics.

By uniting the strengths of Solar TAP and Hi-Acts, this milestone event demonstrated how cross-platform synergy can accelerate the development of competitive, next-generation materials — from the atomic scale to industrial application.

Pascal Friederich Receives Manfred-Fuchs-Prize 2025

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Pascal Friederich Wins Manfred-Fuchs-Prize 2025 for Groundbreaking Work in AI-Driven Solar Materials.

Dr. Pascal Friederich, Tenure-Track Professor at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), has been awarded the prestigious Manfred-Fuchs-Prize 2025 by the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities. The €10,000 prize honors his pioneering contributions to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in developing novel chemical materials, with a particular focus on solar energy applications.

As Principal Investigator of the Solar TAP project, Friederich leads an interdisciplinary research group at KIT that combines computer science and materials science to accelerate the discovery of next-generation solar cell materials. His team brings this expertise into the Solar TAP digital twin, simulating materials at the atomic scale, integrating existing knowledge and extensive materials databases, as well as machine learning techniques to predict promising material candidates and simulate their properties with high accuracy.

Pascal Friederich in the SCC (Steinbuch Centre for Computing) next to the “Hochleistungsrechner Karlsruhe” – HoreKa for short @ copyright by Bramsiepe, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

Within Solar TAP, Friederich collaborates closely with researchers from the Institute of Microstructure Technology to design efficient and sustainable photovoltaic technologies. This data-driven approach lays the foundation for a new era of digital materials development—faster, more efficient, and resource-conscious.

The jury recognized not only the innovative bridge Friederich builds between informatics and the natural sciences but also the high relevance of his research for solving key societal challenges, such as climate protection and the global energy transition.

Bavarian Academy of Sciences honors Christoph Brabec

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Prof. Christoph Brabec honored with membership in the Bavarian Academy of Science.

Prof. Dr. Christoph Brabec, Director at HI ERN and member of the Solar TAP Steering Committee, has been named a new full member of the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities (BAdW) — a prestigious recognition of his outstanding contributions to scientific advancement.

As one of 14 newly elected members, Prof. Brabec joins a distinguished community of researchers whose work has significantly deepened our understanding of science and technology. His groundbreaking research in photovoltaics and commitment to high-throughput innovation continue to shape the energy landscape and inspire the next generation of scientists.

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
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

This honor reflects not only Prof. Brabec’s scientific achievements, but also the growing influence of the Solar TAP Platform, which he represents as part of the Steering Committee. Solar TAP is dedicated to bridging research and industry through transformative photovoltaic technologies—and this milestone further affirms its vital role in the future of sustainable energy.

Congratulations to Prof. Brabec from the Solar TAP community on this well-deserved recognition!

Solar TAP at PV Symposium in Bad Staffelstein

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Solar TAP exhibits at the 40. PV Symposium in Bad Staffelstein

Our team had the pleasure of exhibiting at the PV Symposium at Kloster Banz—Germany’s key industry forum for discussing the latest advancements in photovoltaic technology, manufacturing and applications. With our Solar TAP (Technology Acceleration Platform for emerging photovoltaics) booth, we engaged with industry experts on emerging PV-technology and developing integrated solar solutions for multi-benefit PV.

A particular highlight was the presentation of our pioneering project ANYMO: A New Way of Analyzing Polymers in PV Modules, supported by the Innovation Go initiative from the Jülicher Innovationsfonds at Forschungszentrum Jülich. The project introduces a non-destructive method for analyzing polymers within solar modules—paving the way for improved performance and durability.

Solar TAP shows their pioneering project ANYMO: A New Way of Analyzing Polymers in PV Modules © copyright by Forschungszentrum Jülich

There were a number of valuable exchanges and new contacts made during the Symposium. Solar TAP continues to accelerate innovation in photovoltaics, and events like the PV-Symposium help us stay connected to industry.

We congratulate Conexio-PSE for organizing such a successful event!

Meet us at Booth: FOE.17.

Solar TAP Shines at LOPEC 2025: A Resounding Success

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Solar TAP’s participation at LOPEC 2025 was a resounding success, drawing a significant number of visitors to our booth in the ICM Foyer.

At LOPEC 2025, Solar TAP demonstrated its leadership in the evolving landscape of photovoltaics, aligning perfectly with the conference’s focus on the latest trends and innovations in the printed electronics sector. Our participation was marked by significant achievements and substantial visitor engagement at our booth in the ICM Foyer.

Our dedicated team—Hauch Jens, Alexander Colsmann, Michael Wagner, Stefanie Ditze, and Wolfgang Mildner—were on hand at Booth FO.17, unveiling Solar TAP’s latest advancements. These innovations underscore our commitment to sustainable technology, which resonates with LOPEC’s emphasis on environmental sustainability and advanced electronic solutions.

A key event at our booth was the Solar TAP: Roadmap Validation Workshop for Industry and Science, held on February 27th from 16:00 to 18:00 in Room 4. This workshop brought together experts from science and industry to collaboratively shape the Solar TAP roadmap. The focus was on harmonizing and accelerating R&D actions across unique applications in agriculture, construction, IoT, and transportation. Participants worked to validate R&D priorities and define project opportunities for emerging photovoltaic applications, fostering collaboration and innovation.

The workshop was an essential platform for building connections and validating the strategic direction of our initiatives, in line with industry needs and advancements. Participants were encouraged to bring forward their ideas and needs, helping to propel emerging PV technologies towards significant breakthroughs.

We are grateful for the lively interactions and the enthusiastic response from all the attendees. The connections made at LOPEC 2025 are invaluable, and they pave the way for future collaborations and breakthroughs in the solar technology space.

Thank you to everyone who visited our booth and participated in our events. Your engagement and feedback are what drive us forward. Together, we are steering towards a more sustainable and innovative future, inspired by the pioneering spirit of LOPEC 2025.

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.

Accelerating the breakthrough of emerging photovoltaics

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Leading Innovation in Photovoltaic Technology. An Interview with Dr. Jens Hauch, Solar TAP Manager, in the PRO Flextronics magazine.

As pioneers in the solar energy sector, Solar TAP is delighted to share groundbreaking advancements in the realm of organic photovoltaics and perovskites, as detailed in the recent feature in PRO Flextronics magazine. Dr. Jens Hauch, Head of Research at Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg for Renewable Energies, highlights the escalating efficiencies and potential of perovskite technology, poised to surpass traditional silicon-based solar cells.

This comprehensive interview covers not only the technical aspects but also the practical applications that are bringing these innovations closer to commercial viability. From powering IoT devices to transforming agricultural practices through agrivoltaics, Solar TAP is at the forefront of integrating solar technology into everyday life.

For an in-depth exploration of these transformative technologies and their potential impacts on the industry and the world, access the complete article here. Dive into the details of how Solar TAP is accelerating the transition from lab to market, supporting the entire value chain in solar module production.

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.

1. Network General Assembly at KITr

1. Network General Assembly at KIT

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Official launch of the SolarTAP industry network

On October 7, the first general assembly of the Solar TAP network took place at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), marking an important milestone for the Solar TAP community. At this event, key industry partners came together to elect the first board members of the Solar TAP network and lay the foundation for future collaborations.

Dr. Christian Camus from LayTec and Dr. Tobias Stubhan from SCIPRIOS GmbH were elected as Solar TAP board members. Dr. Christian Camus will use his experience in academic and industrial research to facilitate effective technology transfer from academia to industry. Dr. Tobias Stubhan, founder of a deep-tech startup, is committed to promoting technology development and transfer within Solar TAP, driven by SCIPRIOS’ mission of “Making Science Better”.

Dr. Jens Hauch the Solar TAP Manager, presented to the industry participants how technology transfer projects at Solar TAP can be accelerated by a factor of ten thanks to the existing partner network and infrastructure, standardized proposals, model contracts, and personnel. This enables Solar TAP members to drive innovation forward more effectively and efficiently.

During the assembly, participants engaged in active discussions and collaborative brainstorming sessions on key topics, including the emerging photovoltaic/multi-benefit value chain, accelerated technology development, roadmapping for value creation, and maximizing the benefits of the network.

The event concluded with a guided tour of KIT’s laboratories, offering participants a firsthand experience of the facilities available to network members.