Tag Archive for: SolarTAP

Solar TAP Featured as a Success Story in Germany’s Federal Energy Research Report 2026

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Germany’s Federal Energy Research Report highlights Solar TAP as a successful model for technology transfer in photovoltaics.

Federal Energy Research Report 2026, published by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) Image: Kurt Fuchs/ Solar TAP

The Helmholtz Innovation Platform Solar TAP has been featured as a success story in the German government’s Federal Energy Research Report 2026, with an entire page dedicated to its activities and achievements.

Under the heading “Photovoltaic research as a successful model for technology transfer,” the report highlights Solar TAP’s role in connecting research and industry and accelerating the transfer of emerging photovoltaic technologies into practical applications.

Connecting research and industry

Solar TAP brings together the expertise of Forschungszentrum Jülich, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT).

The platform focuses on printed photovoltaic technologies based on perovskites and organic semiconductors, with potential applications in agrivoltaics, building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) and mobile PV.

By providing access to research infrastructure and facilitating industry collaborations, Solar TAP helps bridge the gap between scientific innovation and industrial implementation.

From innovative materials to industrial applications

The report highlights Solar TAP’s growing industry network, comprising more than 50 companies across the photovoltaic value chain, and over 40 cooperation and technology transfer projects initiated to date.

50+

Companies in the industry network

40+

Cooperation and transfer projects initiated

3

Helmholtz research institutions

One example is the Solar Factory of the Future at Forschungszentrum Jülich, where researchers collaborate with industry partners on scaling technologies for printed solar modules.

Printed flexible photovoltaic modules at Forschungszentrum Jülich / Solar Factory of the Future. Image: Kurt Fuchs/ Solar TAP

The report also acknowledges Solar TAP’s successful evaluation in September 2025, confirming the value of its cross-institutional approach to technology transfer.

Recognition and motivation for the future

The inclusion of Solar TAP in the Federal Energy Research Report 2026 underscores the importance of connecting scientific excellence with industrial innovation.

It also demonstrates the potential of close collaboration between research institutions and companies to accelerate the development of emerging photovoltaic technologies and bring innovative solutions closer to market readiness.

For Solar TAP, this recognition is both an acknowledgement of the progress achieved so far and a motivation to further strengthen its industry network, initiate new collaborations and support the industrial scale-up of next-generation photovoltaic technologies.

About the Federal Energy Research Report 2026

The Federal Energy Research Report is published by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE). It provides an overview of Germany’s energy research activities, funding priorities and progress in developing innovative energy technologies.

Solar TAP is featured on page 59, in the chapter “Institutional Energy Research,” under the heading “Photovoltaic research as a successful model for technology transfer.”

Germany’s Federal Energy Research Report features Solar TAP as a successful model for technology transfer in photovoltaics. Image: BMWE.

Emerging Photovoltaics Across the Report

In addition to the dedicated Solar TAP success story on page 59, the Federal Energy Research Report 2026 features further examples of research and innovation in emerging photovoltaics.

These include flexible organic photovoltaic modules developed by Solar TAP network partner ASCA GmbH & Co. KG (page 29), testing infrastructure for emerging PV technologies at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (page 57), and AI-assisted materials discovery at Helmholtz-Institut Erlangen-Nürnberg für Erneuerbare Energien (page 58).

Together, these examples illustrate the breadth of activities advancing next-generation photovoltaics, from materials research and technology testing to practical applications and industrial technology transfer.

Read the Federal Energy Research Report 2026 (PDF) here.

Perovskite Solar Cells: From Research to Real-World Impact

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How can breakthrough photovoltaic research become tomorrow’s energy solutions? A recent SAT.1 Bayern feature highlights the potential of perovskite solar cells and the collaborative innovation ecosystem that is helping bring this emerging technology closer to real-world applications.

From Laboratory Innovation to Future Applications

From lightweight solar foils to building-integrated photovoltaics and future space applications, perovskite solar cells are opening exciting new possibilities for the energy transition.

In a recent SAT.1 Bayern feature, Prof. Dr. Brabec, steering committee member of Solar TAP and Director of the Institute of Energy Materials and Devices – Photovoltaics (IMD-3) at Forschungszentrum Jülich, presented the remarkable potential of this next-generation photovoltaic technology.

Unlike conventional silicon photovoltaics, perovskite solar cells can be manufactured on ultra-thin, lightweight and flexible substrates. Their unique material properties enable applications beyond traditional rooftop installations, including building façades, flexible solar films, lightweight structures and potentially even future space technologies.

These advances demonstrate how innovative photovoltaic materials have the potential to fundamentally expand where and how solar energy can be generated.

Connecting Research Excellence with Industrial Innovation

Scientific breakthroughs create opportunities but collaboration is what turns innovation into impact.

As a Helmholtz innovation platform, Solar TAP connects leading research institutions, technology developers and industrial partners to help accelerate the transfer of next-generation photovoltaic technologies into scalable manufacturing and future products.

The research highlighted in the SAT.1 Bayern feature illustrates this mission in practice. At IMD-3, automated pipetting robots and precision blade-coating systems enable the highly reproducible fabrication of laboratory-scale perovskite solar cells. These advanced processes not only support cutting-edge materials research but also generate valuable knowledge for future industrial manufacturing.

Scaling Tomorrow’s Solar Technologies

A key element of this innovation ecosystem is the Solar Factory of the Future, where photovoltaic materials and complete solar cells can be deposited and printed on flexible substrates using scalable, industry-relevant manufacturing technologies.

This unique infrastructure enables researchers and industry partners to develop, validate and optimize production processes under realistic conditions and bridging the gap between laboratory discoveries and commercial applications.

By combining cutting-edge research, advanced manufacturing infrastructure and strong partnerships across science and industry, Solar TAP helps accelerate the development of sustainable photovoltaic technologies and strengthens Europe’s innovation ecosystem.

The Solar Factory of the Future is the key element of this innovation ecosystem. Copyright: Kurt Fuchs/ SOLARTAP

Watch the Feature

The SAT.1 Bayern report offers fascinating insights into the research, people and technologies shaping the future of photovoltaics.

Watch the feature and discover how collaborative innovation is helping bring perovskite solar cells from research to real-world impact.

The SAT.1 Bayern feature “Solarzellen der Zukunft? Forscher setzen auf Perowskit-Technologie” aired on 16 June 2026 as part of the programme “17:30 SAT.1 Bayern”.

Helmholtz Tech & Industry Day 2026

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Helmholtz Tech & Industry Day 2026: Connecting Research Excellence with Industrial Innovation

On June 9, 2026, the first Helmholtz Tech & Industry Day brought together representatives from research, industry, start-ups, and policy at DESY in Hamburg. Jointly initiated and organized by the Helmholtz Association, Hi-Acts, and Solar TAP, the event created a platform for discussing how scientific excellence can be translated into industrial innovation and societal impact.

Helmholtz Tech and Industry Day at DESY in Hamburg on 09.06.2026.
Photo: Dominik Butzmann Photothek Media Lab

Strengthening Dialogue Between Research, Industry and Policy

The event focused on one central question: How can Germany and Europe accelerate the transfer of scientific breakthroughs into industrial applications?

The program featured keynote presentations, success stories, panel discussions, and networking opportunities designed to foster exchange between innovation stakeholders. Among the distinguished speakers and guests were Prof. Dr. Martin Keller (President of the Helmholtz Association), Prof. Dr. Beate Heinemann (Chair of the Board of Directors, DESY), Dr. Alexandra-Gwyn Paetz (Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space), Mario Brandenburg (SAP), Sarah Engel (TRUMPF), and Dr. Kevin M. Jablonka (University Jena).

Panel discussion with Prof. Dr. Martin Keller (President of the Helmholtz Association), Dr. Alexandra-Gwyn Paetz (Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space), Mario Brandenburg (SAP), Sarah Engel (TRUMPF), and Dr. Kevin M. Jablonka (University Jena).

Photo: Dominik Butzmann Photothek Media Lab

A recurring theme throughout the day was the importance of strong partnerships between research institutions and industry to accelerate innovation, strengthen technological sovereignty, and enhance economic resilience.

Solar TAP and ASCA Showcase Technology Transfer in Practice

As part of the session “From Research to Industrial Impact”, Solar TAP and its industrial partner ASCA presented the success story “Changing the Face of Photovoltaics”.

Michael Wagner (Forschungszentrum Jülich) and Hafis Hermann Issa (ASCA) presented the collaboration work within Solar TAP.
Photo: Stefanie Ditze Solar TAP

Michael Wagner (Forschungszentrum Jülich) and Hafis Hermann Issa (ASCA) demonstrated how close collaboration between research organizations and industry partners can accelerate the development and implementation of next-generation photovoltaic technologies.

The presentation highlighted the role of Solar TAP in connecting research infrastructures, technology development, and industrial expertise to shorten innovation cycles and support the transfer of emerging photovoltaic technologies into practical applications.

ichael Wagner (Forschungszentrum Jülich) and Hafis Hermann Issa (ASCA) highlighted the role of Solar TAP in connecting research with industry.
Photo: Dominik Butzmann Photothek Media Lab

Building Bridges for Future Innovation

The discussions throughout the day underlined that scientific excellence alone is not enough to create impact. Effective transfer structures, collaborative innovation ecosystems, and long-term partnerships are essential to transform research results into industrial value.

For Solar TAP, the event reflected exactly its mission: accelerating the transfer of emerging photovoltaic technologies by bringing together leading research institutions, industrial partners, and innovation infrastructures.

The first Helmholtz Tech & Industry Day demonstrated the value of creating spaces where research, industry, and policy can engage in open dialogue and develop shared perspectives on future innovation challenges.

Solar TAP would like to thank all speakers, partners, and participants for contributing to a successful first edition and looks forward to continuing the dialogue at future events.

Many inspiring discussions throughout the day highlighted the importance of stronger collaboration between research, industry and policy to accelerate innovation.
Photo: Dominik Butzmann Photothek Media Lab

Solar TAP at HANNOVER MESSE 2026 | Connecting Research and Industry for Next-Generation Photovoltaics

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At HANNOVER MESSE 2026, Solar TAP joined Forschungszentrum Jülich to demonstrate how collaboration between research and industry can accelerate the transfer of next-generation photovoltaic technologies into practical applications. Through expert talks and valuable discussions, the platform highlighted its mission to bridge the gap between innovation and market.

Connecting Research with Industry

As part of the joint Forschungszentrum Jülich booth (Hall 11, B22), Solar TAP presented its mission to accelerate the transfer of printed and flexible photovoltaic technologies from research into industrial application. Throughout the week, the platform welcomed visitors from industry, academia, politics and the public, creating opportunities for dialogue on the future of sustainable energy technologies.

Solar TAP brings together leading Helmholtz research infrastructures, scientific expertise and industrial partners to simplify access to cutting-edge photovoltaic research and support companies in transforming promising innovations into market-ready solutions.

Expert Talks on Technology Transfer

A highlight of the exhibition programme were the short presentations by Dr. Jens Hauch and Dr. Stefanie Ditze, who introduced Solar TAP to a broad audience. Their talks provided insights into the platform’s services and demonstrated how close cooperation between research organisations and industry can accelerate innovation in printed and flexible photovoltaics.

“The discussions at HANNOVER MESSE were both inspiring and encouraging. It was great to see the strong interest from companies and other stakeholders in printed and flexible photovoltaics. Solar TAP is designed to bring together the expertise, infrastructure and partners needed to accelerate the journey from innovative research to industrial application.”
– Dr. Stefanie Ditze, Solar TAP

The presentations also showcased how Solar TAP lowers barriers to innovation by facilitating access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure, technical expertise and collaborative networks across the Helmholtz Association.

Inspiring Conversations and New Partnerships

Beyond the presentations, HANNOVER MESSE once again proved to be an ideal platform for networking and knowledge exchange. Discussions with companies, policymakers, researchers and innovation stakeholders highlighted the growing interest in collaborative approaches that accelerate the market uptake of emerging photovoltaic technologies.

The many inspiring conversations and newly established contacts reinforced the importance of Solar TAP’s mission: enabling a faster and more efficient transfer of research results into industrial practice and contributing to the energy transition through innovation.

Solar TAP would like to thank everyone who visited the booth and engaged in valuable discussions throughout the week. We also extend our sincere thanks to Forschungszentrum Jülich for the opportunity to present Solar TAP at HANNOVER MESSE 2026.

  • Solar TAP at HANNOVER MESSE 2026. (Copyright Christina Papenfuß / FZJ)

Solar TAP nominated for the Endeavours Award 2026

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Solar TAP is nominated for the Endeavours Award 2026 as “Best Innovator”.

Jülich, Germany – Solar TAP has been nominated for the Endeavours Award 2026 in the category “Best Innovator” by Forschungszentrum Jülich. The award recognizes outstanding projects and individuals who successfully translate scientific excellence into solutions with tangible societal and economic impact.

The nomination highlights Solar TAP’s role as an innovation platform accelerating the development and transfer of next-generation photovoltaic technologies. By integrating automated materials development, artificial intelligence-driven data analysis, and process innovation, SolarTAP enables significantly faster pathways from laboratory research to scalable applications.

“The nomination underlines the importance of strong collaboration between research and industry to accelerate sustainable innovation,” the Solar TAP team states.

In close collaboration with partners from academia and industry, Solar TAP focuses on advancing perovskite and hybrid solar technologies and reducing innovation cycles from years to months. The initiative aims to unlock new applications of solar energy across buildings, agriculture, infrastructure, and emerging technology sectors.

Further information:
Endeavours Award

Discover all nominees

Solar TAP Year-in-Review 2025

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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

Solar TAP becomes a permanent Helmholtz Innovation Platform

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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.

Solar TAP Expert Featured on German TV Show

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Solar TAP Expert Featured on German TV Show Showcasing Breakthrough PV Recycling Technology.

The rapid global expansion of photovoltaics brings with it an important long-term challenge: the responsible and resource-efficient recycling of end-of-life solar modules. By 2050, global PV waste is expected to reach 21–35 million tons, containing valuable materials such as glass, aluminum, silicon, silver, and copper. The recovery and reuse of these components will play a crucial role in building a sustainable and resilient solar industry.

In this context, Dr. Ian Marius Peters, Principal Investigator of Solar TAP at the Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg for Renewable Energies (HI ERN), was recently invited as an expert on the popular German science TV program “Einfach Genial” (“Simply Ingenious”). The episode highlighted an innovative recycling technology developed by FLAXRES GmbH in Dresden.

FLAXRES presented a novel approach based on ultrabright light pulses — 50,000 to 80,000 times brighter than the sun — capable of separating PV modules into their components within milliseconds. This technique aims to enable the clean recovery of high-value materials, offering a potential leap forward for circularity in the PV sector.

Dr. Peters provided scientific insights into the challenges and opportunities of scaling advanced recycling solutions, emphasizing their relevance for a future-proof solar energy system.

Copyright: MDR/Einfach Genial

“Technologies that improve material recovery are essential for a circular PV economy,” Dr. Peters noted during the broadcast.

The feature underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between research institutions, industry partners, and innovators — a core mission of Solar TAP, which supports the development and implementation of transformative technologies across the entire solar lifecycle.

Watch the full episode in German here.

Solar TAP continues to promote research, innovation, and knowledge exchange to advance sustainable PV deployment and circular material flows throughout Europe and beyond.

Solar TAP at the Austrian PV & Storage Conference in Vienna

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Solar TAP Manager Dr. Jens Hauch represented the Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg (HI ERN) at this year’s Austrian Conference on Photovoltaics and Storage, held from 4–5 November in Vienna. The event brought together over 400 industry and research stakeholders to discuss the future of photovoltaic deployment, energy storage, and the policy frameworks needed to accelerate the energy transition.

Copyright: Michael Hedl objektiv.gesehen

As part of the conference programme, Dr. Hauch presented a talk titled:

“The PV World Becomes More Diverse – New PV Technologies on Their Way to Market”

In his presentation, he outlined the Helmholtz Association’s perspective on the technological diversification of photovoltaics and highlighted several emerging PV technologies that are approaching commercial readiness. Solar TAP’s mission played a central role in his presentation emphasising how the platform supports technology transfer, industry collaboration, and accelerated innovation cycles across the entire PV value chain.

Copyright: Michael Hedl objektiv.gesehen

The conference discussions underscored the strong momentum of the PV sector and the need for stable long-term conditions to unlock Europe’s full solar potential – an emphasis also reflected in the official press release:

Press Release (German)

Solar TAP thanks the organisers and partners of the Austrian PV & Storage Conference and looks forward to continuing the dialogue on the future of photovoltaic innovation.

Solar TAP Research Featured Among Poster Award Winners at EU PVSEC 2025

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We are proud to highlight the excellent scientific contribution of Marie-Louise Schubert, PhD researcher at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in the group of Prof. Carsten Rockstuhl, whose work was selected among the Poster Award Winners at the EU PVSEC 2025.

Copyright: EUPVSEC.

Her poster, “Towards a Fully Differentiable Digital Twin for Solar Cells: Simulation Steps”, presents a key advancement toward a digital twin framework for photovoltaic devices. The project integrates morphology, optical simulation, electronic transport, and energy yield prediction into a unified, partly machine-learned workflow. The approach enables faster optimization and improved design of next-generation PV technologies.

Copyright: Marie-Louise Schubert.

The work closely aligns with Solar TAP’s mission to accelerate solar innovation through data-driven design, multiscale modeling, and digital workflows.

“Digital twins offer a powerful way to speed up PV development and connect material insights with device performance. This award-winning work is an excellent example of that potential.” — Solar TAP Manager, Dr. Jens Hauch

Solar TAP congratulates Marie-Louise Schubert and the project team on this recognition and their contribution to advancing digital twin technologies for photovoltaics.

Press Release Poster Award Winners – EU PVSEC 2025

Copyright: Marie-Louise Schubert