Tag Archive for: SolarTAP

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!

Prio Optics Wins Most Impactful Technology Award at LOPEC 2025

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Solar TAP is delighted to celebrate the success of Prio Optics GmbH, under the leadership of Dr. Qiaoshuang Zhang, in developing groundbreaking achievement in optical filters with printing technology. This project, initially a transfer project from Solar TAP innovation platform at the Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT), exemplifies the successful transformation of transfer of research to real-world applications.

With the support of Solar TAP, the innovative ideas conceived at KIT’s Light Management Lab evolved significantly. Utilizing inkjet-printing techniques, the team developed unique filters that dramatically reduce material waste and energy consumption. This method of producing functional films, particularly Bragg mirrors, which selectively transmit or reflect light wavelengths, showcases advanced sustainable manufacturing practices.

This award from LOPEC 2025 reaffirms the value of collaborative efforts within the Solar TAP network, paving the way for more innovative solutions in photovoltaic technology.

We are proud of our partnership with Prio Optics and look forward to further collaborations that push the boundaries of photovoltaic technology and sustainability.

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.

SCIPRIOS Wins Bavarian Innovation Award 2024

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SCIPRIOS Receives Bavarian Innovation Award 2024 for Groundbreaking Work at the Intersection of Science and Industry.

Congratulations to our Solar TAP Network Member SCIPRIOS GmbH: The Fürth-based high-tech company has been awarded the Bavarian Innovation Award 2024 in the category “Cooperation between Industry and Science”. The award recognizes SCIPRIOS’s advanced automation systems, which are used in cutting-edge materials research and are accelerating the development of clean energy technologies.

SCIPRIOS’s innovations—ranging from precision measurement devices and lab robots to pilot production systems—enable key advancements in materials science. According to the award jury, these technologies not only push the frontiers of research, but also support global sustainability goals by fostering the development of core energy transition technologies such as photovoltaics, fuel cells, and batteries.

A notable highlight of SCIPRIOS’s portfolio is the Spincoating Robot system, developed using licensed technology from Forschungszentrum Jülich and the Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg for Renewable Energies (HI ERN). This innovation has further strengthened the company’s role in the Solar TAP initiative, where it contributes to scaling up printed photovoltaics from lab to industry.

SCIPRIOS Wins Bavarian Innovation Award 2024 for Groundbreaking Work at the Intersection of Science and Industry @ copyright by IHK München/Andreas Gebert

Founded in 2018 as a spin-off of FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg and HI ERN by Dr. Tobias Stubhan, SCIPRIOS has built strong ties with academic institutions in the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region to test and refine its technologies. The company previously won the IHK Start-Up Award of Middle Franconia in 2023.

Well-deserved recognition for a team that bridges science and industry to power a sustainable future!

Panel Presentation at the Symposium

2nd Helmholtz Innovation Platform Status Symposium

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On November 21, 2024, the Solar TAP team had the opportunity to participate in the 2nd Helmholtz Innovation Platform Status Symposium, which took place at the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research in Kiel. This was an important event that brought together the three innovation platforms: Hi-Acts, SOOP and Solar TAP. These platforms, founded in 2023, aim to promote innovation and facilitate knowledge transfer within the Helmholtz Association, one of Europe’s largest scientific organizations.

Dr. Jens Hauch showcases an innovative solar solution to a visitor during the exhibition session of the symposium.
Dr. Stefanie Ditze highlights flexible OPV modules designed for innovative applications in photovoltaics.
A visitor examines a curved photovoltaic material at the SolarTAP exhibition booth.
Symposium participants discuss SolarTAP’s initiatives and technologies with team members.
SolarTAP presents insights into the use of solar energy for agriculture, focusing on innovations like OPV foil tunnels.
Prof. Dr. Christoph Brabec elaborates on the transfer of solar technology from Helmholtz research to industrial applications.
SolarTAP Presentation on Emerging Technologies
SolarTAP’s exhibition booth showcasing a variety of photovoltaic materials and information panels.
A presenter introduces SolarTAP’s solar technology acceleration platform at the symposium.
Group photo of SolarTAP team and partners at their exhibition booth during the Helmholtz Innovation Platforms Status Symposium.

The symposium featured a packed agenda with presentations from each platform highlighting the significant progress made over the past year. For Solar TAP, this was an excellent platform to showcase our latest research developments and strategic initiatives to advance the solar energy sector. The presentation was enriched by our industry partners who provided insights into best practices and innovative approaches to technology transfer.

In addition to the presentations, the symposium also offered interesting exhibitions where participants could learn about the work of the three platforms and exchange ideas.

Looking forward, 2025 will be an important year for Solar TAP as we evaluate our platform and prepare for future expansion and impact in the field of solar innovation.