Tag Archive for: SolarTAP

Solar TAP Showcases Printed Photovoltaics at glasstec 2024 in Düsseldorf

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Solar TAP highlighted its innovative approach at glasstec 2024 in Düsseldorf.

From October 22 to 25, 2024, Solar TAP made a strong impression at glasstec 2024 in Düsseldorf, the world’s leading trade fair for the glass industry. The initiative presented its innovative approach to integrating glass as a key enabler in advancing solar energy applications—especially in the field of photovoltaics.

As part of the Helmholtz Association, Solar TAP brings together the expertise of Forschungszentrum Jülich, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. The platform’s mission is to accelerate the deployment of next-generation solar technologies by promoting Multi Benefit Photovoltaics—solutions that serve dual purposes beyond energy generation.

At glasstec, Solar TAP highlighted how emerging printed solar cell technologies, including organic photovoltaics (OPV) and perovskite solar cells, can be seamlessly embedded into everyday environments. These flexible, lightweight modules open new possibilities for solar integration in agriculture (Agrivoltaics), building facades (BiPV), and transportation (MobilityPV).

Solar TAP Showcases Printed Photovoltaics at glasstec 2024 in Düsseldorf @ copyright by Helmholtz-Institut Erlangen-Nürnberg

Through strategic collaboration with a wide network of industrial partners, Solar TAP drives the development and commercialization of these technologies across the entire value chain—from lab-scale research to industrial-scale manufacturing (“lab-to-fab”). The goal: to fast-track market readiness and foster broad adoption of sustainable, multifunctional solar solutions.

The exhibition at glasstec 2024 underscored the pivotal role of glass as not only a protective layer but a functional and aesthetic component in the solar revolution.

Wolfgang Mildner presenting the SolarTAP Project at the MID Summit 2024 in Stuttgart.

3D-MID Summit 2024: Advancing Innovation

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On October 23, 2024, the MID Summit & MID Workshop took place at Hahn-Schickard in Stuttgart, Germany. This two-day event, jointly organized by Hahn-Schickard and the Research Association 3-D MID e.V., served as a premier platform for professionals in the field of Mechatronic Integrated Devices (MID) to explore the latest technological advancements, engage with industry experts, and participate in technical presentations and workshops.

A highlight of the summit was the presentation by Wolfgang Mildner, network manager for the SolarTAP Project. In his talk titled “SolarTAP – A Technology Acceleration Platform for Emerging PV Technology from the Lab to the Fab,” Mildner introduced the SolarTAP initiative, a Helmholtz Association project aimed at accelerating the deployment of printed photovoltaic technologies, such as organic photovoltaics and perovskites. The initiative focuses on integrating solar energy solutions into sectors like agriculture, construction, and transportation, working closely with industrial partners to bring these technologies to market readiness.

Attendees networking at the MID Summit 2024 in Stuttgart, discussing innovative MID technologies.
Networking Session at MID Summit 2024

The MID Summit & MID Workshop 2024 featured a diverse program, including expert presentations from both industry and research sectors, a poster session showcasing current research projects, and a trade exhibition. Participants had the opportunity to engage in workshops on topics such as new research areas, printed hybrid electronics, sustainability, and market research. The event facilitated networking and knowledge exchange among professionals, fostering collaboration and innovation within the MID community.

Overall, the MID Summit & MID Workshop 2024 provided valuable insights into the latest developments in MID technologies and their applications, highlighting initiatives like SolarTAP that aim to bridge the gap between research and industrial implementation.

Hidronik Network group photo at the Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg for Renewable Energy.

Hidronik Network Explores Sustainable Energy Solutions

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On October 19, 2024, the Hidronik Network visited the Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg for Renewable Energy (HI ERN), a leading research institution dedicated to developing material- and process-based solutions for the sustainable and cost-effective utilization of renewable energies.

Dr. Jens Hauch presented the innovation platform Solar TAP and guided the visitors through HI ERN’s state-of-the-art laboratories.

Dr. Jens Hauch presenting Solar TAP's advancements to Hidronik Network participants during their visit to the Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg.
Dr. Jens Hauch presenting Solar TAP’s advancements to Hidronik Network participants during their visit to the Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg.

Hidronik Participants engaged in discussions with experts, exploring cutting-edge research in printable photovoltaics and hydrogen technologies. The visit fostered valuable connections and opened opportunities for future collaborations in sustainable energy technologies.

This collaboration between Hidronik and HI ERN exemplifies the synergy between industry and research institutions, driving innovation in sustainable energy technologies.

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.

Solar TAP Showcased Industry Collaboration and Innovation at ISOS‑15

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Solar TAP Emphasized the Power of Industry Collaboration and Innovation at ISOS‑15

From September 30 to October 2 2024, the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB), in collaboration with Humboldt University, hosted the 15th International Summit on Organic and Hybrid Perovskite Solar Cell Stability (ISOS‑15). Since its inception in 2008, this prestigious summit has served as a key platform for discussions on the long-term stability of third-generation solar cells and has led to important outcomes, including the influential ISOS ageing protocols.

Registration for ISOS-15. (c)copyright: Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin.

This year’s event attracted over 180 participants from academia and industry, reflecting the growing global interest in the durability and commercial viability of Emerging PV technologies.

Over 180 participants engaged in discussions on PV stability and degradation. (c)copyright: Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin.

Solar TAP was proud to sponsor and exhibit at ISOS‑15, actively supporting the global Emerging PV community. As part of its commitment to advancing next-generation photovoltaic technologies, the Solar TAP team contributed to critical conversations on material longevity, protection from degradation, and the development of reliable testing methods for device ageing.

A highlight on the opening day was the visit of César Omar Ramírez Quiroz from FOM Technologies, who stopped by the Solar TAP booth to officially deliver the signed ascension agreement—welcoming FOM as the newest member of the Solar TAP Industry Network.

Dr. Jens Hauch (Solar TAP Manager, on the right) welcomes César Omar Ramírez Quiroz from FOM Technologies as the newest member of the Solar TAP Industry Network. @copyright by Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH.

The summit addressed several key dimensions of solar cell durability. Topics included the intrinsic stability of materials—exploring how well they perform under long-term operational conditions—as well as strategies to shield devices from extrinsic environmental factors, such as moisture, oxygen, and UV radiation. Another focal point was the design and interpretation of ageing experiments, aiming to improve the accuracy and comparability of stability measurements. These discussions were essential for understanding the real-world reliability and cost-efficiency of third-generation photovoltaic technologies.

Impressions from ISOS-15: presentations, panel discussions, poster sessions, and networking. (c)copyright: Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin.

For Solar TAP, ISOS‑15 was more than just a conference—it was a powerful affirmation of the collaborative spirit driving innovation in the field. The event offered a unique opportunity to connect with leading experts, strengthen our industry network, and share our vision for accelerating the transition of emerging PV technologies into robust, multi-benefit applications.

Solar TAP Drives Agri-PV Innovation for a Greener Future

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Solar TAP Advances Agri-PV Innovation Toward a Sustainable Future

At Solar TAP, we’re proud to collaborate with Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schurr (Principal Investigator, Solar TAP) and Dr. Matthias Meier-Grüll (Principal Investigator, Solar TAP) to advance Agri-Photovoltaics (Agri-PV), which is a promising approach that combines solar energy production with agricultural use on the same land.

Demonstration sites at the Institute of Bio- und Geosciences at Forschungszentrum Jülich in the Rhenish region are testing three Agri-PV system types:

• Vertical fixed modules, spaced for farm machinery

• Sun-tracking systems that follow the sun

• Elevated pergola-style structures, ideal for shade-tolerant crops.

Demonstration site at Forschungszentrum Jülich. (c) Copyright: Solar TAP

These systems create win-win outcomes — producing clean electricity while protecting crops from extreme weather and reducing water usage through natural shading. In some cases, yields can even increase.

With growing pressure to balance food security and energy transition, Agri-PV offers a scalable, sustainable solution. Policy is beginning to catch up: Germany’s EEG amendment (2023) improved support and funding for Agri-PV. But hurdles like complex permitting still remain.

At Solar TAP, we see Agri-PV as a vital building block in our mission to accelerate multi-benefit PV applications. We’re excited to help shape a future where energy and agriculture grow side by side.

Read the interview with Dr. Meier-Grüll with focus on electricity from farmland here.

Helmholtz-Innovationsplattformen: 1. Statusseminar at EnCN, Nürnberg on 05.12.2023

1st Helmholtz Innovation Platform Status Symposium

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Solar TAP at the Forefront of Emerging PV Technologies: A Recap of the Helmholtz Innovation Seminar

On December 5, 2023, SolarTAP proudly participated in the Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft Innovation Flagships Status Seminar held at the Energy Campus Nuremberg (EnCN). The event marked a significant stride in our commitment to spearheading innovation in photovoltaic technologies.

Helmholtz-Innovationsplattformen: 1. Statusseminar at EnCN, Nürnberg on 05.12.2023
Helmholtz-Innovationsplattformen: 1. Statusseminar at EnCN, Nürnberg on 05.12.2023
Helmholtz-Innovationsplattformen: 1. Statusseminar at EnCN, Nürnberg on 05.12.2023

From 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, our team, alongside the bright minds from Hi-Acts and SOOP, showcased our recent advancements. Led by our esteemed Steering Committee members Christoph Brabec, Eva Unger, Ulrich Lemmer, and supported by Hannah Funk from VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH, Solar TAP presented our latest research and development projects.

The seminar focused on the implementation status of our initiatives, featuring discussions on team structures, portfolio development, and insightful market analysis. Our presentation highlighted our recent achievements in partnerships and provided a platform for exchanging marketing strategies and networking activities.

A special segment dedicated to Solar TAP emphasized our mission to drive breakthroughs in Emerging PV Technologies. Attendees had the opportunity to engage in a vibrant discussion about the sustainability of innovation platforms and the potential for future breakthroughs.

We also explored the collaborative efforts towards common marketing and brand development strategies. The day concluded with a collective discussion on how we can further integrate our marketing efforts across various platforms including print and trade shows.

This seminar was not just a reflection of our past achievements but also a stepping stone towards future innovations. We thank all participants and organizers for making this event a success and look forward to continuing our journey in revolutionizing the energy sector.