Institute for Solar Energy Research in Hamelin (ISFH)

Innovation with impact
Outside view of the ISFH building.

Our Research

The energy transition needs solar energy. Solar energy protects our climate, is available everywhere, is popular with the population and generates electricity and heat close to where the energy is needed. And: The rapid expansion of solar energy worldwide holds great economic opportunities for our export country!

For these reasons we foster solar energy by doing applied research in the fields of “Photovoltaics” and “Solar Systems”. “Innovation with impact” is our motto for more than 30 years. We are cooperating with the industry, with other research institutions, and with universities. ISFH is associated with the “Leibniz Universität Hannover”.

We are happy to answer your requests, whether you are from industry and interested in co-operations or in using our scientific services, or whether you are a student interested in one of our advertised academic works or whether you are interested in one of our job openings. Your ideas count!


Upcoming Events

no_events_title

no_events_text

Research at ISFH

Automated manufacturing equipment for solar cell production with robotic gripper module.
Photovoltaics

Silicon solar cells and PV modules

From silicon wafer to PV module: Our research combines material science, cell and module technology, quality assurance, and manufacturing engineering to enable highly efficient, cost-effective, and resource-saving photovoltaic production.

Photo of a gray photovoltaic-thermal façade.
Solar systems technology

Building integration

Building-integrated solar thermal, photovoltaics, and photovoltaic-thermal systems – functional, aesthetic, and efficient. We develop solutions for façades, roofs, and new energy applications.

Photo of tandem perovskite cells
Photovoltaics

Tandem solar cells and modules

We develop innovative tandem solar cell concepts with a focus on highest efficiency, industrial scalability, and the reindustrialization of PV manufacturing in Europe.

Laboratory environment with heating and energy systems
Solar systems technology

Energy systems for buildings

Innovative building energy systems – intelligently connected, solar-powered and ready for a climate-neutral future.

Robotic arm processing photovoltaic modules
Photovoltaics

Fabrication and custom manufacturing

Smart, flexible, and cost-effective – at ISFH we create technologies for the production of solar cells and PV modules

Photo of a climate test chamber
Solar systems technology

Heat pumps

We research heat pumps for supplying buildings and neighborhoods, and thermal energy systems – using simulation, component analysis and real-world testing.

Measuring unit with black protective housing for field testing of solar cells and PV modules.
Photovoltaics

Reliability of photovoltaics

We evaluate the reliability of new solar cells, materials, and PV modules under real-life conditions—across laboratory settings, outdoor field testing, and with custom module designs.

Hydrogen molecule
Solar systems technology

Hydrogen

We advance green hydrogen technology through novel catalysts, innovative materials using proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis, and by supporting industry in scaling new solutions.

Our services at CalTeC

As a DAkkS-accredited laboratory, ISFH CalTeC offers precise calibrations and tests for solar cells, solar thermal systems and spectroradiometers - in accordance with international standards such as ISO, IEC and EN. In addition to accredited services, we also support you with individual tests and development support.

A researcher works in the optics lab.

Do you have a question about the ISFH?

We will be happy to help you! You can contact the specific contact persons for our research or reach us via our general contact.