Our Research
Welcome to the Institute for Solar Energy Research (ISFH) in Lower Saxony!
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 engineering”. “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!
News
ISFH researchers receive SiliconPV Award 2026 for contributions to TOPCon passivation and solar cell stability
Solar thermal energy in district heating networks: analysis of system sizing and stagnation risks in Germany
Systematic Underestimation: Why the role of photovoltaics in energy scenarios must be reassessed
Latest Publications
A novel separate-precursor-pulse PECVD SiOx as interfacial oxide for polysilicon passivating contacts applied to industrial high efficiency silicon solar cells
Larionova, Yevgeniya and Nguyen, Viet Xuan and Pernau, Thomas and Seiffert, Daniela and Brendel, Rolf and Dullweber, ThorstenPV modules with increased shading tolerance due to modified interconnection designs
Meyer, Kevin and Bourdón, Léo and Mattheis, Julian and Daschinger, Thomas and Kunze, Iris and Blankemeyer, Susanne and Wirtz, Wiebke and Römer, Carolin and Schulte-Huxel, HenningProspects for solar photovoltaics in highly renewable energy transition scenarios towards a dominant future energy source
Bredemeier, Dennis and Khalili, Siavash and Keiner, Dominik and Breyer, ChristianComparison of daylight luminescence methods during inverter operation for fault detection in solar modules
Xu, Chencheng and Wentnagel, Andrej and Siebert, Michael and Köntges, MarcUnlocking the synergies of cooperation: a broader economic perspective on green hydrogen infrastructure in Morocco and Germany
Mueller, Tobias and Schomburg, Leon and Bredemeier, Dennis and Niepelt, Raphael and Winter, EttiUpcoming Events
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Messe München, Halle A3 | Stand 307
ISFH at Intersolar Europe 2026
Visit us at Intersolar Europe 2026 in Hall A3, Booth 307. Discover PVT demonstrators, PV modules with natural veneer, and our new intensive course on passivating contacts for TOPCon solar cells.
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Munich Exhibition Fair, Hall A3, Booth 307
Intersolar - Preview: Intensive course on poly-Si contacts for TOPCon solar cells
Preview: Intensive course on poly-Si contacts for TOPCon solar cells “Passivating contacts for TOPCon solar cells: Understanding and hands on practice - An intensive course at ISFH”
Research at ISFH
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.
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.
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.
Energy systems for buildings
Innovative building energy systems – intelligently connected, solar-powered and ready for a climate-neutral future.
Fabrication and custom manufacturing
Smart, flexible, and cost-effective – at ISFH we create technologies for the production of solar cells and PV modules
Heat pumps
We research heat pumps for supplying buildings and neighborhoods, and thermal energy systems – using simulation, component analysis and real-world testing.
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
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, spectroradiometers and heat pumps 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.
