ISFH strengthens research infrastructure for photovoltaics, hydrogen and heat pumps

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A mobile spectrometer measurement head (located below the “H” in ISFH) in a test facility for measuring the performance of solar modules, with spectrometers visible in the center of the image. These newly acquired spectrometers are used both to measure the spectrum of a solar simulator and to determine the so-called spectral response of solar modules, particularly innovative tandem solar modules. In the future, tandem technology is expected to enable significantly higher solar module efficiencies (>30%) than are currently achievable (~25%).

With new digital measurement and testing systems, the Institute for Solar Energy Research Hamelin (ISFH) is further expanding its research infrastructure for climate-neutral energy technologies. An investment project (Grant reference: 76221-4257/2025, 11 December 2025 to 31 May 2026) funded by the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture (MWK) with €200,000 has been successfully completed.

The new equipment supports research in the fields of photovoltaics, hydrogen and heat pumps. It enables the automated collection of large volumes of data, the precise characterization of materials and the testing of new technologies under realistic operating conditions. Researchers can use these systems to accelerate development processes and improve the performance of solar modules, electrolyzers and heat pump systems.

A key focus is the digital integration of the new infrastructure. The data generated provide the foundation for data-driven analyses and the application of artificial intelligence methods. This makes it possible to analyze and further develop material properties, manufacturing processes and system behavior more efficiently.

The investment strengthens ISFH’s research capabilities in key technology areas of the energy transition. The new systems are already being used in ongoing research projects and create additional opportunities for collaboration with academia, industry and policymakers.

ISFH would like to thank the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture for its support. The investment helps strengthen Lower Saxony’s position as a research and innovation hub for renewable energy technologies.