In the new calibration laboratory of the Calibration Test Center (CalTeC) at ISFH, Lower Saxony’s Minister of Science and Culture records the current-voltage curve of a solar cell. On the left in the picture is the head of the calibration laboratory, Dr. Karsten Bothe, in the foreground the director of the institute, Prof. Rolf Brendel.

Emmerthal (RGo/RNi). Dr. Gabriele Heinen-Kljajic, Lower Saxony’s Minister of Science and Culture, visited the Institute for Solar Energy Research Hameln/Emmerthal (ISFH) on 31 August 2016 as part of her summer trip.

At the Institute for Solar Energy Research in Emmerthal near Hamelin, the minister gained insights into the development of highly efficient and cost-effective solar systems. In particular, she visited the newly established calibration laboratory “Calibration and Test Center” (CalTeC), which offers calibrated and high-precision measurements on solar cells and spectrometers for industry.

In addition, ISFH presented a new development in the field of so-called “thermochromic” absorber layers for solar collectors. Thermochromic materials are materials that change their optical properties at a certain temperature. As soon as a critical temperature is exceeded, the new absorber layer changes its emissivity and releases excess energy to the environment as heat radiation. In this way, solar collectors with lower standstill temperatures can be produced. The technology being promoted by ISFH is currently being further optimized by the industry for prototype collectors.

“ISFH is an excellent research institute with a unique research infrastructure in Northern Germany. The research work carried out here in the field of solar energy is an important building block for the success of the energy transition,” said the Minister after her visit. As good news, the minister promised to increase the institutional support of her ministry by 500,000 € starting next year. Prof. Brendel thanked the Minister for this significant increase in the existing budget approach, which enables ISFH to continue to compete with the world’s best solar research institutions.