Photovoltaics department

Contact
Prof. Dr. Rolf Brendel
CEO
Tel.: +49(0)5151-999 100
E-Mail: r.brendel@isfh.de

Prof. Dr. Jan Schmidt
Head of PV department: personnel
Tel.: +49(0)5151-999 425
E-Mail: j.schmidt@isfh.de

Dr. Karsten Bothe
Head of PV department: contracts
Tel.: +49(0)5151-999 425
E-Mail: k.bothe@isfh.de

Dr. Thorsten Dullweber
Head of PV department: infrastructure
Tel.: +49(0)5151-999 642
E-Mail: t.dullweber@isfh.de

The „Photovoltaics“ (PV) department at ISFH develops, improves, and analyzes innovative photovoltaic components in order to significantly reduce the levelized costs of electricity. The work of the department spans the entire value chain from silicon wafers to solar cells and modules. Our work includes fundamental materials research, process development, analysis of solar cells using simulations and measurement setups that were built in-house, as well as optimization of solar cells and modules. Our applied research is focused on mid-term solutions and industrial applications.

 

Research topics

  • Loss and sensitivity analysis of solar cells on the basis of solar cell modeling using precisely measured input parameters
  • Key technologies for the inexpensive production of high-efficiency solar cells (e.g. poly-silicon contacts)
  • Surface passivation of silicon solar cells (SiO2, SiNx, Al2O3, poly-Si)
  • High-efficiency cells with poly-Si on oxide (POLO)-contacts
  • Industry-related technology and process development
  • Novel camera-based characterization techniques for silicon materials, solar cells, and modules
  • Analysis of defects in silicon and their impact on solar cell and PV module properties
  • Innovative interconnection techniques for PV modules
  • Long-term stability of solar cells and PV modules
  • Mechanical properties of modules
  • Device and process simulation