Fraunhofer ISE Drives U.S. PV Industry Growth With Advanced Solar Technology Support

Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) is playing a key role in the growing photovoltaic (PV) industry in the United States. With the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) spurring the construction of many photovoltaic factories across the country, Fraunhofer ISE is offering its expertise in technology selection, product design, and factory ramp-up to various companies. Many PV manufacturers are focusing on production technologies for high-efficiency solar cells, particularly heterojunction and TOPCon solar cells. Shingle matrix PV modules, used in integrated PV products and space applications, are also gaining popularity. Fraunhofer ISE will be present at RE+ in Anaheim, California, from September 9-12, where its researchers will provide information on the latest PV technologies and manufacturing processes.

Jochen Rentsch, who heads the PV Technology Transfer at Fraunhofer ISE, highlighted the growing demand for support from the U.S. since mid-2023, contrasting it with the tense situation for the PV industry in Europe. He expressed optimism about the rapid implementation of PV factories in the United States and the rising interest in sophisticated PV products. One such factory project involves Convalt Energy, which is constructing a fully integrated production line for TOPCon modules with an annual capacity of 7.5 gigawatts at two sites in New York State. Fraunhofer ISE is the technology partner for this project and is responsible for selecting the technology used in the factory. Alongside European partners, the institute is involved in designing the product and factory concept.

Fraunhofer ISE is also assisting in the factory’s ramp-up and the production of prototypes for both cells and modules. A pilot line for ingot and wafer production is planned in the initial phase of this project, where a fully automated production line will be tested with partner companies. Rentsch noted that this project is just one example of how Fraunhofer ISE is helping to set up advanced PV production in the U.S.

Another significant project involves TALON PV, a company based in Houston, Texas, which is establishing a 4-gigawatt TOPCon solar cell production facility. Fraunhofer ISE is providing support in both technology selection and product design for TALON, helping to develop the factory concept and assisting in the factory’s ramp-up. The institute will also be involved in producing prototypes during the early stages of the project. Adam Tesanovich, CEO of TALON PV, acknowledged the indispensable role Fraunhofer ISE is playing in the success of this project.

Fraunhofer ISE works with multiple European partners to support these projects, including Applied Materials Italy, ASYS, cm.build.ing, EcoProgetti, Halm, ISRA VISION, Lapmaster-Wolters, PVA Tepla, Raams, RENA, von Ardenne, and Wavelabs. One of the key technologies being used in these factories is the highly efficient TOPCon solar cell architecture, which Fraunhofer ISE developed and introduced in 2013. Since then, this technology has demonstrated record efficiency and has seen a rapid expansion in production capacity, especially in China.

According to the International Roadmap Photovoltaics, published by VDMA, TOPCon solar cells are expected to hold over 50% of the market share by 2024. Fraunhofer ISE is one of the few organizations outside of China capable of producing TOPCon solar cells in the latest large solar cell formats. Sabrina Lohmüller, Deputy Head of Silicon and Perovskite-Silicon Tandem Solar at Fraunhofer ISE, mentioned the institute’s excitement about supporting industrial partners with this technology. Recently, Fraunhofer ISE processed its first TOPCon solar cell in the M10 format, achieving an impressive efficiency of 24%. This milestone is expected to further strengthen the institute’s position as a leader in supporting PV manufacturers worldwide.