Located in Freiburg, Germany, the Institute performs applied scientific and engineering research and development for all areas of solar energy.
With over 1,100 employees, Fraunhofer ISE is the largest institute for applied solar energy research in Europe.
[citation needed] Within the PV small device program, numerous other successful products were developed.
When the clean room was put into operation in 1989, the production of high efficiency solar cells began.
The areas of expertise include the development of production techniques and prototypes, setting up and monitoring demonstration systems and operating indoor and outdoor testing and calibration centers.
In order to better transmit, reflect, absorb, filter, redirect or concentrate the incoming radiation, Fraunhofer ISE develops optical components and systems.
[2] Solar Thermal Systems This business area covers the markets of low and high temperature applications.
Fraunhofer ISE supports the product development concentrating on increasing efficiencies, reducing costs and achieving the highest reliability.
[2] Renewable Power Supply The construction of grid-connected systems is the largest market for the photovoltaic branch today.
People living in remote rural areas, the countless number of telecommunication systems, environmental measurement technology as well as portable electronic devices require an autonomous power supply, independent of the grid.
Together with partners from industry and science, components and complete fuel cell systems are developed for autonomous, portable as well as mobile applications.
The Institute is a member of the ForschungsVerbund Erneuerbare Energien (FVEE) and the European Renewable Energy Research Centres Agency (EUREC), as well as other alliances.
The research institute has a net floor area of 21,000 m² which contains offices, laboratories and test fields.