Progress Report2018 – 2019

3

Introduction

Dear Friends and Research Partners,

With this report we present important results from research and development of ISC Kon-

stanz. Most of the work within our numerous research projects is directly or indirectly

related to one of our three main innovations: BiSoN, ZEBRA, TH-E Box. Besides, as an exam-

ple for other advanced technologies, we show first results of solar cells with passivated

contacts, and moreover, as our contribution to the “AtaMoS-TeC” project in Chile, results

on development of modules adapted to the requirements in the desert. The focus of our

work is on bifacial solar cells and modules. Therefore, this topic is dedicated to an extra

double page. The machines for the production of solar cells are becoming faster with higher

throughput and increasingly intelligent. The information and communication technology

(ICT) has arrived at that industry. That is why we deal with Industry 4.0 topics as well.

Finally, as our overall goal is the dissemination of the application of solar energy, we are

still very active in the field of development cooperation and education. At the end of this

report we show you a chart of our technology roadmap, a list of actual publicly funded pro-

jects and the financial data.

Enjoy reading this report and do not hesitate to enter into a deeper discussion with our

experts!

Dr Kristian Peter

Chairman of the Board of Directors

ISC Konstanz e.V.

Imprint

copyright: ISC Konstanz, 2018

responsible for content: Dr. Kristian Peter, ISC Konstanz

print run: 500

pictures: ISC Konstanz

designed with green electricity,

printed carbon neutral on 100% recycled paper

with vegan, vegetable oil-based colours

design: naturblau+++

Research for a sunny future

2 3

Dr Kristian Peter,

Dr Eckard Wefringhaus,

Petra Hoffmann,

Rudolf Harney,

Dr Radovan Kopecek

ISC Konstanz Business Directors

(from left)

2 3

Jan Lossenjan.lossen@isc-konstanz.de +49-7531-36 18 3-360

Dr. Florian Buchholzflorian.buchholz@isc-konstanz.de +49-7531-36 18 3-553

Process Transfers: The Example of BiSoN

In order to transfer the innovative cell and module technologies developed

at ISC Konstanz into industrial production, our team has been very active

in the last years.

The focus of R&D work at ISC Konstanz has always been on industrially

feasible processes. Accordingly, even in the early stages of development,

we have the implementation into industrial production in mind. That ena-

bles us to integrate new process steps into existing production lines eas-

ily. The upgrade of an existing production line to advanced technologies

does not have to be expensive. At Megacell we have shown that a standard

production line for multi crystalline p-type solar cells can be upgraded in

a few months to a line for bifacial n-type solar cells (BiSoN). The currently

achievable efficiency with BiSoN technology is 21 %+ with a bifacial coef-

ficient1 close to 0.9. As all ISC technology is based on similar single pro-

cess steps, only some more modifications are necessary to produce n-type

IBC solar cells (ZEBRA) with an efficiency potential of 23 %.

With the experience from three completed process transfer projects, our

BiSoN and ZEBRA technology has achieved a very high level of technology

readiness. In addition to this, our personal experience in different cultural

and technological surroundings allows for a smooth and rapid transition

from lab to fab.

To achieve low cost of ownership for these high-efficiency solar cell con-

cepts, a high throughput of the advanced doping and passivation pro-

cesses is crucial. For this reason, we optimise these processes in close

cooperation with the machine manufacturer centrotherm.

Another solar cell concept that is currently being developed at ISC Kon-

stanz is MOSON, an nPERT rear junction solar cell concept. The MOSON

cell has reached efficiencies beyond 22 % when tested at ISC Konstanz

and is currently being prepared for mass production. A transfer to an inter-

ested pilot costumer is possible.

However, choosing the right technology is not the only condition for a

quick and successful transfer to industrial production: having the right

people for the job is just as important. This is why we put together a team

of process experts, integration specialists and experienced project man-

agers for each technology transfer project. This team will work on-site

and implement all the modifications necessary for a speedy and smooth

changeover, allowing the customer to return to full capacity quickly.

In addition to the actual technology transfer, ISC Konstanz offers the sup-

port of the customers in purchasing new or used equipment, installing

media supplies and certifying products. If desired, we can take over these

tasks completely.

As we also investigate the advantages of our innovative technologies in

scientifically sound field tests under normal and extreme climatic condi-

tions, we can support our partners further in creating product information

and technical documentation.

1 The bifacial coefficient describes the efficiency under back-side illumination divided

by the efficiency under illumination from the sunny side.

4 5

InnovationsFinances

Activities

4 5

Fig. 3. IV Data distribution for ZEBRA-Gen2 solar cells.

Voc [v]

Jsc [mA/cm2] FF [%]

ETA [%]

The interdigitated back-contact (IBC) solar cells have the potential of winning

the PV market due to advantages arising from their characteristic architecture

placing the both contacts and emitter on the back side allowing an efficient

decoupling of the carrier generation at the front of the cell and the collection

process at the rear.

ISC-Konstanz has developed his own IBC solar cell, named ZEBRA for the

peculiar back side appearance as an upgrade of the n-PERT process BiSoN

which has been proved to be compatible with an industrial scale production

and throughput.

The ZEBRA soar cells are fabricated on standard M2 size n-type Cz-Si wafer;

the process sequence counts for only eleven process steps. The front-floating-

emitter (FFE) and the emitter as well as the back-surface-field (BSF) regions

are formed using industrial-size quartz tube furnace diffusion employing BBr3

and POCl3 source respectively. The entire lito-free process requires only one

masking step while the interdigitated pattern on the back side is obtained

by laser processing which results an elegant solution i) to simplify process-

ing compare with high resolution patterning technique such as lithography, ii)

reduced manufacturing costs iii) it offers large flexibility coupling rear inter-

digitated diffusion pattern-layouts with the related metallization grid.

The p+-emitter and the FFE are passivated by an in situ thermal SiO2 layer

obtained during the boron diffusion process, saving costs associated with alu-

minum oxide deposition which is typically used in high efficiency solar cell

concepts.

The contact formation is obtained with firing-through Ag paste screen printed

in a single step for both emitter and BSF regions. The final metallization fea-

tures an open grid design suitable for bifacial applications.

ZEBRAThe Innovative IBC Solar Cell

Dr Valentin Mihailetchivalentin.mihailetchi@isc-konstanz.de +49-7531-36 18 3-48

Giuseppe Galbiatigiuseppe.galbiati@isc-konstanz.de +49-7531-36 18 3-361

In 2018 we introduce the new generation of ZEBRA-Gen2 cell as the latest

process development. The recombination of J0,e and J0,met of the p+ and

n+ regions are reduced by lowering the surface concentration of the doping

profiles, meanwhile, the fine tuning of the contacts formation allow for a con-

tact resistance RC < 2.5 mΩ·cm2. Excellent surface passivation obtained with

oxide/SiNx stack layers with implied Voc of 710 mV and Joe=14 fA/cm2 on

symmetrically diffused boron emitter. Solar cells with energy conversion effi-

ciencies up to 23.0 % are fabricated at the ISC labs.

Further implementation of passivated contacts are currently in progress

within the TuKaN project funded by the German Federal Minister for Economy

Affairs and Energy. The aim is to achieve 24 % cell efficiency.

IV Data distribution for ZEBRA-Gen2 solar cells.

ZEBRA 60 cell module

ZEBRA module rear sideSummary of IV Results fpr Print-Contacts ZEBRA II Cells

Jsc[mA/cm2]

Voc[mV]

FF[%]

pFF[%]

Ƞ[%]

Average 41.42 ± 0.01 682.7 ± 0.1 80.67 ± 0.07 84.7 ± 0.1 22.82 ± 0.05

Best cell (Black reflector) 41.48 683.7 81.4 84.9 23.1

Best cell (White reflector) 41.68 683.6 81.3 - 23.2

Andreas Halmandreas.halm@isc-konstanz.de +49-7531-36 18 3-50

6 7

InnovationsFinances

Activities

THermodynamic and Electric energy Box

Photovoltaic energy is affordable and economically interesting, if a high

share can be self-consumed. On the other hand, in the future too much

PV can destabilise the energy system if it is fed into the grid without any

control.

TH-E Box is a compact energy conversion unit, typically for single fam-

ily houses, which provides both, heating and electricity just on the user’s

demand. The heat (or cold) and the electricity can be produced all over

the year at any time. It is mainly driven by PV (70-80% over the year),

the remaining energy being provided by any fuel, natural gas, methanol

or even hydrogen.

This Energy unit (TH-E Box) combines three main elements: A recharge-

able battery with a bidirectional AC/DC converter, an electrical heat pump

as well as a combined heat and power engine – CHP (e.g. gas generator

or fuel cell). A high fraction of the energy fed into the system comes from

renewable sources, e.g. from photovoltaics or wind, the rest being sup-

plied from fossil fuels or even biofuels. The combustible fuel can be natu-

ral gas, biogas, hydrogen, oil, methanol or others. In the simplest case

TH-E Box is connected to a rooftop PV system and the natural gas supply

pipeline.

TH-E Box enable buildings to become far beyond energy autonomous. The

systems can offer electrical flexibilities to the distribution system opera-

tor. E.g. in the winter time, heat can be produced either by the heat pump

or the CHP. While in the former case electricity is taken from the grid,

electricity is feed into the grid in the later. The system can therefore pro-

vide both, positive and negative regulation energy. This makes even more

sense if several systems will be used in a neighbourhood or any other way

of collaboration, such that the individual TH-E Boxes can negotiate the

transfer of energy between each other according to the particular needs of

the households where they are installed.

TH-E Box can drive a family house 100 % independent from the electric-

ity grid. But even more interesting is the fact, that it can provide posi-

tive and negative balance energy to the grid. This means it woks even

beyond energy autonomy. TH-E Box is smart grid ready and can manage

the sequence in which the main consumers in the household such as wash-

ing machines, dishwashers and electric vehicles are powered.

To make the green energy supply chain complete, we will concentrate in

future research on the generation of a hydrocarbon fuel, e.g. methanol,

from CO2 and green hydrogen PV excess energy. The green hydrocarbon

should then serve as a seasonal long-term storage medium.

TH-E Box

Franz Reichenbachfrank.reichenbach@isc-konstanz.de +49-7531-36 18 3-670

TH-EBox

naturalgas/methanol heat/cold

electricity from renewable sources electricity just on demand

Adrian Mindeadrian.minde@isc-konstanz.de +49-7531-36 18 3-352

Model Predictive Control

In order to dimension the TH-E boxes, the control algorithm has already

been developed. It is thus possible to estimate the terms and requirements

of the individual components on the basis of measured consumption data.

The regulation is performed by a “Model Predictive Control” MPC, which

establishes a time-discrete, dynamic model of the system to be controlled

in order to be able to calculate the future state of the system as a func-

tion of defined input signals. This allows the optimization of the input

signal over a time horizon, taking into account defined input and state

constraints. While the model behavior is predicted up to a certain time

horizon, usually only the input signal for the next time step is used and

then the optimization is repeated with the current (measured) state of the

energy-storing components.

8 9

InnovationsFinances

Activities

8 98 98 9

11

Passivated Contacts

In order to further enhance the efficiency of our cell technologies, we are

continuously seeking to reduce charge carrier recombination, in particular

at the cell’s surfaces and under the metal contacts. One of the most promis-

ing approaches to achieve this goal are charge carrier selective passivated

contacts, which can be implemented as a layer stack consisting of an ultra-

thin silicon oxide and a heavily doped layer of polycrystalline silicon (poly-

Si). Charge carrier selectivity is achieved by energy band bending imposed

by the heavily doped poly-Si layer and by asymmetric tunneling probabili-

ties through the interfacial oxide. This results in an efficient shielding of

minority carriers from the surfaces, including the highly recombination

active silicon-metal interfaces of the contacts.

Within the publicly funded Tukan project, such passivated contacts are

developed for integration into the industrial process flows of ISC’s nPERT

(BiSoN) and IBC (ZEBRA) cells. In order to achieve a lean process flow,

key focusses of the project are to develop a single-sided silicon thin film

deposition and the compatibility of the passivating layer stack with screen

printing of the metal contacts.

Figure 1 shows typical doping profiles for different poly-Si crystallization

temperatures and doping concentrations for n+ doped poly-Si layers on

n-type substrate. The respective passivation quality is shown in Figure 2,

where an implied Voc of up to 730 mV indicates the significant potential

for cell efficiency improvements with this technology.

Figure 1: Doping profiles measured by ECV

Solar Module Development Laboratory in Chile

With the backing of the Chilean government, ISC Konstanz, FhG-Chile,

SERC and the French CEA INES pursue the lowest LCOE possible through a

range of activities including optimising desert performance, tracking and

bifacial modules and system design. The work covers soiling, system design

and the best module configurations for the harsh climatic conditions.

It will not be testing only but developing products too. We are setting up

a module pilot line where we will test and develop new components, new

stringing and new designs.

Beginning of 2018 the Atacama Module and System Technology Center

(AtaMoS-TeC) started its research activities. The first 18-24 months the

member institutes continue the development of their desert modules. Dur-

ing this period of ongoing work, the centre’s building will be constructed

and equipment assembled for the pilot line. At that point, a staff of 25-30

researchers will begin working at the facility.

The partnership with CORFO, Chile’s economic promotion body, will look

to stimulate use of the new facility’s research in mainstream production.

A policy of technology transfer will also ensure that other countries with

desert conditions can benefit from its work.

Industry partners, including Enel, Colbún, Mondragón and Cintac have

contributed US$5 million with CORFO providing US$12 million of funding

for the project.

This consortium has very specific goals for a period of no more than 10

years, where they have to be able to halve the cost of generating energy

by photovoltaics, addressing the specific problems facing the Atacama

Desert. If we achieve this, Chile will be in a position to change its produc-

tive, industrial and mining structure, especially in the north of the country.

Advanced Technologies

Dr. Jan Hoßjan.hoss@isc-konstanz.de +49-7531-36 18 3-366

Dr. Enrique Cabreraenrique.cabrera@isc-konstanz.de +49-7531-36 18 3-56

m)µdepth (0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25 0.3 0.35 0.4 0.45

)-3

dopi

ng c

once

ntra

tion

(cm

1610

1710

1810

1910

2010

2110 /sqΩ = 81 sh

C, R°T = 825

/sqΩ = 142 sh

C, R°T = 825/sqΩ = 740

shC, R°T = 825

/sqΩ = 56 sh

C, R°T = 850/sqΩ = 103

shC, R°T = 850

/sqΩ = 615 sh

C, R°T = 850

poly-Si c-Si

)-3 cm20phosphorous concentration (100.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3

(mV)

ocim

plie

d V

660

670

680

690

700

710

720

730

crystallization temperature

C°T = 825C°T = 850

Figure 2: Respective passivation quality

Andreas Halmandreas.halm@isc-konstanz.de +49-7531-36 18 3-50

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InnovationsFinances

Activities

12 13

Bifaciality

Dr Joris Libaljoris.libal@isc-konstanz.de +39 351 922 0929

Bifacial photovoltaic (PV) modules are able to utilize light from both sides

and can therefore significantly increase the energy yield of PV power

plants, thus reducing the electricity cost and improving profitability. Bifa-

cial PV technology has a huge potential to reach a major market share, in

particular when considering utility scale PV plants. In combination with

simple tracking technology the total energy output of a PV power plant

can be boosted to up to 50 % compared to standard monofacial fixed tilt

systems at about 10-20 % additional costs. In addition different applica-

tion fields are waiting for bifacial modules such as sound blocking systems

facades, car-ports, green-houses and other glass-intensive structures.

Accordingly, bifacial PV is currently attracting increasing attention from

involved engineers, scientists and investors.

ISC Konstanz is one of the leading institutes organizing related workshops

and pushing this technology to the market since its foundation. Therefore

we have developed bifacial solar cell (BiSoN, ZEBRA) and module tech-

nologies which we have licensed and transferred to industrial partners.

In addition we have developed an advanced simulation program called

MoBiDiG (Modelling of Bifacial Distributed Gain) which can simulate the

energy yield for many scenarios (fixed tilt, vertical installations, tracking

systems) for bifacial and monofacial PV systems. The various components

of the simulation model are under continuous development to further

increase the accuracy as well as the application range of the resulting

energy yield predictions. This work is conducted in publicly funded pro-

jects as well as in bilateral collaborations and includes the model valida-

tion with field data.

We support large EPCs as well as utilities with our expertise by performing

evaluations of the potential energy yield of their PV system projects.

As we want to connect all bifacial believers, attract possible investors and

inform all PV scientists about this promising technology for entering the

“1ct/kWh era” we have written a book together with leading institutes for

this technology. The book can be purchased at: https://www.theiet.org/

resources/books/pow-en/bif-photovol.cfm

Dr Radovan Kopecekradovan.kopecek@isc-konstanz.de +49-7531-36 18 3-22

InnovationsFinances

Activities

14 15

Vision

Smart PV factories, in addition to having a higher degree of automation

constitutes a system that can self-learn, self-optimize and self-adapt to

run production processes autonomously or semi-autonomously with mini-

mum human intervention. Optimal planning of experiments, flexible pro-

duction of different cell technologies can result in higher efficiency cells

with improved production yield and throughput. It also leads to reduced

cost of ownership. This is accomplished by adapting innovations from the

various technical fields of communication, data analysis, nanotechnology,

automation and robotics, Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and 3D

printing amongst others.

Prerequisite

Moving towards the goal of a smart factory, digitalization is the first step,

where the machines, materials, infrastructure and humans have to “talk to

each other”. Therefore, common interfaces and communication standards

have to be established. With a connected factory, we can leverage on soft-

ware platforms, communication technologies and advanced analytics to

make the factory smart.

Digitalisation: Industry 4.0 & Lab 4.0

Rudolf Harneyrudolf.harney@isc-konstanz.de +49-7531-36 18 3-25

Swaytha Sasidharanswaytha.sasidharan@isc-konstanz.de +49-7531-36 18 3-356

1 Funded by Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (Germany)2 Funded by Ministry of Economics, Labor and Housing Baden-Württemberg (Germany)

Projects at ISC: factories and ISC lab

Currently, ISC is in the phase of digitizing the lab: connecting production

equipment, deploying sensors, extracting data and developing commu-

nication interfaces to facilitate the same. A common platform is imple-

mented to interact with the equipment and handle the incoming data.

Handheld devices and web interfaces with dedicated industrial applica-

tions will enable improved user access to the information.

However, this is not a scientific playground: it is a prototype of an industry

4.0 PV factory. We will be able to evaluate different standards for inter-

faces. We are developing a factory-planning tool that handles the booking

and scheduling of various equipment. In the project FlexFab1 we work on

an automatic factory planning for switching between different cell types

in one factory. With the projects InES, TechFab and SelFab2 we develop

a smart, self-learning lab and factory. Wafer tracking is crucial for smart

fabs to attain improved yields and reduced process failures: We perform

detailed studies of single wafer tracking, carrier wafer tracking or virtual

wafer tracking methodologies to demonstrate the advantages and imple-

mented simulators and mobile application to make tracking easier.

InnovationsFinances

Activities

16 17

Besides our excellent research in photovoltaics, our international team is

actively involved in promoting solar technology and raising awareness for sus-

tainability through renewables around the world. Our activities take place on

various levels, including rural electrification as well as educational projects.

Rural Electrification

The introduction of solar energy can enhance the quality of life of off-grid

communities in developing and newly industrialized countries in many

ways. These projects also serve as demonstration projects for solar tech-

nology. Up till now ISC Konstanz has completed 11 rural electrification

projects in Africa and Asia and supported 7 external projects by contribut-

ing modules with a total of 65 kWp. In the past 3 years we have come to

focus more and more on the educational aspects of development coopera-

tion in order to ensure the sustainability of the installations.

In 2016 we completed our 5th rural electrification project in Cameroon

(SLAK 5 - EduSol Cameroun) in the framework of our UNESCO-honoured

EduSol initiative (Education for Sustainable Development with Solar): two

schools were electrified in the heart of the rainforest with the active par-

ticipation of four students of the Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State

University Ravensburg (DHBW), Campus Friedrichshafen. The students

had been previously trained by us and gave lessons in one of the schools

on current and solar energy. This project had a uniquely personal touch

and was a real intercultural experience for the youngsters on both sides.

Education Cooperation

We are linked with various educational institutions abroad and are part

of a large international network of scientists and industrial institutions

committed to bringing solar technology to those areas of the planet that

have optimal climatic conditions. At our institute we train and supervise

undergraduate, postgraduate students and interns from all over the world

in PV theory and R&D. Beyond that, we visit and cooperate with German

universities and universities in Egypt (El Gouna) and Chile (Santiago and

Antofagasta). Our goal is to teach young researchers how to develop PV

devices adapted to their own climate conditions.

Solar student workshop KonSoLe

In 2017 we established a new out-of-school learning place in Konstanz for

students in primary and secondary education. The informal and positive

hands-on experience in our workshops aims to inspire young people to

learn to think independently and lose possible inhibitions related to tech-

nical disciplines. The additional interactive unit in Global Education sen-

sitizes youngsters for topics such as global responsibility, climate fairness

and their own energy sufficiency. In 2017 and 2018 we held 16 workshops

for a total of 211 students, mainly from secondary schools in the region.

One World Promoter Programme

Since the beginning of 2014, ISC Konstanz has been 1 of the 14 organisa-

tions linked to the programme in the State of Baden-Württemberg. This

multifaceted work is funded by state and federal governments supporting

initiatives, organisations and individuals working towards global fairness

and a sustainable development. ISC Konstanz’s regional promoter Monika

Sarkadi works together with civil society, municipalities as well as eco-

nomic actors in order to raise awareness for important issues of develop-

ment policy. She informs, networks, coordinates and initiates actions. Her

main focus in the region of Mid-South Baden-Württemberg lies on Global

Education and climate fairness. In May 2018 she conceived and organized

a major public event in Konstanz promoting the UN Sustainable Develop-

ment Goals (SDGs), in particular SDG 7 for Energy and SDG 13 for Climate

Action. This interactive and entertaining event attracted hundreds of visi-

tors from the region and is the start of a long-term cooperation between

participating partners.

International Solar Development and Education Cooperation

Monika Sarkadimonika.sarkadi@isc-konstanz.de +49-7531-36 18 3-402

InnovationsFinances

Activities

18 19

Roadmap

1.5 ct/kWh

25 ct/kWh

3.5 ct/kWh 3 ct/kWh

8 ct/kWh

2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 2022 2024 2026 2028

13 ct/kWh

5 ct/kWh4 ct/kWh

ISC Konstanz started bifacial

workshops

Development of cost effective

BiSoN and ZEBRA solar cell

Contract with MegaCell signed

ISC Konstanz started nPV

workshops

Development of n-type solar cells with BOSCH

Technology transfer to

MegaCellfinished

Contract with Adani signed

Technology transfer to

Adani finished

Contract with Valoe and SPIC signed

AtaMoS-TeCproject started

Development of 24% cost

effective solar cell

Development of industrial

25% cost effective solar cell with passivated contacts

2.5 ct/kWh 2 ct/kWh

Development of 27+% cost

effective solar cell with passivated contacts and Perovskite

layer on top

Development of 28+% cost

effective solar cell with passivated contacts and Perovskite

layer on top

Development of 30+% cost

effective solar cell with passivated contacts and Perovskite

layer on top

TH-E Box 1st generation

TH-E Box on fuel cell

TH-E Box ready for tech. transfer

TH-E Box in the marked

Green hydrocarbons generated from H2+CO2as a supplement energy source for TH-E Box

Hybrid thermal/ PV systems

Start activities on energy systems

1.5 ct/kWh

25 ct/kWh

3.5 ct/kWh 3 ct/kWh

8 ct/kWh

2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 2022 2024 2026 2028

13 ct/kWh

5 ct/kWh4 ct/kWh

ISC Konstanz started bifacial

workshops

Development of cost effective

BiSoN and ZEBRA solar cell

Contract with MegaCell signed

ISC Konstanz started nPV

workshops

Development of n-type solar cells with BOSCH

Technology transfer to

MegaCellfinished

Contract with Adani signed

Technology transfer to

Adani finished

Contract with Valoe and SPIC signed

AtaMoS-TeCproject started

Development of 24% cost

effective solar cell

Development of industrial

25% cost effective solar cell with passivated contacts

2.5 ct/kWh 2 ct/kWh

Development of 27+% cost

effective solar cell with passivated contacts and Perovskite

layer on top

Development of 28+% cost

effective solar cell with passivated contacts and Perovskite

layer on top

Development of 30+% cost

effective solar cell with passivated contacts and Perovskite

layer on top

TH-E Box 1st generation

TH-E Box on fuel cell

TH-E Box ready for tech. transfer

TH-E Box in the marked

Green hydrocarbons generated from H2+CO2as a supplement energy source for TH-E Box

Hybrid thermal/ PV systems

Start activities on energy systems

InnovationsFinances

Activities

After German cell manufacturers such as Sunwasys and Bosch stopped pro-

ducing solar cells, the ISC started to license its own know-how worldwide and

to transfer the technology accordingly. The focus of our solar cell technology

transfers are bifacial n-type technologies such as BiSoN and ZEBRA.

In order to bring n-type bifacial technologies sustainably and with success

into the PV market, so that these technologies can contribute to the reduction

of LCOE, a large solid network of e.g. machine building companies and mate-

rial suppliers is necessary. Therefore, already at an early stage, ISC Konstanz

started to organize nPV workshops from 2011 and bifacial workshops from

2012 on. It is possible that new workshops, as e.g. tandemPV will be launched

in the coming years.

In parallel we generated Know-how on energy system level (TH-E Box). The

energy cycle is complete as soon as we produce green hydrocarbons as a sup-

plement energy source for PV. Annual smart energy workshops have been

organized since 2015.

20 21

ZEBRA Development

Competitive solar power in Germany - Reduction of electricity generation

costs to less than 5ct/ kWh through innovative and industrially feasible

solutions along the crystalline Si value chain based on back contacted

modules. 8/2016 - 7/2019 • BMWi Germany

Processes for ZEBRA. Development of Processes for efficiency potential

higher 23% (laser technique, dielectrics, diffusion processes). 8/2015 -

7/2018 • BMWi Germany

High Efficiency Processes and Basic Research

Tunnel contacts on N type: for metallization with screen printing under

the use of highly doped poly-silicon. 10/2017 - 09/2020 • BMWi Germany

cost optimized high efficiency solar cells made of low oxygen n-type

monocrystalline silicon for industrial mass production. 5/2015 - 4/2018

• BMWi Germany

Industrial PVD-Al for highly efficient crystalline Si solar cells and modules

9/2015 - 8/2018 • BMWi Germany

Reduction of Losses by ultrafine Metallization and Interconnection of Pho-

tovoltaic Solar Cells. 7/2017 - 6/2020 • Solar-Era-Net (EU)

Development of cost effective high efficiency high voltage modules with thin

quartered back contact solar cells. 6/2016 - 5/2018 • Solar-Era-Net (EU)

High-efficiency solar cells by spectral transformation using nano-optical

enhancement. 5/2015 - 4/2019 • Programkomiteen for Bæredygtig Energi

og Miljø (DK)

Environmentally friendly and sustainable processes

Eco-Solar Factory - 40% plus eco-efficiency gains in the photovoltaic

value chain with minimized resource and energy consumption. 10/2015

- 9/2018 • EU H2020

Solar wafer epitaxial growth technology to increase efficiency of solar cell

manufacturing. 7/2016 – 6/2019 EU -H2020/KIC InnoEnergy

IT Supported Production Processes

Flexible production of solar cells in future PV factories. To produce evolu-

tionary successive solar cell concepts in one cell line. 7/2017 - 6/2020 •

BMWi Germany

From technical center 4.0 to the self-learning factory. To strengthen the

PV equipment manufacturer. 11/2017 - 6/2018 • Ministry of Economy,

Baden-Württemberg

Module Development and Characterization

Evaluation research for the quality assurance and evaluation of PV mod-

ules in the solar park. 8/2013 - 1/2018 • BMWi Germany

Novel connection concepts for solar modules, significantly reduced shad-

ing by shingles technique. 9/2016 – 8/2018 • BMWi Germany

Development of novel solar modules with low weight, integrated bypass

diodes, high efficiency low costs. 11/2015 - 10/2018 • Solar-Era-Net (EU)

Bifacial PV modules for lowest levelized cost of energy (LCOE). Optimized

bifacial cell designs and processes for highest energy yield. 10/2017 -

9/2020 • Solar-Era-Net (EU)

Development of bifacial double glass desert modules (330Wp and

400Wpe+) and desert systems.12/2016 - 11/2021• CORFO (Chile)

Smart Grids and Energy Systems

Systemic efficiency gains in PV-fed, non-thermal seawater desalination

systems by cooling with water. April 2016 - März 2019 • BMBF Germany

The energy system of the future in the solar arc of southern Germany.

01/2017 - 12/2020 • BMBF (SINTEG) Germany

Open Inter-DSO electricity markets for RES integration. Enabling the local bal-

ancing of renewable energy. 7/2016 – 3/2019 • EraNet Smart Grids Plus (EU).

Residential solution from innovative coupled power supply units by

means of sector coupling. 5/2016 - 12/2018 • Ministry of Environment,

Baden-Württemberg

IT-based grid expansion planning in the distribution network for a new

decentralized energy system. 4/2017 - 3/2020 • Ministry of Environment, BW

Smart grid without load measurement Allensbach/Radolfzell. Fluctuating

renewable energy integration. 5/2018 - 4/2020 • Ministry of Environment

Social Activities

Workshop for school classes sensitizing youngsters for renewable

energy and sustainability. 1/2017 - 6/2018 • Ministry of Environment,

Baden-Württemberg.

Networking in the field of renewable energies. Initiation of regional pro-

jects. Organization and execution of events. 1/2017 - 12/2018 • City and

rural district of Konstanz

Support of civil society and action groups in view of a sustainable devel-

opment and global fairness. 1/2014 - 12/2018 • Ministries BW & Germany

Publicly Funded Projects

5 ct

PfZ

TUKAN

Kosmos

IdeAl

Refined PV

HVolt-PV

SunTune

Eco-Solar

EpiComm

FlexFab

TechFab

PVScan

Schindel

U-Light

BiFaLo

AtaMoS-TeC

H2O-CC

C/sells

CALLIA

Ehoch4 Quartier

4.0

IT Grid Design

SoLAR

KonSoLe

SolarLAGO

One World Promoter

Programme

20 2120 2120 21

InnovationsFinances

Activities

22 23

Finances Memberships

Revenue and Operating Income 2016/2017

• Intangible activity: 2.697k€ (63,7% of total income) compared to

2.205k€ ( 58,4%) in 2016

• Special purpose activity: 875k€ (20,7 %) compared to

789k€ (20,9%) in 2016

• Economic business operation: 177k€ (4,2%) compared to

124k€ (3,3%) in 2016

• Asset management: 485k€ (11,5%) compared to 661k€ (17,5%) in 2016

• Loss : -181k€ compared to -284k€ in 2016

Employees

82% 85% 90%

18% 15% 10%33% 27% 20%

67% 73% 80%

4.409 € 4.280 €4.771 €

2015 2016 2017

Balance sheet key figures (KEUR)

Fixed Assets ratio

Current Assets ratio

Equity ratio

Liabilities ratio

Balance sheet total

3.330 €

3.779 € 4.235 €

-379 € -284 € -181 €

2015 2016 2017

Revenue and Profit /Loss (KEUR)

Intangible activity

Special-purpose operation

Economic business operation

Asset management activity

Profit / Loss

Balance Sheet

Financial statements drawn up in accordance with the regulations of com-

mercial law (HGB, German Commercial Code).

Petra Hoffmannpetra.hoffmann@isc-konstanz.de +49-7531-36 18 3-190

40,7 43,3 41,6 41,0 43,9

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Employee numbers (Ø Full-time equivalent)

Scientists Administration

KOMPETENZZENTRUMENERGIEWENDEREGION KONSTANZ

22 232322 23

InnovationsFinances

Activities

Board of Directors:

Rudolf Harney

Dr Radovan Kopecek

Dr Kristian Peter

Dr Eckard Wefringhaus

Dr Peter Fath

ISC Konstanz e.V.

Rudolf-Diesel-Str. 15

78467 Konstanz

Germany

Tel: +49-7531-36 18 3-0

Fax: +49-7531-36 18 3-11

sekretariat@isc-konstanz.de

www.isc-konstanz.de