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Our Goals

Roadmap at ISC Konstanz

ISC Konstanz is a research institute, which specializes in research and development of crystalline silicon solar cells and modules. We are ranked among the top research institutes in the world undertaking research on Si industrial solar cells. Since the time of its foundation, ISC Konstanz experienced vivid growth. Currently 50 employees are dedicated to reduce costs and increase efficiency of solar cells.

 

Roadmap and goals in R&D

ISC Konstanz focuses exclusively on silicon based solar cell concepts, which have a strong potential for industrial use. We are particularly interested in solar cells with large surfaces 156x156mm2. At the moment, the efficiencies at ISC Konstanz reach 21% for Si mono-crystalline and above 17% for Si multi-crystalline cells. In the short and middle term, we plan to increase the efficiencies by ca. 0.5% absolute via optimization of standard solar cells. In the long term, we aim to achieve efficiencies over 21% on very thin substrates of 100 µm (currently around 200 µm).

 

Roadmap und goals for dissemination of photovoltaics

In addition to research and development, ISC Konstanz recognizes the importance to promote the use of photovoltaic technology. This is why we provide advanced training for experts in photovoltaic, offer internships and study visits to our labs for schools. We also give talks and presentations on photovoltaics, accessible and understandable for general public. In our development cooperation projects, which bring solar power to the poorest countries, we use solar cells from our R&D activities.

Our first development cooperation projects in Cameroon, Tanzania, Ghana and India were a great success. As a result, we plan to expand our development activities and strengthen collaboration with BMZ (Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development) and other public agencies such as MIMRESI (Ministry for Research and Development in Cameroon).

The funds allocation in the ISC Konstanz budget is envisaged to constitute 60% for public R&D project, 30% for industrial projects and 10% for development cooperation projects with the total volume of ca. 5 million Euro in 2012. 

 

The motto of ISC Konstanz perfectly summarizes our aims and goals: 

                                                                           

Research for a sunny future