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 Research for a Sunny FutureThe International Solar Energy Research Center Konstanz e.V. (ISC Konstanz) researches and develops crystalline Silicon solar cells. We work closely together with leading enterprises and research institutes in the field. The idea of launching a solar research institute originated at the University of Konstanz in 2005. Its 17 founding members, primarily physicists, established ISC Konstanz as a non-profit association. A lot of private money, and high commitment have been invested into the project with the objective of making solar cells more efficient and reducing their production costs; thus, promoting the dissemination of this environmentally-friendly technology. The association is financed through the fees paid by its full and sustaining members, through donations, the sponsorship of 12 industrial partners, public research contracts placed by the EU and the Federal Ministry for the Environment (BMU) as well as industrial contracts. Currently, the ISC Konstanz is conducting 43 different projects. The financial volume of the research projects amounted to approximately 3 million euros in 2010. The ISC Konstanz employs 54 people and its team is constantly growing. We evaluate new, cost-efficient silicon raw materials and optimize existing production steps and machinery. Furthermore, we develop new technologies for industrial solar cell production and test innovative solar cell concepts. However, the ISC Konstanz sees itself not only as a partner of commercial enterprises. For solar energy to be widely accepted and used, the researchers consider it essential to not only ceaselessly pursue the continued technological development but also inform the public at large. That is why ISC Konstanz provides internships for pupils and students, explains its own solar plant on presentation boards, and offers guided tours through its labs to school classes. Our philosophy
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