Special milestone

Dear friends of ISC Konstanz,

It is with great pleasure that we share a special milestone with you today: the first large machine moved into our new research centre this week. Less than six months after receiving funding approval from the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of the Environment, we are putting our plans for equipping the new ISC research centre into action. It is perhaps no coincidence that many of our partners refer to us as a ‘speedboat’. Here you can even find a short video of the ‘move’.
In addition to the major steps we are taking with our new construction project (have you donated yet?), we are also helping to organise numerous events. Perhaps we have already met at one of them – and if not, we look forward to catching up soon! Why not come and visit us and see the progress we are making towards implementing the energy transition on site?

First large machine in the new laboratory building

Mertcan Commak is delighted that the first large-scale system has been delivered to the new laboratory, enabling him to conduct even better research for the energy transition with state-of-the-art equipment.

The time has come: the first large machine for our new solar laboratory has arrived: a high-temperature continuous furnace from the Baden-Württemberg-based machine manufacturer centrotherm. This purchase was made possible by funding from the publicly funded ‘Kontrast’ project, which is supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE).
The device looks almost like an oversized conveyor pizza oven from a restaurant. It operates at over 800°C and with absolute precision. We need it for the final step in the production of solar cells: this involves burning ultra-thin electrical contacts into the cell with precision to achieve maximum performance – a key element for highly efficient solar energy.
Further equipment – funded by the state of Baden-Württemberg – is currently in production. One of these, a high-performance flasher from Wavelabs, has been in use since January. To ensure that the remaining machines can be gradually put into operation in 2025, we are working intensively on completing the necessary air conditioning technology.
‘The floor is finished, the hall is standing – and finally the machines are arriving. The new laboratory is becoming a reality,’ says Dr Kristian Peter, ISC’s spokesperson.
Rudolf Harney, responsible for fundraising, adds: ‘When we bought the land three years ago, much was still uncertain. Today, we are full of gratitude that so many partners, donors and sponsors are making this place possible.’
To date, 9.24 million euros in donations and subsidies have been raised – only 760,000 euros are still needed to complete the first construction phase. Will you help us cross the finish line? (Click here for the online donation form.)
As part of the ISC Research Centre, the new laboratory is a central building block for the future of European solar energy. It strengthens our industry-oriented research and ensures the development of innovative technologies right here in Konstanz – with an impact far beyond the region.
Thank you for accompanying us on our journey!

Workshops, knowledge transfer and international networks

Two workshops co-organised by ISC Konstanz: On the left, ISC board members Kristian Peter (far left) and Radovan Kopecek (far right) speak at the Solar & Storage Technology Summit in Munich on 6 May 2025. The picture on the right gives an impression of the PV PILOT workshop, where Rudolf Harney presents the results of a working group, also in Munich on 6 May 2025.

In addition to setting up our new laboratory, we are also strongly committed to promoting knowledge transfer and cooperation with industry, science and politics. In recent weeks, ISC Konstanz has been present at numerous events – often as co-organiser, initiator or speaker:

• 6 May, Munich: The PV PILOT workshop brought together around 100 participants from politics (BMWK), research, industry and associations. The aim was to present the findings from the PV PILOT project and discuss concrete ways to achieve resilient solar production in Europe.
• Also on 6 May: In cooperation with the VDMA and Fraunhofer ISE, we presented a comprehensive study on European solar machine manufacturing – with important insights from surveys and market analyses.
• 6 May, Munich (parallel): At the PV Modules, Storage & Systems Workshop, held jointly with Energy Depot, current developments in modules, storage and system solutions were examined, with a focus on practical applications and innovative approaches.
• 12 May, ISC Konstanz: At the Energy Systems Workshop, we discussed current developments in PV modules, large-scale storage, agri-PV, energy management, energy forecasts and AI applications in the PV industry and hydrogen technologies.
• We also made further contributions at the E-Mobility Experience Day on 30 May in Friedrichshafen, among other events.
• Looking ahead: We are also actively involved internationally – for example, as co-organiser of the IEEE Industry Summit in Montreal (8–13 June) and the EU PVSEC in Bilbao (22–26 September).

We are delighted that ISC Konstanz is increasingly being recognised as a platform for dialogue and innovation – regionally, nationally and internationally.