Instituto de Sistemas Fotovoltaicos de Concentración

What Instituto de Sistemas Fotovoltaicos de Concentración does

Instituto de Sistemas Fotovoltaicos de Concentración (ISFOC) is a public R&D institute founded in 2006 and headquartered in Puertollano, Spain, legally constituted as a Sociedad Anónima Unipersonal (SAU) attached to the Regional Ministry for Sustainable Development of the Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha under Decreto 112/2023. It is the only public institute in Spain dedicated specifically to concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) technology and operates 1.1 MW of grid-connected experimental PV plants across two sites (Puertollano and Almoguera, Guadalajara), supported by on-site prototype laboratories used for accelerated aging testing per IEC-62108 standards and field validation of CPV components.

ISFOC's portfolio spans CPV modules and trackers, hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (TPV) systems, CPV-driven hydrogen electrolysis, Building-Integrated PV (BIPV), and a growing layer of digital products including the INDAGA SOLAR Digital Twin, METAVERSO/METAVERSO II predictive maintenance platforms, the Autoconsumo 4.0 ML-based energy management system, the WEBENER/ENERBOX metering stack, and the GOCPV and MetheBox product catalog. AI/ML and computer-vision capabilities are applied within projects such as DRONES4CIP (autonomous drone fleets for port infrastructure), Smart PVwine (vineyard monitoring), and energy community management (COMETA), but these function as project deliverables rather than commercial products.

The institute's revenue model is professional services revenue sourced from publicly funded R&D projects — competitive grants from Spanish ministries (Ministry of Science, MINCOTUR, CDTI), the Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha, European programs (Horizon 2020, FEDER), and PERTE Renewable Hydrogen — executed through consortia with industry (Abengoa, Isofotón, SENER, BSQ Solar, Ayesa, Onyx Solar, H2B2), academic partners (UPM, UCLM, University of Jaén), and research centers (CENER, CSIC, Fraunhofer ISE). Notable project budgets include BIPVBOOST (€11.4M, Horizon 2020), PSE SIGMASOLES (€2.13M), OPENSIROCO (€2.24M), DRONES4CIP (€1.38M), and CPV4H2 (€1.28M). ISFOC has no commercial pricing or product sales; its go-to-market is consortium-based, project-driven R&D with technology transfer to industrial partners, occasional bilateral contracts (e.g., €5M Masdar City viability study for ADFEC), and dissemination through scientific publications and conferences.

Name

Instituto de Sistemas Fotovoltaicos de Concentración

Legal name

Instituto de Sistemas Fotovoltaicos de Concentración SAU (ISFOC SAU)

Website

https://isfoc.net

Company type

Private

Founded year

2006

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Public Spanish R&D institute, owned by the Junta de Castilla-La Mancha, specializing in concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) technology. Operates 1.1 MW of experimental plants, delivers consortium-based research in CPV, hydrogen, BIPV, and AI-driven monitoring, funded by Spanish ministries and EU programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Solar Energy Research and Development

NAICS

Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services (54169), Environmental Consulting Services (541620)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)

akta.pro primary industry

Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) EPC (EUAEAAAH)

akta.pro secondary industry

Third-Party Certification, Code Compliance & Regulatory Inspection (ASME/API/ISO) (EUAEAHAN)

Keywords

• Concentrating photovoltaic systems
• Solar energy research
• Photovoltaic plant testing
• Renewable energy R&D
• CPV technology development

Headquarters

HQ city

Puertollano

HQ country

Spain

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations

Revenue model

1. Publicly Funded R&D Project Services: ISFOC operates as a public research institute generating revenue through participation in publicly funded R&D projects. The institute receives grants, subsidies, and collaborative funding from Spanish government ministries (MINCOTUR, Ministry of Science, CDTI), European programs (Horizon 2020, FEDER), and regional government sources. Revenue is project-based, tied to specific research objectives, and requires consortium partnerships with industry and academic institutions.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

ISFOC is a public research institute specializing in concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) technology. It operates two experimental grid-connected photovoltaic plants totaling 1.1 MW and develops CPV technologies, hybrid photovoltaic-thermal systems, smart sensor networks, IoT-enabled monitoring platforms, AI/ML-based predictive maintenance systems, and hydrogen generation through CPV-powered water electrolysis. The institute provides collaborative R&D services, technology validation, prototype testing, and advisory services for concentrating photovoltaic systems.

Product overview

ISFOC (Instituto de Sistemas Fotovoltaicos de Concentración) is a public R&D institute specializing in concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) systems and solar energy technology. The organization operates as a research and development entity within the Castilla-La Mancha regional government, focused on improving, developing, and providing advisory services for concentrating photovoltaic systems and generation plants. ISFOC's portfolio includes both physical products and software solutions: GOCPV (photovoltaic concentration products), ENERBOX (energy metering hardware), MetheBox (metering devices), and WebEner (energy management software). The institute also operates experimental infrastructure including two grid-connected photovoltaic plants totaling 1.1 MW in Puertollano and Almoguera, along with prototype laboratories for R&D activities. Research focus areas include photovoltaic integration, CPV technology, photovoltaic plant technology, hydrogen generation and water treatment, and smart technologies with sensorization and data analysis.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• GOCPV: Product catalogued by ISFOC
• ENERBOX
• MetheBox
• WebEner

Products and services

• GOCPV A photovoltaic concentration product developed by ISFOC, part of their catalog of specialized solar energy solutions for industry partners and research collaborators.
• ENERBOX An energy management hardware device for continuous monitoring of electricity, water, and fuel consumption in buildings and industrial facilities, part of the WEBENER system ecosystem.
• MetheBox A metering and monitoring product developed by ISFOC for photovoltaic installations, used to measure and track energy production parameters.
• WebEner Energy management software application for continuous monitoring of electricity, water, and fuel consumption in government buildings, private entities, and industrial facilities. The software collects data from energy meters, stores it in a centralized database, and provides web-based analysis and control capabilities to identify anomalies and reduce consumption.
• Collaborative R&D Project Services Technical expertise, testing facilities, and validation services provided through government-funded R&D consortia to industry and academic partners. Services include technology co-development, prototype testing, accelerated aging tests per IEC-62108 standards, feasibility studies, and technology transfer for CPV and renewable energy systems.
• Experimental Photovoltaic Plants Two experimental grid-connected photovoltaic plants with a combined capacity of 1.1 MW (one in Puertollano and one in Almoguera, Guadalajara) used for R&D testing and validation of photovoltaic technologies. Available to industry partners for technology validation and field testing.

Quantifiable outcome

• CPV technology reduces semiconductor material costs while maintaining high electricity production efficiency through optical concentration
• +3 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability14 records

Feature9 records

Partnerships

30 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• SolartyscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Solartys is a recurring consortium partner across multiple AEI-funded projects including SolarIA GeoServices, ADOMIF, Autoconsumo 4.0, INDAGA SOLAR, ClearSolar, and EMPLEA2 SOLAR, focusing on photovoltaic sector digitalization and internationalization.
• Smartech ClustercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Smartech Cluster partners with ISFOC on multiple AEI projects including SolarIA GeoServices, PreAirQuality, METAVERSO, METAVERSO II, and EMPLEA2 SOLAR, focusing on air quality management, metaverse monitoring, and photovoltaic sector innovation.
• NOMAD Solar EnergyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025NOMAD Solar Energy visited ISFOC facilities, accompanied by the Provincial Delegate of the Regional Ministry of Sustainable Development, indicating potential collaboration in solar energy initiatives.
• CECASAcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024ISFOC participates with CECASA in the SUNRISE PV project focused on next-generation photovoltaic technologies for energy cost reduction through circularity strategies. Project is funded by 'Misiones de Ciencia e Innovación' Program of the State Plan for Innovation.
• Abengoa Solar New TechnologiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAbengoa Solar New Technologies is a key consortium partner in PSE SIGMASOLES (€2.13M strategic project) and multiple INNPACTO spin-off projects (SigmaMódulos, SigmaTrackers, SigmaPlantas), focusing on high-efficiency CPV module and tracker development.
• IsofotóncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIsofotón participates in PSE SIGMASOLES and INNPACTO projects (SigmaMódulos, SigmaTrackers, SigmaPlantas) as a Spanish solar cell manufacturer and partner in the Masdar CPV demo plant (100kW installation) in Abu Dhabi.
• SENERcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSENER leads the SigmaTrackers INNPACTO project and participates in SigmaPlantas, focusing on HCPV tracker development. Also a partner in PSE SIGMASOLES strategic project.
• BSQ Solar S.L.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBSQ Solar is beneficiary of the POWERTREE project (€727,704) and consortium partner in CPV4H2 hydrogen generation project (€1.28M), working on high concentration PV systems for urban environments.
• CENER (National Renewable Energy Centre)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCENER is a consortium partner in SigmaTrackers (INNPACTO) and PSE SIGMASOLES, providing renewable energy research expertise and technological center capabilities.
• Skylife EngineeringcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSkylife Engineering participates in ADOMIF (€202K) for Industry 4.0 digitalization of PV operations, EMPLEA2 SOLAR (€239K) for virtual training platforms, and INDAGA SOLAR (€324K) for digital twin and AI solutions.
• ENDEF (Engineering Partners)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerENDEF Engineering participates in ADOMIF (Industry 4.0 for PV O&M) and Autoconsumo 4.0 (intelligent energy flow management) projects.
• Dronak S.L.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDronak S.L. is a consortium partner in DRONGENO project (€608K), developing hydrogen-based energy supply systems for drones to significantly increase flight autonomy.
• Automation and Robotics Centre of CSICcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCSIC's Automation and Robotics Centre partners in DRONGENO project for ultra-light fuel cell development through 3D printing and hydrogen generation systems.
• Ayesa Advanced TechnologiescoreOthersAyesa Advanced Technologies is the beneficiary of DRONES4CIP project (€1.38M) developing autonomous drone fleets for critical infrastructure protection in commercial ports with renewable energy-based charging systems.
• Aeorum España S.L.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAeorum España participates in DRONES4CIP (€1.38M) for autonomous drone fleet systems and OPENSIROCO (€2.24M) for collaborative robotic mission management platforms.
• Fundación Tecnalia Research & InnovationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFundación Tecnalia is the beneficiary of BIPVBOOST (€11.4M, Horizon 2020), a major European project reducing BIPV solution costs and enabling nearly zero-energy building implementation.
• Onyx Solar Energy S.L.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOnyx Solar participates in BIPVBOOST (€11.4M Horizon 2020 project) focusing on building-integrated photovoltaic solutions alongside 18 other European partners.
• Mondragon Assembly S.Coop.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMondragon Assembly S.Coop. participates in BIPVBOOST (€11.4M) for multifunctional BIPV solutions and value chain optimization.
• Viña de Gaitanejos S.L.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerViña de Gaitanejos S.L. participates in OPENSIROCO (€2.24M) for collaborative robotic systems applied to vineyard cultivation and photovoltaic installations.
• Verne Information Technology S.L.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVerne IT participates in METAVERSO II (€244K) for metaverse-based predictive maintenance platforms and virtual monitoring of photovoltaic installations.
• Aumenta Solutions S.L.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAumenta Solutions participates in METAVERSO and METAVERSO II projects developing AI-based predictive maintenance and virtual monitoring solutions for the metaverse.
• Blue Room Innovation S.L.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBlue Room Innovation S.L. participates in EMPLEA2 SOLAR (€239K) developing blockchain-based digital training certificates and virtual reality training platforms for the photovoltaic sector.
• Fraunhofer Institute of Solar Energy (Germany)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFraunhofer ISE partners in NACIR project (2009-2012) alongside Concentrix (Germany) and Isofotón (Spain) for CPV technology development and new market applications.
• Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (ADFEC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerADFEC contracted ISFOC (November 2009) for CPV technology viability study at Masdar City, evaluating different CPV technologies under extreme Abu Dhabi weather conditions for dust, temperature, and reliability assessment.
• Concentrix-Soitec (Germany)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConcentrix-Soitec installed 100kW at the Masdar City demo plant and partners in NACIR project, contributing German CPV technology expertise to international viability assessments.
• University of Castilla-La ManchacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUCLM participates in SigmaTrackers, SigmaPlantas, and PSE SIGMASOLES projects, contributing academic research capabilities and regional connection to ISFOC.
• Polytechnic University of MadridcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUPM participates in SigmaMódulos, SigmaTrackers, SigmaPlantas, and PSE SIGMASOLES projects, contributing Solar Energy Institute and CEDINT research capabilities.
• INTA (Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerINTA participates as a public research body in SigmaMódulos, SigmaTrackers, and PSE SIGMASOLES, contributing aerospace-grade testing and validation expertise.
• H2B2 S.L.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerH2B2 S.L. partners in CPV4H2 project (€1.28M) developing high-efficiency solar hydrogen production systems through water electrolysis powered by concentrated photovoltaics.
• DisTecH2 ConsortiumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDisTecH2 project (PERTE de Energías Renovables, Hidrógeno Renovable y Almacenamiento) focuses on disruptive hydrogen generation and use technologies through innovative program incentives.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• SolFocus: SolFocus was a CPV systems company that developed concentrating photovoltaic technology, directly comparable to ISFOC's core technology focus. Notable as a cautionary commercial peer showing CPV commercialization challenges.
• Soitec (CPV division, formerly Concentrix): Soitec acquired Concentrix Solar, a German CPV technology developer that partnered with ISFOC in the Masdar City demo plant. Comparable as a commercial CPV technology company operating in the same technology space.

Broad incumbents

• NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory): NREL is the US national renewable energy laboratory, a broad incumbent in publicly-funded PV and CPV research with significantly larger scale. Comparable in mission (public R&D for renewable energy commercialization) and CPV validation capabilities.
• European Solar Test Installation (ESTI) at JRC: The European Solar Test Installation at the EU Joint Research Centre performs PV module testing and calibration per IEC standards, comparable to ISFOC's IEC-62108 CPV qualification testing capabilities as a European reference testing facility.

Direct peers

• Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE): Fraunhofer ISE is Germany's leading applied solar energy research institute and a direct peer in CPV research, having partnered with ISFOC in the NACIR project. Comparable in research scope, infrastructure footprint, and consortium leadership.
• Tecnalia Research & Innovation: Tecnalia is a major Spanish private R&D center that partnered with ISFOC as beneficiary of the €11.4M BIPVBOOST Horizon 2020 project. Comparable in applied energy research scope and Spanish public funding landscape.
• CENER (National Renewable Energy Centre of Spain): CENER is Spain's national renewable energy R&D center, directly comparable to ISFOC as a Spanish publicly-funded research institute operating in solar/photovoltaic technology. Both serve as consortium partners and validation hubs for renewable energy projects in Spain.
• CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas): CIEMAT is Spain's national research center for energy and environment, broadly comparable as a Spanish public R&D institution with overlapping renewable energy and PV research scope, including CPS technologies.
• CEA-INES (French National Institute for Solar Energy): CEA-INES is France's national institute for solar energy R&D, closely comparable as a public-private research consortium dedicated to photovoltaic technology development, testing, and technology transfer.
• IREC (Catalonia Institute for Energy Research): IREC is a Spanish research center specializing in energy technologies including PV and smart grids. Comparable as a publicly-supported renewable energy R&D institute with similar consortium participation model.

Market position

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/isfoc
• Facebookfacebook.com/ISFOC

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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