Institute for Solar Energy Research Hamelin

What Institute for Solar Energy Research Hamelin does

Institute for Solar Energy Research Hamelin (ISFH, legal name Institut für Solarenergieforschung GmbH) is a private German applied-research institute founded in 1989 and headquartered in Emmerthal (between Hameln and the B83 corridor), operating as an associated institute (An-Institut) of Leibniz Universität Hannover. It conducts publicly funded and bilateral applied research in photovoltaics and solar systems engineering, with senior staff holding dual positions at the university. Its core technology platforms cover silicon solar cells (notably POLO — Poly-Silicon on Oxide — passivating contacts, including POLO² IBC cells at 26.1% efficiency), perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells, building-integrated and photovoltaic-thermal modules, PEM electrolysis materials, and heat-pump systems.

ISFH operates three enabling infrastructures — SolarTeC (800 m² silicon PV processing line), FlexMod (automated, robotic PV module line) and Perovskite Laboratories — alongside ISFH CalTeC, a DAkkS-accredited calibration and test center (ISO/IEC 17025, D-K-18657-01-00 and D-PL-18657-01-00) for solar cells, solar thermal systems, spectroradiometers, reference lamps and heat pumps. The CalTeC holds PTB traceability and has verified 27 world-record silicon solar-cell efficiencies since 2018 and serves 70+ customers from 20 countries.

ISFH monetizes through three professional-services streams: (1) publicly funded research from the State of Lower Saxony, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, and EU programs; (2) accredited calibration and testing services via CalTeC; and (3) custom silicon and perovskite solar-cell processing, laser processes, special PV modules and sensor modules, plus professional training (Poly-Si contacts Micro-Degree course via Leibniz Universität Hannover, 5 ECTS) and software/data products (DHGpy, TRNSYS Types, SEGA GUI; silicon absorption/refractive-index datasets). Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed; the go-to-market is event-driven, anchored on EU PVSEC, tandemPV and IEA PVPS Task 13 participation, joint research projects, and bilateral cooperation with industry partners across the PV value chain (Meyer Burger, SMA, Schüco, Viessmann, Stiebel Eltron, LPKF) and the research ecosystem (Fraunhofer ISE, HZB, ISC Konstanz, EFZN, PTB).

Name

Institute for Solar Energy Research Hamelin

Legal name

Institut für Solarenergieforschung GmbH

Website

https://isfh.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1989

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

ISFH is a German applied-research institute (An-Institut of Leibniz Universität Hannover) that develops silicon and tandem photovoltaic technologies, building-integrated PV, hydrogen, and heat-pump systems, serving PV manufacturers, industry partners, and the research community with accredited calibration, technology development, and custom manufacturing.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Photovoltaics Research and Testing Services

NAICS

Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals (334515)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Services-Testing Laboratories (8734)

akta.pro primary industry

Next-Gen Photovoltaics R&D (Perovskite, Tandem, Organic, BIPV Materials) (EUAMAOAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Solar Quality, Testing, Certification & Standards (Lab Testing, Inspections, Compliance) (EUAMABAN), Solar PV Module Manufacturing (Cells, Modules, Thin-Film) (EUAMABAD), Solar EPC & Construction (Utility-Scale, Rooftop, Balance of System) (EUAMABAB)

Keywords

• Photovoltaics research services
• Solar cell calibration
• Solar systems engineering
• Photovoltaic testing
• Renewable energy research

Headquarters

HQ city

Oehrberg

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Public Research Funding: Government-funded research projects from Lower Saxony State, Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, and EU funding programs. ISFH conducts publicly funded joint projects as well as bilateral cooperation with industry partners.
2. Calibration and Testing Services: DAkkS-accredited calibration and testing services through CalTeC for solar cells, solar thermal systems, spectroradiometers, and heat pumps in accordance with international standards (ISO, IEC, EN).
3. Technology Development and Custom Manufacturing: Custom manufacturing of silicon solar cells, perovskite thin-film solar cells, special PV modules, laser processing, and sensor modules for industry partners.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

ISFH conducts applied research in photovoltaics and solar systems engineering, developing high-efficiency silicon solar cells (POLO contacts), tandem perovskite-silicon cells, building-integrated PV, heat pumps, and PEM electrolysis for hydrogen. It operates the DAkkS-accredited CalTeC calibration and testing laboratory for solar cells, thermal systems, spectroradiometers and reference lamps, and provides custom PV module fabrication, technology transfer, and professional training programs to industry partners worldwide.

Product overview

ISFH is a public research institute conducting applied research in photovoltaics and solar systems engineering. The core offering includes ISFH CalTeC, a DAkkS-accredited calibration and testing laboratory providing accredited services for solar cells (calibration up to G12 format including tandem cells), thermal applications (solar collectors, heat pumps), spectroradiometers, and reference lamps. Supporting infrastructure includes SolarTeC (800 m² technology center for silicon solar cells), FlexMod (automated PV module production line), and Perovskite Laboratories. The institute also offers software tools (DHGpy, TRNSYS Types, SEGA GUI) and research data products. Technology development focuses on POLO (Poly-Silicon on Oxide) contact solar cells achieving up to 26.1% efficiency. Professional training programs include an intensive course on poly-Si contacts for TOPCon solar cells with university-accredited certificates.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ISFH CalTeC: Calibration and Test Center offering DAkkS-accredited measurements for solar cells, solar thermal systems, spectroradiometers and heat pumps.

Products and services

• ISFH CalTeC Calibration and Test Center DAkkS-accredited calibration and testing laboratory offering accredited measurements for silicon solar cells (up to G12 wafer format including large-area perovskite-silicon tandem cells), solar thermal systems, heat pumps, spectroradiometers and reference lamps in accordance with ISO, IEC and EN standards.
• Solar Cell Calibration Services Accredited measurement and calibration of silicon solar cells from 10×10 mm² laboratory cells up to industrial 210mm edge length cells, including efficiency certification used for world records published in NREL charts and traceable to PTB national standards.
• Thermal Applications Testing Standard-compliant testing of solar thermal collectors, heat pumps and thermal storage systems per EN 12975, ISO 9806, SRCC 100, EN 14511, EN 14825, EN 16147, including performance, long-term testing and EU energy labeling support.
• SolarTeC Technology Center 800 m² technology center equipped with industrial silicon solar cell processing equipment and characterization tools reflecting current industrial standards, used for joint research and technology transfer with industry partners.
• FlexMod Demonstration Line Highly automated, flexible production line for customized photovoltaic modules using robotic arms, supporting custom PV module prototyping up to 240cm × 140cm.
• Perovskite Laboratories Facilities for thin-film deposition of perovskite solar cells and perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells up to 2cm × 2cm, supporting multiple deposition methods for research and custom device fabrication.
• POLO Solar Cell Technology Development Technology development for high-efficiency silicon solar cells with POLO (Poly-Silicon on Oxide) passivating contacts, including PERC+ (23.2%), POLO BJ (24.2%), POLO IBC (24.1%) and POLO² IBC (26.1% on 5cm × 5cm), enabling up to 50% less silver consumption versus TOPCon/HJT.
• PV Module Development Services Comprehensive PV module development services covering interconnection technologies, novel module components, bonding processes, new material combinations, prototype manufacturing and customized module design including BIPV façades, vehicle PV and special applications.
• Poly-Si Contacts Intensive Course Professional training program for PV industry professionals on poly-Si contacts for TOPCon solar cells, combining theory with hands-on practice in SolarTeC infrastructure and awarding a Micro Degree certificate (5 ECTS) accredited by Leibniz University Hannover.

Quantifiable outcome

• POLO² IBC cell efficiency of 26.1%
• +2 more outcomes

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability6 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• Leibniz Universität HannovercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerISFH is an 'An-Institut' (associated institute) of Leibniz Universität Hannover. Deep collaboration on research projects, shared personnel including professors who hold chairs at the university, and joint supervision of students and doctoral candidates. Prof. Dr. Jan Schmidt and Prof. Dr. Robby Peibst hold positions at both institutions.
• Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on photovoltaic research topics, technology development, and shared participation in national research initiatives in solar energy.
• Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie (HZB)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint research on tandem solar cells and perovskite technology. Prof. Dr. Bernd Rech serves on ISFH's Supervisory Board.
• Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB)coreTechnology or IntegrationNational metrology institute providing calibration traceability for ISFH CalTeC's accredited calibration laboratory. Primary standards used in the lab are calibrated by PTB.
• Viessmann Holding International GmbH & Co. KGmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry partner in heat pump and heating technology research. Martin Roßmann from Viessmann serves on ISFH's Supervisory Board. Collaboration on energy systems for buildings.
• Stiebel Eltron GmbH & Co. KGmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on heat pump technology research. Dr. Kai Schiefelbein serves on ISFH's Scientific Advisory Board.
• Meyer Burger (Germany) GmbHmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on IBC solar cell technology and industrial manufacturing processes for high-efficiency solar cells.
• SMA Solar Technology AGmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on PV inverter technology and integration with solar energy systems.
• Schüco International KGmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) solutions and building envelope integration.
• LPKF Laser & Electronics AGmajorTechnology or IntegrationCollaboration on laser processing technologies for solar cell manufacturing.
• International Solar Energy Research Center Konstanz (ISC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with German PV research institutes on solar cell technology development and standardization.
• Energy Forschungszentrum Niedersachsen (EFZN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on energy research in Lower Saxony, including hydrogen research programs.
• IEA Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme (PVPS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerActive participation in IEA PVPS Task 13 on reliability and performance of PV systems. Contribution to international reports and workshops.
• European Solar PV Industry Alliance (ESIA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMembership in EU initiative supporting reindustrialization of PV manufacturing in Europe.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB): German research center with major PV programs including tandem solar cells and perovskite research. Prof. Bernd Rech serves on ISFH's Supervisory Board, indicating deep collaboration. Directly comparable as publicly funded PV R&D peer.
• CSEM (Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology): Swiss applied research institute with strong PV and silicon solar cell programs, including efficiency records and industry transfer. Comparable as a publicly co-funded PV R&D peer operating in the same DACH ecosystem.
• International Solar Energy Research Center Konstanz (ISC): Germany-based PV research institute with similar focus on silicon solar cells, cell processing, and industry transfer. Explicitly named ISFH partner for solar cell technology and standardization, making it the closest direct peer.
• Forschungszentrum Jülich (IEK-5 Photovoltaik): German research center running a major PV research division covering silicon, thin-film, and emerging PV technologies. Comparable as a German publicly funded PV R&D peer with academic ties.
• CEA-INES (Institut National de l'Énergie Solaire): France's national solar energy research institute, focused on PV technology, solar systems, and industry transfer. Comparable as a publicly funded European PV research peer with similar mandate.
• TNO Energy Transition (incl. ECN Solar): Dutch applied research organization with strong PV module, characterization, and energy systems programs. Comparable as a publicly funded European PV/solar energy systems research peer.

Broad incumbents

• imec: Belgium-based leading semiconductor and PV research center. Operates large-scale silicon and perovskite-silicon tandem PV programs at industrial scale. Overlaps ISFH in tandem cell R&D but at much larger scale and broader scope.
• Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE): Germany's largest applied solar energy research institute. Directly comparable as a publicly funded PV/solar systems research organization; ISFH is an explicit ISFH partner. ISE is significantly larger and broader in scope, covering PV, solar thermal, hydrogen, and energy systems end-to-end.
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL): US national lab conducting world-class PV research including the NREL solar cell efficiency tables (in which ISFH CalTeC-verified records are published). Directly comparable as a leading publicly funded PV research and calibration institution, but at much larger scale and broader scope.

Others

• Meyer Burger Technology AG: European solar cell and module manufacturer and ISFH industry partner for IBC solar cell technology and industrial manufacturing processes. Listed here as an industrial counterpart/partner rather than research peer — connects ISFH's POLO research to commercial manufacturing.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/isfh

Compliance11 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Institute for Solar Energy Research Hamelin