Accelerating the transfer of technology from the lab to industry is the goal of the recently launched innovation platform Solar TAP (short for "Solar Technology Acceleration Platform for emerging Photovoltaics"). It offers industrial partners several cooperation opportunities around "multi-benefit" photovoltaics (PV) and related material, manufacturing and measurement technologies. In order to rapidly develop these new PV solutions to market readiness, Solar TAP is an open offer to industry: central to the project is the transfer of technology to a strong network of companies such as material suppliers, equipment manufacturers, producers and users who want to establish themselves in the field of multi-benefit PV.
After the project presentation by the Solar TAP Steering Committee Prof. Christoph Brabec (HI ERN) and Prof. Eva Unger (HZB) as well as platform manager Dr. Jens Hauch (HI ERN), it went directly into practice: The 18 attending companies presented themselves and their applications in the field of multi-benefit PV in short elevator pitches - which provided an intensively used basis for concrete discussions afterwards.
The two keynote presentations reflected the important interplay between industry and research: Prof. Christoph Brabec, Director of HI ERN and Head of the Department of High-Throughput Methods in PV, illustrated from a research perspective how new photovoltaic technologies ideally complement silicon PV and open up new opportunities for multi-benefit applications. The challenge here - as with all emerging technologies - is to accelerate learning effects and to bridge the gap between research and concrete application. This is precisely where Solar TAP comes in, the scientist emphasized.
Dr. André Weiß, Head of Research and Cooperations at Heliatek, described how the technology and market for organic photovoltaics (OPV) are developing and what the opportunities and challenges are from an industrial perspective.
In the subsequent kick-off workshop, the basis for a joint roadmap was created. In the future, this roadmap will provide the framework for the exchange between science and industry and thus ensure that developments are based on real-life conditions. The networking will be accompanied by real laboratories in which these new technologies will not only be developed but also demonstrated.
A variety of networking opportunities, such as an exhibition and project market, gave participants the opportunity to propose their own projects or to enter into uncomplicated discussions with potential cooperation partners.
At the end of the day, participants had the opportunity to take part in a guided tour of HI ERN's "Solar Factory of the Future", where printable organic solar modules are being developed.
It is planned to meet personally twice a year. More information about the next "Solar TAP Industry Day" can be found here.
Copyright: HI ERN/Kurt Fuchs
In the recently launched innovation platform Solar TAP (short for "Solar Technology Acceleration Platform for emerging Photovoltaics"), the technologies for these new multi-benefit PV applications are to be developed together with industry partners. The Forschungszentrum Jülich, the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin and the Karlsruhe Institut für Technologie want to make the results fast and easily accessible to industry, society and end users via the platform.
Under the coordination of the Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nuremberg for Renewable Energy (HI ERN), a branch of Forschungszentrum Jülich, the three research facilities form a closed value chain in which world-leading laboratories and experts of the Helmholtz Association participate.
Solar TAP is one of three new innovation platforms funded by the Helmholtz Association with a total of 40 million euros from the Pact for Research and Innovation. The aim is to create new structures and opportunities for technology transfer and the joint use of large-scale equipment, research infrastructures and data.
The funding for the Solar TAP innovation platform amounts to 15.1 million euros for the 3-year set-up phase which is funded starting in March 2023. In close cooperation with strong partners from industry and society, the platform will strengthen transfer and innovation in the Helmholtz Association and initiate long-term applied solutions.
Abteilungsleiter Teamleiter "High Throughput Materials and Devices"
Director and Head of Research Department High Throughput Methods in Photovoltaics
