Silicon-based tandem solar cells
By layering solar cells with different band gaps, the sun spectrum can be exploited more efficiently.
› Details
Prof. Dr. Stefan Glunz
Chair for Photovoltaic Energy ConversionHead of Division Solar Cells, Fraunhofer-Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE
Stefan Glunz develops and analyzes highly efficient solar cells.
Vision: To make photovoltaics the most important energy technology of the 21st century
To successfully meet the challenges of climate change, renewable energies must be implemented globally at a massive scale. Alongside wind energy, photovoltaics will play a dominant role.
Recent years have seen exponential growth in the production of solar cells at the gigawatt scale. Nevertheless, we are at the very beginning of a global development; terawatts of energy are required. This successful trend has been driven by sharply falling prices for photovoltaic energy supply. And in addition to falling production costs, the energy conversion efficiency of solar cells has played a decisive role.
The research of the laboratory of “Photovoltaic Energy Conversion” is focused on this goal. On the one hand, it works to improve existing silicon technology, on the other, it develops new solar-cell structures such as perovskite- and tandem solar cells.
Research
Research focus: increasing the efficiency of solar cells, understanding loss mechanisms and developing new solar cell concepts.
The simulation of processes and new solar-cell concepts
From crystallization to the finished solar cell – optimization of solar cell processes and material properties via advanced numerical simulations.
› Details
The physics of semiconductor defects
Better solar cells and semiconductor components via deep understanding of electrically active defects.
› Details
Organic and Perovskite solar cells
Highly promising technological approaches using completely different materials than are used in conventional solar cells.
› Details
Projects
Current research areas by members of the “Photovoltaic Energy Conversion” (PEC) chair:
PersiST – Perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells
› Details
OPoSiT – Advanced optics for perovskite silicon tandem solar cells
› Details
LIMES – Limiting defects in Si materials for highly efficient solar cells
› Details
Genesis – Innovative and advanced production processes for the next generation of silicon solar cells
› Details
livMatS – Living, adaptive and energy-autonomous materials systems
› Details
PaSodoble – Passivating selective contacts for the front side of solar cells that are contacted on both sides
› Details
Vita
Curriculum Vitae
- Since 06/2015 | Professorship (W3, Full Professor) at the Albert Ludwigs University Freiburg, Germany, “Professorship for Photovoltaic Energy Conversion”
- Since 04/2011 | Head of Division at Fraunhofer ISE “Photovoltaic Research”
- 01/2007 - 03/2011 | Head of Department at Fraunhofer ISE “Silicon Solar Cells - Development and Characterization”
- 10/1999 - 12/2006 | Group leader at Fraunhofer ISE “High Efficiency Silicon Solar Cells”
- 01/1996 - 10/1999 | Scientists in the group of highly efficient silicon solar cells at the Fraunhofer ISE
- 12/1995 | Doctorate (Physics), Albert Ludwigs University, Freiburg
Awards and outstanding achievements
- 2004 | First multicrystalline silicon solar cells with an efficiency of over 20%
- 2008 | Eni Award (for the advancement of science and technology in the field of renewable energy)
- 2014 | Becquerel Prize for outstanding achievements in photovoltaics
- 2015 | Dual-contact monocrystalline silicon solar cell with an efficiency of over 25%
Further information
Contact
Prof. Dr. Stefan Glunz
stefan.glunz@inatech.uni-freiburg.de
INATECH PEC
Chair for Photovoltaic Energy Conversion
Albert Ludwigs University Freiburg
Solar Info Center
West entrance / 2nd floor (left)
Emmy Noether Street 2
79110 Freiburg, Germany
Secretary's office
Birgit Morelle
birgit.morelle@inatech.uni-freiburg.de
Tel.: +49 761 4588-5386
Office hours
If you are interested in information on lectures, exams, research projects, and bachelor and masters programs, please email us at birgit.morelle@inatech.uni-freiburg.de. We will respond as quickly as possible with all relevant information.
