Nighttime Science

Science does not only take place during the day in the laboratory, but from time to time also at night. In the PV sector in particular, there are also often so-called outdoor measurements on site. For example, in addition to their work in the laboratory, the scientists at HI-ERN (Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg) also carry out these kind of measurements in the form of experiments and test series using existing PV systems in operation. As a result of current research activities in a joint German project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, two prototypes for outdoor photoluminescence measurements were recently evaluated on a wide variety of module concepts at our test facility in Bad Staffelstein. (more…)

And the award goes to…

Every sector and industry relies on research and innovation to develop and succeed. This also applies to the PV sector, especially in times of energy transition, CO2 reduction and with plans for abandoning fossil fuels. For this reason, IBC SOLAR together with various other organisations, regularly supports students with their innovative ideas as a team partner in research and/or financially. This time, the team supported Bernd Doll, FAU PhD student from FAU in Erlangen-Nürnberg and presenter of the current iPV4.0 projects. With his contribution “contactless outdoor photoluminescence of silicon photovoltaic modules with large area excitation source”, the talented student has won one of the Student Awards at the “EU PVSEC 2020” – something that he can be very proud of – which of course we are! (more…)