Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS
Photovoltaics is undergoing radical change: in addition to silicon solar cells, new concepts such as tandem cells, innovative connection technologies, and functionalized glass surfaces are gaining in importance. They open up great potential for higher efficiency and lower costs, but also present the industry with new challenges – for example, in terms of reliability and aging resistance. To overcome these challenges, the MeDiaSo project at the Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics CSP in Halle (Saale) is developing state-of-the-art metrology, diagnostics, and data analysis methods. The aim is to achieve reliable quality assessment along the entire value chain.
The project “Metrology, Diagnostics, and Data Analytics for Solar Cells, Interconnection Technologies, and PV Glass (MeDiaSo)” addresses the technological challenges of the next generation of photovoltaics in the areas of solar cell metrology, low-temperature interconnection technologies, and PV glass coatings. At Fraunhofer CSP, innovative measurement and diagnostic methods are being developed to realistically evaluate the performance and reliability of modern solar cells, modules, and materials.
In the field of solar cell metrology, scientists are working to overcome the limitations of existing measurement methods. While classic fast inline measurements are increasingly prone to errors because modern cell technologies such as heterojunction or tandem cells exhibit strong hysteresis and dynamic behavior, the project aims to develop adapted measurement and data analysis methods. These methods quantify measurement errors, optimize inline metrology for industrial throughputs, and link measurement data with realistic energy yield forecasts. This will build an important bridge between laboratory measurement technology and the production environment.
In the field of connection technologies, the project is investigating the use of conductive low-temperature adhesives (ECAs) as a lead-free alternative to established soldering technology. The mechanical adhesive strength, electrical conductivity, and aging behavior of these connections are being investigated in test sequences, accelerated aging tests, and environmental stress tests. The aim is to provide robust measurement and evaluation methods that enable the reliable qualification of new connection materials.
Another focus is on the evaluation of glass coatings for PV modules. “Since glass surfaces and their functionalization are crucial for light management, self-cleaning, and longevity, we want to develop new test methods for functional evaluation and life cycle reliability prediction. To this end, we simulate real environmental conditions such as rainfall, soiling rates, or radiation and combine these with specific laboratory tests,” explains Manuel Meusel, project manager at Fraunhofer CSP. Particularly innovative is the specially developed sprinkler test, which can be used to investigate self-cleaning effects and the stability of photocatalytic layers.
In addition, Fraunhofer CSP is researching data analysis and machine learning-based methods to reduce measurement errors, optimize process parameters, and further develop production processes toward digitized manufacturing.
October 2, 2025