Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS
The energy transition is placing increasing demands on the photovoltaic and hydrogen industries in terms of material quality, process reliability, and system reliability. Next-generation solar cells, new module designs, and efficient electrolysers require analytical methods capable of precisely detecting and evaluating material changes at the nano- and micro-scale under real operating conditions. This is the only way to unlock efficiency potential, minimize failure risks, and accelerate development cycles.
The “Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics CSP” business unit at Fraunhofer IMWS has been working on precisely these issues for years as an internationally recognized research institution. It combines expertise in cross-scale material diagnostics, quality assurance, and reliability assessment across the entire PV value chain as well as for components of hydrogen and electrolysis technology. Regional and national companies benefit from an excellent research infrastructure that provides them with access to analytical methods and specialized expertise they cannot maintain in-house.
In the new project “NeMAQ-PV – Next-Level Microstructure Analysis and Quality Assurance for Photovoltaics and Energy Technologies,” this infrastructure is now being specifically expanded in two key areas. In the field of high-resolution microstructure analysis, a new ICP mass spectrometer (ELEMENT XR) enables ultra-trace analysis of high-purity semiconductor and PV materials for the first time; Expansions to the XPS/Raman combination instrument, as well as an FTIR microscope and a large-format optical microscope, enhance the combined chemical and electronic characterization of absorber layers and contact systems. This further strengthens the foundation for developing a knowledge advantage in highly innovative materials and energy technologies and for deriving structure-property relationships to improve reliability and efficiency.
In the area of test and evaluation systems, an improved Magnetic Field Imaging (MFI) test stand complements defect analysis on electrolyzer cell stacks with spatially resolved analysis of current density distributions under alternating current conditions. A new large-format climate chamber enables, for the first time, in-situ current-fed long-term stability testing of PV modules under industry-relevant environmental conditions, thereby significantly expanding the range of services offered to solar module manufacturers, EPC companies, and assessors.
Fraunhofer IMWS actively involves regional companies in its research collaborations and networks with major industry players, creating additional opportunities for customer relationships and industrial partnerships and generating a dual leverage effect for Saxony-Anhalt as a hub for innovation.
(April 16, 2026)