Fraunhofer ISE has launched NEXUS GreenTech as a new spin-off to support PV manufacturing globally
It will offer services from feasibility studies to factory planning and workforce development to solar PV manufacturers
Its first project involves supporting Talon PV’s TOPCon pilot and production line
Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE has established a new spin-off called NEXUS GreenTech. The consultancy will support solar PV manufacturers in product development and factory planning globally.
Headquartered in Freiburg, Germany, NEXUS will work with wafers, solar cells, and PV module manufacturers, offering them consultancy services. Its main service areas will be technical and commercial due diligence/feasibility studies, (layout) planning for factories, technology consulting and business plan development, support with recruiting and organizational development, as well as investments.
NEXUS is founded by Dr. Sebastian Nold, Dr. Nico Wöhrle, and Dr. Jochen Rentsch, who previously worked with Fraunhofer ISE’s PV Technology Transfer unit. The trio brings together over 60 years of combined PV research and production and quality assurance experience, says the German solar research organization that develops and transfers PV-related technologies to the solar industry.
Rentsch explains that during technology transfer to companies, the team observed that queries were not always related to research. Manufacturers had questions related to choosing the right cell technology, suppliers, and factory layout, among others. That’s where the team realized the ‘great need for consulting’.
Fraunhofer ISE Director Prof. Andreas Bett added that it has a highly competent partner in NEXUS GreenTech, with whom it can expand its range of services to establish new and expand existing production facilities for PV components.
Bett added, “Through this partnership, customers can be confident that the latest scientific findings – and, if necessary, more in-depth R&D support – will be incorporated into the project.”
The team’s maiden assignment is to support American solar cell manufacturer Talon PV in establishing and operating a TOPCon pilot and production line. NEXUS will procure and plan the facilities, address personnel development issues, analyze process data, and develop R&D partnerships.
Fraunhofer ISE will operate the pilot line and provide a long-term R&D partnership.
Talon PV and Fraunhofer ISE had previously announced a pilot production line at the latter’s PV-TEC in Freiburg to support the American manufacturer’s upcoming 4 GW TOPcon solar cell fab in the US (see TALON PV & Fraunhofer ISE Advance 4 GW US Solar Cell Fab).