Fraunhofer ISE has improved its own world-record solar module efficiency performance to 34.4%
It attributes the efficiency improvement to advanced interconnection technology
Researchers say the project demonstrates how space-grade solar cell technology can be adapted for terrestrial applications
Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE have reported a new world record for solar module efficiency, reaching 34.4% for III-V germanium solar module. The team calls it the world's most efficient solar module.
The III-V germanium solar cells for this module were supplied by AZUR SPACE Solar Power. The company adapted its triple-junction technology, originally designed for space applications, for use in terrestrial solar energy systems. This enables the production of the triple solar cell technology in comparable quantities using the same wafer format.
For this research, anti-reflective structures on the front glass were supplied by temicon.
The latest result surpasses the institute’s previous record of 34.2%, set earlier in 2026 with an 833 cm² module developed under the Vorfahrt research project (see Fraunhofer ISE Achieves Record Efficiencies For 2 Tandem Modules).
According to the research team, the efficiency improvement was achieved by optimizing how the solar cells are interconnected. The module uses shingle matrix technology, where solar cells are cut into narrow strips and arranged in an overlapping and offset pattern. These are then interconnected using electrically conducive adhesives (ECA).
This design, explains Fraunhofer ISE, eliminates conventional copper ribbon connectors and increases the active area available for power generation. With ECAs, it enables direct cell-to-cell connections that reduce shading losses and improve overall module performance.
“The crucial advantage: The absence of cell connectors means no active cell area is shaded. The resulting, exceptionally high area utilization was a key factor in achieving the record efficiency,” says Fraunhofer ISE.
Fraunhofer ISE is showcasing the record-setting module at Intersolar Europe 2026 as part of The Smarter E exhibition in Germany.
In May 2026, Fraunhofer ISE announced achieving a record 31.3% solar-to-hydrogen efficiency under outdoor operating conditions in Germany (see Fraunhofer ISE Sets 31.3% Solar-To-Hydrogen Record).