Fraunhofer CSP Looking for New Head

The Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics (CSP) in Halle, Germany is looking for a new head after its first director, Jörg Bagdahn has accepted a position as President at the Anhalt University of Applied Sciences as of September.

From September 1, the CSP will be under the temporary management of Prof. Ralf B. Wehrspohn, director of one of the parent institutes, Fraunhofer IMWS, as well as long-time PV manager Dr. Karl Heinz Kuesters. The call for applications for a permanent replacement is open.

The role of director at the Fraunhofer CSP is linked to a joint professorship for Photovoltaic Energy Systems in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Engineering at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences.

Kuesters worked for more than 20 years in the microelectronics division of Siemens/Infineon before going on to assume leading positions in technology development at solar panel manufacturing companies Conergy and Hanwha Q Cells. As interim manager of the Fraunhofer CSP, Kuesters’ main responsibilities will include managing the project portfolio and overseeing international projects.

“With Karl Heinz Kuesters, we have gained a successful, extremely well-connected manager who has excellent knowledge of the photovoltaics sector,” says Wehrspohn, director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS. “He is well- acquainted with the Fraunhofer CSP from our many years of working together. This will ensure a smooth management transition until we find a replacement and guarantee the usual flexibility and competence for our customers.” Wehrspohn, meanwhile, will oversee internal processes at the Fraunhofer CSP during this transitional period and assume responsibility for staff, administration and the field of electrolysis.

“I am very grateful for the valuable experience I was able to gain through setting up and running the Fraunhofer CSP since 2007. Despite the dynamic development of the photovoltaics market the establishment and development of the Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics was exciting,” said Bagdahn, adding, “The staff at the Fraunhofer CSP mastered the task with outstanding results. The Fraunhofer CSP has grown into an internationally prestigious research institute and is a reliable research partner for various customers.”

The Fraunhofer CSP was founded in 2007 and is funded by the Fraunhofer IMWS in Halle and the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) in Freiburg. In the nine years it has been in operation, the research institute has established itself as one of the most important partners for the PV industry in Germany. The Fraunhofer CSP also participates in a number of national and international research and development projects.