ISC Konstanz expands laboratory capabilities – advancing industrial solar cell development and enabling prototype production

Konstanz, Germany – May 2026: The International Solar Energy Research Center Konstanz (ISC Konstanz) is entering a new chapter: with the ongoing upgrade of its cleanroom facilities – the final step in a comprehensive expansion programme – the institute is on track to operate a complete, industrially equipped solar cell and module pilot line by Q3 2026. At the same time, ISC Konstanz is re-establishing a service model that gives industrial partners direct access to this state-of-the-art infrastructure for technology development, process validation, and prototype manufacturing.

From individual labs to a complete pilot line: the build-out in steps

The expansion of ISC Konstanz’s research infrastructure has proceeded in clearly defined stages. Earlier in 2026, the institute officially inaugurated several new laboratories: the chemistry lab, metallisation lab, laser lab, and module lab were opened in a ceremony attended by Baden-Württemberg’s Minister of the Environment, Thekla Walker. Each of these facilities is now fully operational and already supporting industrial-grade R&D work.

The final piece of this build-out is currently underway: the cleanroom is being upgraded and equipped with advanced high-temperature processing systems from centrotherm, complemented by automation from Jonas & Redmann. These systems will enable key processes for modern solar cell manufacturing – including oxidation, diffusion, CVD and PALD – on current industrial wafer formats. Once commissioned in Q3 2026, ISC Konstanz will for the first time be able to carry out the full set of cleanroom processes required for solar cell development entirely in-house.

Together, these additions – built up step by step over the past months – form a complete, integrated pilot line for solar cell and module development. The newly installed systems include:

•         Batch wet bench from RENA Technologies

•         PVD equipment from Von Ardenne

•         High-temperature and fast-firing furnaces from centrotherm

•         Extended ASYS printing line with Cu print curing furnace

•         Large laminator from Bürkle

•         Stringer from Mondragon Assembly, capable for back-contact (BC) technology

•         Large HALM table LED IV-measuring system for tandem applications

A new service model: industrial development at ISC Konstanz

In parallel with the infrastructure expansion, ISC Konstanz is re-establishing a service model that connects industrial development directly with applied R&D. With the new generation of equipment now in place, industrial partners can:

•         Use ISC production equipment for their own development work (renting model)

•         Carry out prototype processing themselves within ISC’s facilities, or have selected process steps performed by ISC experts (contract research)

•         Train staff on advanced industrial-scale machines (hands-on training programmes)

•         Commission small-series manufacturing of specialised solar cells and modules, supported by a significantly higher degree of automation than previously available

“With our new infrastructure, we are bringing industrial development and applied research even closer together again,” explains Radovan Kopecek. “Companies can now work directly on modern industrial equipment at ISC Konstanz, develop and optimise processes together with our team, and even manufacture small pilot series for specialised applications.”

This approach builds on ISC Konstanz’s early history. In its founding years, industrial partners such as Sunways, centrotherm and RENA already used ISC laboratories for technology development and equipment operation. At that time, centrotherm conducted solar cell development at ISC Konstanz – where the well-known selective emitter process and the PERC cell concept “Centaurus” were originally developed. The new infrastructure now takes this model to a significantly higher level of capability and automation.

Bridging research and industrial implementation

With the combined expansion of its laboratory infrastructure and service portfolio, ISC Konstanz reinforces its role as a bridge between research, equipment suppliers and industrial manufacturing. The institute now covers the full innovation chain – from advanced cell and module development to pilot-scale validation and, increasingly, to the planning and realisation of gigawatt-scale production facilities worldwide.

The expanded infrastructure is expected to particularly benefit companies working on advanced cell architectures, process optimisation, specialty products, and early industrial validation – precisely the areas where access to modern, industrial-scale equipment makes the difference between concept and commercialisation.

About ISC Konstanz

Founded in 2005, the International Solar Energy Research Center Konstanz (ISC Konstanz) is one of the world’s leading institutes for applied photovoltaic research. With a focus on high-efficiency solar cell concepts, ISC Konstanz supports the global PV industry by providing process development, characterisation, and consultancy services. The center has contributed to photovoltaic manufacturing lines across Europe, Asia, and North America.

Disclaimer: The following is a press release issued by ISC Konstanz.TaiyangNews.info has republished this content verbatim and assumes no responsibility for any errors, omissions, or misrepresentations. Any opinions, statements, or claims expressed in this release are solely those of ISC Konstanz.