SOLAR MODULE Fraunhofer ISE combines shingle matrix with space solar cells

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Scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE succeeded in breaking their own module record through an optimized interconnection of the solar cells. Their III-V germanium PV module thus achieves an efficiency of 34.4 percent. The solar cells were developed by AZUR SPACE, while the anti-reflective coatings on the front glass were provided by temicon. Visitors to Intersolar / The Smarter E 2026 can see the world’s most efficient PV module at Fraunhofer ISE’s booth A1.440.

In early 2026, a Fraunhofer ISE research team working on the “Vorfahrt” project built an 833-square-centimeter module with an efficiency of 34.2 percent—a new world record. The module consists of triple III-V germanium cells, which the research project coordinator, AZUR SPACE Solar Power, further developed for the solar module. To achieve this, the manufacturer adapted its triple solar cell technology—originally optimized for space applications—to the terrestrial solar spectrum, enabling it to be produced in comparable quantities and on the same wafer formats.

SOLAR EFFICIENCY

Fraunhofer ISE achieves record efficiencies for tandem photovoltaic modules

A few months later, the project team has now surpassed its own achievements: By using shingled matrix technology to interconnect the solar cells, they were able to increase the module’s efficiency to 34.4 percent. For several years, Fraunhofer ISE has been collaborating with a German mechanical engineering partner to develop the interconnection of solar cells using shingle-matrix technology, which is also used in commercial modules manufactured in Germany. The shingle-matrix approach represents a fundamental departure from traditional photovoltaic module construction, in which solar cells are cut into narrow strips and then arranged in a shingle-like pattern—overlapping and offset from one another—and connected using electrically conductive adhesives (ECA).

This architecture enables direct cell-to-cell contact, thereby eliminating the need for traditional solder-coated copper ribbons. The key advantage: By eliminating cell interconnects, no active cell area is shaded. The resulting exceptionally high area utilization was a key factor in achieving the record efficiency.

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