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Fraunhofer ISE raises its solar module efficiency record to 34.4%
In early 2026, Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) in Freiburg, Germany, achieved a solar module efficiency record of 34.2% with an 833 cm² III–V germanium module under the Vorfahrt project. The triple-junction cells, originally for space applications, were adapted to the terrestrial spectrum by AZUR SPACE Solar Power GmbH of Heilbronn. Just months later, Fraunhofer ISE raised its own record to 34.4%. The improved module uses cells again from AZUR SPACE and anti-reflective coatings on the front glass from temicon GmbH. The efficiency gain came from optimizing cell interconnection using shingle-matrix technology. This technique cuts cells into narrow strips arranged in an overlapping, offset pattern, connected with electrically conductive adhesives (ECA). It eliminates traditional solder-coated copper ribbons and avoids shading active cell areas, achieving exceptionally high area utilization. The new module is on display at Fraunhofer ISE’s booth A1.440 at Intersolar 2026 (part of The Smarter E) in Munich, Germany (23–25 June 2026).