Energy is crucial for progress and prosperity. It drives innovation and is itself the subject of innovation. The general principle of climate neutrality is inextricably linked to using renewable energies and increased energy efficiency.

The work at Zentrum für Sonnenenergie- und Wasserstoff-Forschung Baden-Württemberg (Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg, ZSW) revolves around the development of eco-friendly technologies in photovoltaics and wind energy, batteries for electric vehicles and stationary applications, and also hydrogen – from generation by means of electrolysis right through to its use in fuel cells or further processing into synthetic energy sources. We also work on technical and economic concepts for their integration into energy systems. Prototypes and good designs will become products when transferring expertise to the industry.

We are also active in the political and social arena in delivering analyses and recommendations for the successful implementation of the energy transition.

ZSW is one of the leading European institutes for applied research in renewable energy technologies. There are currently around 330 scientists, engineers and technicians employed at ZSW’s three locations in Stuttgart, Ulm, and Widderstall. In addition, there are 100 research and student assistants.

ZSW develops wide-bandgap Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) top cells on various transparent back contact materials and works on the upscaling for the fabrication of CIGS mini-modules. Depth profiles by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry will reveal additional phase formation at the important absorber/back contact interface. ZSW also performs in-door (damp heat) and outdoor stability measurements to test the durability of the new inorganic CIGS-based top cell and CIGS/Si tandem devices.