Master's Thesis "Module Integration of Ultra-Thin III-V Multi-Junction Solar Cells"

As one of the world's largest solar energy research institutes, the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE makes a significant contribution to a sustainable, economical, secure, and socially equitable energy supply worldwide. Our goal is to advance the energy transition by providing concrete, implementable technological solutions through excellent research results, successful industrial collaborations, and spin-offs. To this end, our ~1,300 employees conduct research in four key areas: energy supply, energy distribution, energy storage, and energy utilization. Fraunhofer ISE's state-of-the-art R&D infrastructure, with 22,300 m² of laboratory space, enables cutting-edge research at an international level.

Be part of change

Would you like to play an active role in shaping the energy transition and write your master’s thesis in a research field relevant to the future? With us, you’ll find the academic expertise and technical infrastructure you need to achieve this goal.

You will support our “Module Technology” department, which focuses on the development and manufacturing of innovative solar modules for various applications. These include, among others, vehicle-integrated solutions, roof-tile-like formats, as well as colored and high-performance solar modules. We use both single-junction silicon and III-V multi-junction solar cells. III-V multi-junction solar cells consist of several subcells stacked on top of one another, based on various compound semiconductors from Groups III and V, such as GaAs. Using triple-junction solar cells, we have already achieved a world-record-breaking module with an efficiency of 34.4%.

The master's thesis described in this call for proposals is part of the WSS project (https://www.ise.fraunhofer.de/de/ press-and-media/news/2025/sustainable-energy-transition-werner-siemens-foundation-funds-research-on-highly-efficient-tandem-photovoltaics.html), in which we are further developing highly efficient III-V multi-junction solar cells and their module interconnections. To further enhance sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and module efficiency, ultra-thin solar cells are also to be used at the module level in the future. Due to their thinness, these cells exhibit film-like mechanical behavior, thereby presenting both new challenges and new opportunities for module development, which will be investigated and leveraged as part of this work.

Our Module-TEC solar module production laboratory is equipped with industrial systems for cell interconnection and module fabrication, which are used to develop innovative interconnection concepts and optimize lamination processes. The goal of this master’s thesis is to develop and experimentally validate a wiring and lamination process that enables the reliable integration of ultra-thin III-V multi-junction solar cells into a solar module.

For our group “Encapsulation and Integration”, we are looking for a student assistant to begin as soon as possible, with the opportunity to write a master's thesis, to perform the following tasks:

• Your goal is to develop an interconnection concept and a lamination process for manufacturing solar modules with ultra-thin cells.

• You will familiarize yourself with the current state of research on ultra-thin III-V multi-junction solar cells and their integration into modules.

• You will develop an suitable interconnection and lamination concept for ultra-thin solar cells based on the existing equipment.

• You will plan and conduct experimental work on equipment for cell interconnection and module manufacturing.

• You will build and characterize demonstrators.

• You will analyze and optimize process parameters to ensure reliable cell integration.

• You will evaluate and document the results and present them.

• You will perform electrical characterization of interconnected and laminated solar cells to investigate cell defects caused by interconnection and lamination.

What you contribute

• You are studying engineering, natural sciences, microsystems technology, energy engineering, or a related field.

• You have knowledge of photovoltaics and its interconnection/lamination or electrical engineering/microsystems technology, and you are interested in research.

• You enjoy hands-on work and, ideally, already have experience in the design and development of laboratory-scale prototype systems.

• You work with precision and attention to detail and have already gained experience in laboratory work.

• It’s important to you to contribute to your team and work together to achieve common goals.

• You’re proficient in using MS Office.

• You have experience analyzing measurement data using Python, Origin, R, or MS Excel.

• You plan and complete tasks independently and to a high standard.

• You can express yourself and write confidently in both English and German.

What we offer

• Exclusive insights: By working together with the scientists in our department, you will gain insights into the day-to-day research and development work at a research institute.

• Laboratory infrastructure: At Fraunhofer ISE, we work with state-of-the-art equipment and devices so that research projects can be carried out using the latest technology.

• Research mix: You will have the opportunity to combine experimental work with theory, thus applying and expanding the knowledge you gained during your studies.

• Supervision: You will be supervised by scientists during your work and receive feedback on your progress.

• Teamwork: You will gain experience in working in a team with our scientific and student staff and can contribute the experience you have already gained.

• Working hours and location: We offer you the opportunity to flexibly adjust your working hours to your needs and to occasionally work from home.

• Equal opportunities: We value equal opportunities and embrace diversity.

• After work: Celebrate yourself and your colleagues at after-work events or our annual employee parties.

In addition to the thesis, a contract as a research assistant will be established. The remuneration for this is based on the degree of the academic qualification.

We value and promote the diversity of skills among our employees and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social background, religion, ideology, disability, and sexualorientation and identity. Severely disabled persons will be given preference in case of equal qualification.

Ready for a change? Then apply now with your compelling application documents (including CV, cover letter, and references/performance records) and make a difference! After your online application is received, you will receive an automatic acknowledgment. We will get back to you as soon as possible to tell you how the process continues.

Questions about this position will gladly be answered by:

Dr. Laura Stevens +49 (0) 7 61/45 88-2583

Leonhard Böck +49 (0) 7 61/45 88-2147

Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE www.ise.fraunhofer.de

Requisition Number: 85556 Application Deadline: