Fraunhofer ISE sets up new outdoor solar technology test field in Germany

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
The new location complements Fraunhofer ISE’s test fields on Gran Canaria and in the Negev desert in Israel. Image: Fraunhofer ISE.

German research body Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (Fraunhofer ISE) has opened a new outdoor solar technology test field in Germany, enabling a faster and more accurate evaluation of PV modules. 

Spanning three hectares, the new test field can combine the results from an indoor laboratory environment, where tests on solar PV modules, integrated PV systems, solar thermal collectors, inverters and other solar technologies are carried out, and tested under actual weather conditions.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

The new location, located at Merdingen in Baden-Württemberg, complements Fraunhofer ISE’s test fields in Gran Canaria, Spain and in the Negev desert in Israel, which allow prototypes and products to be tested in various climates under extreme temperature fluctuations or exposure to sea salt.

Moreover, a part of the outdoor performance test field is dedicated to the study of integrated PV technologies. Currently, within the PVwins project, different types of PV noise barriers are being erected to test their electricity yield and noise protection performance. On another part of the test field, the construction of various height-adjustable agrivoltaics (agriPV) systems will soon be underway.

“The new outdoor performance test field in Merdingen provides us with the needed space to perform outdoor tests on a wide variety of solar technologies with state-of-the-art measurement technology. The test results will enable us to gain important knowledge which can be used to further improve module performance and reliability,” said Andreas Bett, institute director at Fraunhofer ISE. 

Prior to this new test field, Fraunhofer ISE signed a letter of intent (LOL) with the Indian Department of Science and Technology (DST) to pursue developments in green hydrogen technology in the country in February. 

The LOL will target both existing and developing hydrogen assets being set up by the DST, aiming to pair indigenous technologies and hydrogen plants with Fraunhofer’s renewable energy technological expertise to optimise them for Indian conditions.

Read Next

Premium
October 10, 2025
Gaëtan Masson of IEA PVPS warns of overcapacity, collapsing prices and slipping module quality in the new Trends in PV Applications report.
October 10, 2025
The European solar module market has reached a “state of equilibrium” in recent weeks, with stable prices and regular demand.
October 10, 2025
US solar recycling firm OnePlanet has achieved the R2v3 certification from electronics sustainability non-profit SERI, which represents the “highest standards of traceability”.
October 10, 2025
NTPC Renewable Energy Limited has signed an MoU with the Government of Gujarat to develop 15GW renewable energy projects in Gujarat.
October 9, 2025
Singapore-based Sembcorp Industries has agreed to acquire ReNew’s 300MW solar power unit in India for around US$246 million.
October 9, 2025
The retroactive collection of duties on historical solar imports to the US has been temporarily paused pending the outcome of an appeal.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
October 21, 2025
New York, USA
Solar Media Events
November 25, 2025
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
December 2, 2025
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK