Fraunhofer spin-off advises photovoltaic manufacturers on factory planning

15.04.2026

Source: E & M powernews

A Fraunhofer ISE spin-off advises PV manufacturers. The focus is on product development, factory planning and technology transfer along the value chain.

NEXUS GreenTech, a new consulting company, emerged from the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) at the end of March. The spin-off, based in Freiburg im Breisgau, is aimed at manufacturers of wafers, solar cells and photovoltaic modules and aims to support them with product development issues and the establishment and further development of production capacities. This is according to a recent press release from Fraunhofer ISE.

The company was founded by Jochen Rentsch, Sebastian Nold and Nico Wöhrle, who previously worked at Fraunhofer ISE for many years. There, they conducted research into photovoltaic technologies, production processes and quality assurance, among other things, and most recently worked in the field of PV technology transfer. The idea for the spin-off arose from this work. Rentsch explained that many inquiries from industry were not primarily related to research issues, but to specific decisions such as the choice of cell technologies, suitable suppliers or factory layouts.

According to the company, Nexus Greentech's service portfolio includes technical and commercial due diligence and feasibility studies. It also offers production plant planning, technology consulting and the creation of business plans. The company also supports clients in setting up organizations, recruiting and investment decisions. Scientific methods and approaches will continue to be used in cooperation with Fraunhofer ISE, for example through license and cooperation agreements.

Project with US solar cell manufacturer

Fraunhofer ISE sees the spin-off as an addition to its own range of services. Institute Director Prof. Andreas Bett explained that the foundation supports the expansion of photovoltaic production worldwide. At the same time, the institute is losing experienced employees, but is gaining a competent partner in Nexus Greentech. The collaboration will enable the range of services for the construction and expansion of production facilities to be expanded. Customers could also benefit from the fact that the latest scientific findings would be incorporated and, if necessary, further research and development would be integrated.

One of the first joint projects is to support the US solar cell manufacturer Talon PV in setting up and operating a pilot and production line. According to an earlier announcement by Fraunhofer ISE, this should reach 4,000 MW. Nexus Greentech will take on tasks such as the procurement and planning of systems, the development of personnel structures, the analysis of process data and the establishment of research collaborations. Fraunhofer ISE operates the pilot line and ensures the long-term research and development partnership.

Author: Fritz Wilhelm