Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE), a Freiburg-based research institute focused on solar technologies, was awarded first place in the “Research” category of the INNOspace Masters competition organized by the German Aerospace Center (DLR). The award ceremony was held at the Futurium in Berlin and recognized Fraunhofer ISE’s TeraPV-4-Space project for developing III-V high-efficiency solar cells adapted from terrestrial silicon PV manufacturing processes for satellite applications. The research team, led by Dr. Jonas De Rose and Dr. David Lackner, has eliminated costly vacuum processes and photolithography, significantly reducing production effort and costs of space-grade cells. According to the German Aerospace Center, the innovation was addressing the shortage of efficient solar cells for satellites amid falling launch costs in emerging markets. DLR has also confirmed funding for continued development and testing with terrestrial applications in concentrating photovoltaics, laser converters, and advanced LED systems.  Earlier this year, Fraunhofer ISE participated in a European study with TNO, Lightyear, IM Efficiency, and Sono Motors that confirmed modeled energy performance of vehicle-integrated solar panels.