SAVE THE DATE | SMARTIES Cluster Workshop 2026
May 18, 2026
The TERASUN Consortium successfully concluded its latest progress meeting, gathering project partners for two days of intensive technical exchange and strategic planning. Hosted by Fraunhofer ISE in Freiburg, Germany, the hybrid event combined in-person collaboration with seamless online participation via Microsoft Teams, ensuring full engagement across the international consortium.
The meeting opened on Tuesday morning with a welcoming address and agenda overview co-led by IDE and ISE. Discussions quickly moved into the core technical work packages, beginning with a project management and alignment session led by IDE. This was followed by a deep dive into innovative texturisation and nanophotonic structures, presented by the team from TUD.
The remainder of the day focused heavily on next-generation cell components. CEA spearheaded a comprehensive two-part session dedicated to Indium-free TCOs, Silver-free metallisation, passivation, and novel passivating contacts. This extensive review was punctuated by a networking lunch at the ISE cantina, allowing partners to continue discussions informally. Later in the afternoon, following a brief coffee break hosted by FZU, ISE guided the consortium through the latest developments in photovoltaic cells and modules, alongside a critical review of the project’s Key Performance Indicators.
Beyond the boardroom, the first day offered participants a unique look at cutting-edge hardware. ISE hosted an exclusive afternoon lab tour of the PV-TEC Backend and Pero-Si SCALE facilities. The evening concluded with a working dinner at the “Paradies” restaurant in Freiburg, where partners enjoyed local hospitality and casual networking.
The second day shifted focus toward the broader impacts and long-term sustainability of the TERASUN project. IDE opened the morning sessions by presenting the environmental and economic assessments driving WP5, which provide vital decision support for the project’s technological pathways. This was paired with a strategic review of communiccation and dissemination plan.
The consortium extends its sincere thanks to Fraunhofer ISE for their excellent hospitality, and to all the work package leaders and participants for driving the TERASUN project forward. Official meeting minutes, presentation slides, and task summaries will be made available to all partners shortly.
