Solar energy conversion is a catalyst for change, when it comes to tackle climate change while maintaining economic prosperity in times of geo-economic challenges. Currently, serious bottlenecks in performance, versatility, and recycling are impeding rapid expansion. To overcome them, FAU Solar envisages a radical paradigm shift. A multi-parameter, multi-objective optimization strategy will enable breakthroughs that exceed current limitations. A key pillar will be the development of a digital twin for solar energy conversion systems.

The FAU Profile Center Solar is dedicated to scientific excellence in research and education, combining strengths in engineering, science, data science, and economics. It drives innovation with an interdisciplinary approach and throughout the entire value chain: from molecular design, accelerated materials discovery, interfaces and devices to societal acceptance and economic viability.

Profile Centers shape the research profile of FAU with a wide range of cutting-edge research projects. An overview of all FAU profile, research and competence centers can be found on the FAU Research profile website.

Our vision in a nutshell: film series on FAU Solar

We wish to thank the Staedtler Foundation for their generous support!

FAU Solar News

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  30OCT 2026

  FAU Solar News

  Perovskite PV sets off into space

  Eugene A. Katz presents as part of the FAU Solar Seminar series on 1 December 2026. Solar energy applications in space will be a game changer. Photovoltaic modules need to operate under extremely challenging conditions, including resilience to cosmic radiation. Perovskite solar cells (PSC) could offer significant advantages in this context and facilitate fabrication of […]Eugene A. Katz presents as part of the FAU Solar Seminar series on 1 December 2026. Solar energy applications in space will be a game changer. Photovoltaic modules need to operate under extremely challenging conditions, including resilience to cosmic radiation. Perovskite solar cells (PSC) could offer significant advantages in this context and facilitate fabrication of […]

  Read more about Perovskite PV sets off into space
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  12OCT 2026

  Alejandro Cortés Villena

  FAU Solar welcomes our new member Alejandro Cortés Villena.

  He is researching on more efficient next-generation solar cells. Alejandro pursues his research at the Guldi Group as an Alexander von Humboldt Postdoctoral Fellow since March 2026, where he carries out his postdoctoral research over the next two years. His research project focuses on the photophysics of hybrid nanomaterials that combine perovskite nanocrystals with acene-based […]He is researching on more efficient next-generation solar cells. Alejandro pursues his research at the Guldi Group as an Alexander von Humboldt Postdoctoral Fellow since March 2026, where he carries out his postdoctoral research over the next two years. His research project focuses on the photophysics of hybrid nanomaterials that combine perovskite nanocrystals with acene-based […]

  Read more about FAU Solar welcomes our new member Alejandro Cortés Villena.
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  24SEP 2026

  FAU Solar News

  New Publication: Bistable Switching of π-Conjugation in a Dithienylethene-Bridged Luminescent Trityl Diradicalo

  The Guldi Group published a new collaborative research article in Angewandte Chemie International Edition. We report a molecular system in which π-conjugation and with it, spin communication, between two radical centers can be reversibly switched on and off using light or heat. To achieve this, two dithienylethene (DTE) photoswitches were incorporated into diradicaloids based on […]The Guldi Group published a new collaborative research article in Angewandte Chemie International Edition. We report a molecular system in which π-conjugation and with it, spin communication, between two radical centers can be reversibly switched on and off using light or heat. To achieve this, two dithienylethene (DTE) photoswitches were incorporated into diradicaloids based on […]

  Read more about New Publication: Bistable Switching of π-Conjugation in a Dithienylethene-Bridged Luminescent Trityl Diradicalo