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Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, a Germany-based PV research institute, has achieved 34.4 percent efficiency for a III-V germanium PV module. The result broke its own module record through optimized solar cell interconnection using shingled matrix technology. In early 2026, the Vorfahrt team has developed an 833 sq cms module with 34.2 percent efficiency, which set the earlier world record. The module uses triple III-V germanium cells, which AZUR SPACE adapted from space applications to the terrestrial solar spectrum. In this shingle-matrix design, solar cells are cut into narrow strips, overlapped, and connected with electrically conductive adhesives. The structure enables direct contact between cells and avoids solder-coated copper ribbons. By eliminating shaded active cell areas, the architecture supported high area utilization and helped raise the module efficiency. Anti-reflective front glass coatings were provided by temicon, while the record module is being shown at Fraunhofer ISE’s booth A1.440 during Intersolar / The Smarter E 2026.
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