The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) conducts research on the technology needed to supply energy efficiently and on an environmentally sound basis in industrialised, threshold and developing countries. To this purpose, the Institute develops systems, components, materials and processes in the areas of thermal use of solar energy, photovoltaics, solar building, electric power supplies, micro-energy technology, chemical energy conversion, energy storage and rational use of energy.

The institute's work ranges from investigation of scientific fundamentals for solar energy application, through the development of production technology and prototypes, to the construction of demonstration systems. The institute plans, advises and provides know-how and technical facilities as services.