The Institute of Solar Research

Heliostat at DLR Solar Furnace

The Institute of Solar Research of the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) in Köln-Porz has further subdivisions in Stuttgart, Jülich and Almeria (Spain). On 1st of January 2011 it has been arisen from the DLR Institute of Thermodynamics as an independent institution. The institute is currently working on the development of concentrated solar systems for the generation of energy, heat and fuels. This contributes to a future sustainable energy supply based on renewable energies.

The Institute of Solar Research of the DLR strives for a worldwide leading system expertise in this area and has already excellent research infrastructure to its disposal. The aim is to explore fundamental principles which are indispensable for technological breakthroughs. In close cooperation with the industry, the DLR institute is working on the innovation of technological solutions and services in order to improve the operating efficiency, leading to higher profitability, of solar energy systems.

DLR High Flux Solar Simulator: short-arc lamps

More than 100 employees are generating about two third of the annual revenue of 10 million euro through external commissions. Beside experimental plants and laboratories in Köln-Porz and Stuttgart the institute has access to the biggest European test centre for concentrated solar technologies, the Plataforma Solar de Almeria (Spain), through a permanent delegation of more than 10 employees. Furthermore a team for the Jülich solar tower power plant is currently in formation in order to expand the domestic testing facilities.

The activities of the institute are part of the energy research programme of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres (HGF). There exists a close collaboration with the DLR institute of Thermodynamics in Stuttgart, the RWTH Aachen and the Solar-Institute Jülich of the University of Applied Science Aachen.