DLR - Institute of Solar Research

Services

Services for Industry and Research

Meteorologische Messungen auf der Plataforma Solar de Almería. Quelle: DLR

The Institute of Solar Research offers international industrial customers of the CSP industry extensive services. Thereby the institute transfers results of its research and development work into the commercial application.

Other research organizations can use the institutes’ research facilities and services for their own research projects.

The service portfolio of the solar researchers includes testing and qualification procedures for components, materials testing and the evaluation of the solar resources on site.

Scientists of the Institute use the collected data for creating simulations and forecasts, which can facilitate and improve the planning and development of projects. Component manufacturers and plant operators receive valuable recommendations for the optimisation of products and there function in overall system of a solar power plant.

Qualification/QUARZ Centre

The QUARZ Center at the Institute for solar research develops and applies test and qualification procedures for concentrating solar power plants and their components. We offer our service to industry customers on our laboratories and testing sites in Cologne, Jülich and at the PSA.

Solar Radiation Tests

DLR’s high flux solar furnace and solar simulator in Cologne offer researchers and users from industrial companies many opportunities for the technical use of concentrated solar radiation. These range from materials testing and the substitution of fossil fuels to the detoxification of wastes.

Solar Ressources

Planners and developers of CSP projects need precise information about the solar resources of a site. Therefore DLR scientists and scholars elaborate standards and guidelines for the evaluation of solar resources to improve the quality of the meteorological data base for project developments.

Simulation and Projections

The DLR Institute for Solar Research develops a variety of software tools supporting the research and development activities for single components and overall systems. Additionally, the techno-economic evaluation of different technologies plays an important role.

R&D Support

The Institute of Solar Research aims to transfer its know-how into practice in order to foster the expansion of solar thermal power plants. For this, it offers the private sector wide-ranging consulting and support services.

Consulting

Our specialists at the Institute of Solar Research have many years of experience in concentrated solar energy technology. As advisors to component manufacturers, project developers, and power plant operators, we use our experience and know-how to develop solutions to concrete tasks and practical challenges.