Talon PV partners with Fraunhofer ISE to establish TOPCon pilot line

By Global Infrastructure Sherpa · Feb 19, 2026

Partnership Solar announced Baytown, Germany Feb 19, 2026

7 GW

Capacity

Talon PV has recently partnered with the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) to establish a TOPCon pilot line in Freiburg, Germany, where NexWafe is based. Similarly, NexWafe’s initial EpiNex wafer qualification work will be conducted at Fraunhofer ISE in Freiburg.

Deal Analysis

Talon PV's partnership with Fraunhofer ISE to establish a TOPCon pilot line in Freiburg, Germany, signifies a strategic move to advance solar cell technology. The collaboration leverages Fraunhofer ISE's research expertise to support Talon PV's solar energy project development. Furthermore, the location of the pilot line in Freiburg, where NexWafe is based, and the planned wafer qualification work at Fraunhofer ISE, suggests a potential broader ecosystem play involving NexWafe's innovative wafer technology. This partnership indicates Talon PV's commitment to incorporating cutting-edge technologies into its solar projects. The undisclosed value of the deal makes it difficult to assess the financial commitment, but the involvement of Fraunhofer ISE, a leading research institution, lends credibility and technical expertise to the project. The establishment of a TOPCon pilot line is a crucial step in scaling up production and validating the technology's performance. This partnership could potentially accelerate the adoption of TOPCon technology in Talon PV's future solar projects and contribute to the overall advancement of solar energy efficiency.

Partnership between Talon PV and Fraunhofer ISE
Establishment of a TOPCon pilot line in Germany
Leverages Fraunhofer ISE's research expertise
Potential ecosystem play with NexWafe

Market Context: The solar energy sector is characterized by continuous technological advancements aimed at improving efficiency and reducing costs. TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) is an emerging technology in solar cell manufacturing that offers improved performance compared to traditional PERC (Passivated Emitter Rear Contact) cells. Germany is a key location for solar research and development.

Source Intelligence

KEY DETAILS

The agreement would see NexWafe supplying its proprietary wafers from its pilot-scale operation in Bitterfeld, Germany. "The partnership is subject to the execution of definitive long-term supply documentation and the completion of customary technical qualification and investment conditions."

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Capacity

NexWafe, Talon PV ink 7GW wafer supply agreement in the US

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Location

to support Talon PV’s 4.8GW tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) solar cell manufacturing plant in Baytown, Texas

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Announcement

By Jonathan Touriño Jacobo February 19, 2026

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Signing

Talon PV and NexWafe signed the wafer supply agreement at Intersolar North America in San Diego, California.

PARTIES MENTIONED IN SOURCE

NexWafe seller

"NexWafe, Talon PV ink 7GW wafer supply agreement in the US"

Talon PV buyer

"NexWafe, Talon PV ink 7GW wafer supply agreement in the US"

Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE)

"Talon PV has recently partnered with the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) to establish a TOPCon pilot line in Freiburg, Germany, where NexWafe is based."

high quality Enriched Feb 23, 2026