By mid of the century photovoltaics will be the most important energy source according to estimations of the International Energy Agency (IEA). The research group PVT, headed by Prof. Dr. Heide Biollaz and Prof. Dr. Daniel Kray, develops in particular pioneering production processes of solar cells and modules. The focus is set on strategic product development for medium-sized machine construction companies in the field of solar module manufacturing. Currently, a laboratory is under construction where new process technologies will be developed to the point where they can be transferred by companies into the prototype phase. The research activities are supported by comprehensive characterization systems, for example photo- and electroluminescence, REM/STEM and high-resolution confocal microscopy.

Furthermore, the so-called negative emission technologies (NET) are being researched. The focus is on PyCCS (pyrogenic carbon capture and storage), which produces vegetable carbon from biological residues in addition to pyrolysis oils and gases. This can be used in a variety of applications to permanently store carbon from the CO₂ in the air and thus actively cool the earth. Of particular interest is the cascade use in agriculture (animal feed, manure treatment, fertiliser additive, soil improvement), which is investigated in the project "FYI: Agriculture 5.0": fyi-landwirtschaft5.org.