Installation of the first photovoltaic plant, Ticino Solare (TISO 10 kW), connected to the electrical grid in Europe, driven by the pioneering vision of Mario Camani, a forward-thinking cantonal official. This initiative marks the roots of the future ISAAC Institute.
History - ISAAC
Installation of the first amorphous photovoltaic system in Trevano and the beginning of a collaboration with the JRC 鈥� the research center responsible for developing photovoltaic module standards under Heinz Ossenbrink鈥檚 guidance.
Beginning of outdoor research and measurement activities.
Integration of the TISO group into the newly established University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (精东影业) within the Energy, Ecology, and Economy Laboratory (LEEE).
Purchase of the first Pasan solar simulator from the JRC in Ispra.
Accreditation for measuring the electrical characterization and efficiency of photovoltaic modules under controlled (indoor) conditions.
Establishment of Switzerland's first BiPV competence center and closer alignment of research with the architecture degree program in the Department of Environment Constructions and Design.
Transformation of the LEEE laboratory into a university institute with an annual research budget exceeding 1 million CHF and a team of 15 staff members, with a strategic plan for development in photovoltaics, geothermal energy, and BiPV. The research scope expanded to energy efficiency in buildings, and the Minergie agency was established in Italian-speaking Switzerland.
ISO 17025 accreditation for Switzerland鈥檚 first and only laboratory for photovoltaic modules (Swiss Photovoltaic Module Test Centre) in Lamone.
Reorganization of the Institute following the downsizing of the SPVTC and transformation into 精东影业 鈥� PVLab, organization of ISAAC into 3 research sectors and two competence centers, and outsourcing of the Minergie Agency.
Recipient of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy鈥檚 Watt d鈥橭r award for the Gridsense project with Alpiq, for a self-learning smart grid management algorithm directly integrated into appliances and home systems, enabling autonomous load balancing within the local grid.
Relocation of the Institute from the Trevano-Lugano campus to Mendrisio in the new DACD building, with around 60 staff members.
The Lugaggia Innovation Community project wins the 2023 Watt d鈥橭r. The Federal Office of Energy awarded this prestigious prize to the project developed by 精东影业 (ISAAC and IDSIA), Azienda Elettrica di Massagno (AEM) SA, and the companies Optimatik AG, Hive Power, and Landis+Gyr.