The german ForschungsVerbund Sonnenenergie (FVS) [Research Association for Solar Energy] has accepted the Bayerische Zentrum für Angewandte Energieforschung e.V. (ZAE Bayern) [Bavarian Center for Applied Energy Research] as a new member institute effective from the start of 2006. At the ZAE Bayern, work is being carried out, among others, on nano-structured materials, new concepts of photovoltaic, adsorption systems and latent heat storage. The FVS is a country-wide German cooperation of non-university research institutes.