Photovoltaic Module Lab
Our advanced PV Module Lab is the ideal environment for the production and characterisation of high-quality photovoltaic (PV) modules.
Equipped with state-of-the-art materials, our infrastructure enables our researchers to evaluate and process both conventional and innovative materials at all stages of the PV module value chain, including cells, interconnection structures, encapsulation materials, back sheets, and glass.
What sets our lab apart is not only the availability of state-of-the-art tools, but also the fact that our expert team of engineers and researchers is dedicated to developing groundbreaking PV module and interconnection technologies. With a rich background in PV materials, concept definition, industrial manufacturing practices, characterization, and reliability, we offer not only in-depth knowledge but also practical experience.
Our facilities are exceptionally versatile, allowing us to accommodate both standard flat commodity PV and the earliest stages of new technologies. Whether exploring innovative interconnection and encapsulation solutions or scaling up to full-size panels (1m x 1.6m), we are ready.
Take a tour of this lab
Take a look around our lab and discover how we conduct research into innovative energy solutions.
Who can use the PV lab?
- PV cell and module manufacturers
- Material suppliers
- Equipment suppliers
- Builders and operators of PV systems
What is the purpose of the PV lab?
Processing designed for the fabrication of wafer-based crystalline-Si PV modules (or similarly applied in thin-film or an even broader technology context):
- Laser processing
- Placement
- Dosing
- Soldering
- Laminating
In-depth testing of the opto-electronic performance of devices (manufactured in our labs or elsewhere):
- Optical inspection
- Light IV
- Dynamic lighting
- Electroluminescence (EL)
- External Quantum Efficiency (EQE)
- Reflection (R)
- (Cross-section) Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
- SunsVoc (dependence of Voc on radiation intensity)
- Thermal and spectral dependencies in behaviour
- Pull tests
The majority of the equipment offers the possibility for automation for the designated processing/testing, although loading and unloading (and in some cases mechanical movement) are carried out manually to ensure the highest versatility in operation. Manual preparations, post-processing, and inspection can be conducted offline with state-of-the-art laboratory tables and tools. Storage in a dry room (0.4% RH) is available for moisture-sensitive materials (e.g. encapsulants).