The group's activities support client needs by focusing on areas where there is great need for innovation:
PV Module Innovation Services
We support the market introduction of your innovative PV module design through proof of concept, pilot production, certification and full production. R&D expertise includes process development for integration of novel materials into crystalline silicon modules, module durability to extend life past 25 years, increased energy yields through enhanced light capture, lower module temperature and improved electrical performance using our full-sized module fabrication lab and advanced testing facility.
PV Material Expertise
Our team aids customers with the design, fabrication and testing of PV modules incorporating new materials like advanced encapsulants, edge sealants, back sheets and solar glass, while keeping the balance between cost, efficiency and manufacturability in mind. R&D material expertise and robust capabilities for advanced module testing including module energy yield testing under various sun conditions using a custom class AAA solar simulator and failure analysis using EL and IR imaging. Our capabilities go beyond our lab and into the equipment and facilities for Materials Science and Engineering at MIT.
Energy Output Research
Module efficiencies are typically 60 to 80% of those of the constituent cell materials, with optical, resistive and thermal losses all having a significant impact on the energy yield. While addressing these areas for improvement, it is critical that modules must maintain their performance over a period of decades in an outdoor environment. These factors make energy output research and development an essential and challenging area for innovation.
Module Cost Research
Currently, the material and manufacturing costs associated with packaging the cells into the final module may represent some 50% of the cost of the module product, depending upon the technology. Additional costs of system installation that are related to the module include racking, mounting and integration with balance of system components. Reducing the cost of PV modules is key to more widespead adoption.