SERIS operates a PV Module Development and Application Laboratory where PV modules ranging from small single-cell modules for testing purposes up to full-size 72-cell modules (full wafer or half-cut) can be fabricated. Services offered by the lab include:
- PV module fabrication
- Processing of individual module components into prototype modules for subsequent testing and qualification
- Detailed characterisation of PV module components (glass panes, encapsulants, ribbons, backsheets, etc.)
- Partial processing of PV modules for process or component verification
- Quality and yield analysis of PV module components
- Solar cell cutting using thermal laser separation (TLS)
Consultancy for Building Retrofits and BIPV Installations
- Solar potential analysis and yield estimation
- Selection of PV technologies and layout design for non-conventional installations
- BIPV module prototyping and qualification testing
Selected research activities currently conducted in the BIPV Group include:
- Development of PV modules and integrated products for various urban solar applications in Singapore (e.g. BIPV modules and bifacial PV noise barriers)
- Design of novel plug-and-play module concepts
- Design of visually appealing PV modules (Peranakan PV, pointillism PV, etc)
- Integration of BIPV into Building Information Modelling (BIM)
- Design of BIPV modules for Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC)
- Recycling of PV modules
Cell-To-Module Loss/Gain Diagnosis
We offer a comprehensive cell-to-module (CTM) analysis for silicon wafer-based PV modules to minimise the CTM losses or maximise the CTM gain. We also provide guidance on the selection of module materials and the optimisation of the module fabrication processes, as well as extensive characterisation services to materials manufacturers to add value to their product development and product optimisation.
Selected elements of our PV module service:
- Power loss analysis for active module area
Quantify the reflectance loss, parasitic absorptance loss and optical coupling gain of front encapsulation layers (glass, EVA, POE, etc).
- Light harvesting analysis from inactive module area
Quantify the light harvesting from inactive areas of a PV module (e.g. cell-gap area, ribbon) using EQE line scans.
- Cell mismatch analysis
Quantify the loss occurring due to the differences in the maximum power point currents (Imp) of the individual series-connected solar cells.
- Resistive power loss analysis
Quantify the power loss in various components used to interconnect the solar cells, as well as leakage currents at various points in the module.
