UNSW and BT Imaging are advancing a new contactless solar cell testing system towards commercialization
It avoids damaging fragile cells while detecting early-stage defects during production
The system uses light and AI imaging to map voltage, resistance, and efficiency in real time
It is compatible with silicon, perovskite, and tandem cells, claim the partners
Researchers at Australia’s University of New South Wales (UNSW), in collaboration with the university spinout BT Imaging, are advancing a contactless solar cell inspection technology through a $1.4 million project. The innovation could become a ‘new global standard’ in solar cell testing and ‘revolutionize’ solar cell manufacturing globally.
“The incumbent ‘current-voltage’ testers must physically touch the fragile surface of cells, which often leads to damage. The method also struggles with current cell components such as multi-busbars, zero-busbars, and back contacts, as well as next-generation technologies like perovskite and tandem solar cells,” explains Project Lead Professor Ziv Hameiri.
He also points out that traditional testing methods can only be used in the final stages of cell production, thus missing early-stage defects and slowing down production. Traditional methods are also not suitable for measuring modern solar cells and emerging technologies.
In comparison, the new technology ensures that cells remain intact during testing and defects can be detected earlier in production, thanks to the contactless system. The testing system shines light onto a solar cell, analyzing the resultant faint glow or luminescence. This is a key indicator of voltage, series resistance, and efficiency, points out the team.
The testing equipment is equipped with advanced imaging and machine learning that can turn testing data into detailed maps of key electrical parameters and defects in solar cells. It can detect defects at early stages of production and works with current silicon cells as well as emerging perovskite and tandem solar cells.
It promises to cut waste, double production speed, and reduce industry costs by billions.
The team is now commercializing this technology with a $400,000 grant from the Trailblazer Recycling & Clean Energy (TRaCE) Lab to Market Fund and a $1 million contribution from BT Imaging.
“By combining UNSW’s cutting-edge innovation with our commercialisation expertise, we’re turning laboratory breakthroughs into practical, factory-ready products for both silicon and next-generation solar cells,” said Managing Director of BT Imaging Dr. Shubham Duttagupta. “We are creating inspection systems for manufacturers all around the world that are faster, more reliable, more accurate and future-proofed than ever before.”
BT Imaging is a winner of a NSW state grant for what it claims will be the world’s 1st in-line Photoluminescence and Machine Vision System with automated tuning (see Printed Solar Technology Among Winners Of AUD 26.2 Million Grant).
