New Challenges in Testing and Failure Analysis for Microsystems-Enabled Photovoltaics Modules

Engineers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed a technology that may bring down the cost and improve the efficiency of photovoltaic energy conversion. Here they explain how they manufacture photovoltaic modules containing as many as 100,000 silicon solar cells using conventional IC fabrication and PCB assembly techniques. They also explain how they estimate module efficiency based on the IV characteristics of individual cells and the detection of open and short circuits.