The institute is jointly sponsored by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and the National University of Singapore (NUS). SERIS is a research institute at NUS and is located on the main university campus.

The main focus areas of SERIS are:

• Silicon solar cells and modules (wafer and thin-film)

• Nano-structured solar cells

• Solar and energy efficient buildings

• Solar energy systems

• PV module performance analysis

SERIS is in the final steps of its ramp-up phase. Most of our laboratories were operational by Q4/2009. SERIS will have laboratory and office space of approximately 4,800 m² by 2010.

In March 2010, 83 staff members (scientists, engineers, technicians, administrative professionals and research students) were working at SERIS, with roots in 15 countries from around the world. As of July 2010, approximately 100 people have worked at the institute.