Solar cells made from silicon (wafers, thin-films) dominate the global PV market. To further reduce the cost of PV electricity, continuous improvements with respect to efficiency and/or manufacturing cost of PV modules are required. To contribute to this effort, SERIS establishes and operates pilot lines for both silicon wafer solar cells and silicon thin-film solar cells. The lines are capable of processing industry-size silicon wafers and A3-sized (300 mm × 400 mm) thin-film modules.

• The focus of the R&D work in the Silicon Wafer Solar Cell Group is on the development of cost-effective processes capable of realising high solar cell efficiency on thin wafers (< 150 microns), while maintaining an excellent yield in the manufacturing process.

• The Poly-Silicon Thin-Film Solar Cell Group works on improving the efficiency of polycrystalline silicon on glass PV modules.

• The Tandem Thin-Film Solar Cell Group aims at improving the efficiency and reducing the cost of PV modules made from amorphous/microcrystalline silicon tandem cells.

• Our solar cell R&D work is supported by the PV Characterisation and Calibration Group, which operates a well-equipped measurement and testing laboratory. The Group offers a range of services to industry, including high-precision one-sun efficiency measurements on solar cells with sizes of up to 200 mm × 200 mm.

• The PV Production Technologies Group develops novel manufacturing processes for the PV industry. The focus is on processes that enable high-throughput, high-yield processing of thin silicon wafer solar cells.

• The PV Module Technology Group develops advanced PV modules, with a particular focus on modules which are optimised for the hot and humid conditions of tropical regions.