R&D centre, Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS) has officially opened its module development and testing laboratory the CleanTech Park in Singapore.
The new 1,700 square metre facility comprises an R&D pilot production line for PV modules and a fully equipped testing and certification centre, said to be the first in Southeast Asia.
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Professor Armin Aberle, chief executive of SERIS, said: “With this facility, we aim to take solar energy research, development and deployment to the next level in Singapore. We are currently collaborating with other research institutes and government agencies to accelerate the 'solarisation' of Singapore and bring cost-effective solar power to Singaporeans, which will also help to lower the country’s carbon footprint.”
Singapore has plans to install around 350MWp of PV by 2020, which is projected to be about 5% of peak electricity demand by that time.
SERIS noted that the facility had installed state-of-the-art testing capabilities for PV modules and systems, which included a large-area solar simulator, a cluster of climatic chambers and PV module safety and performance measurement systems. A dynamic mechanical load testing station has also been installed.
SERIS said that one of its aims for the new facility was to become a global centre for potential-induced degradation (PID) testing of modules, contributing to the eventual development of PID-free solar cells and modules.
Dr Thomas Reindl, deputy chief executive of SERIS, said: “SERIS is in a unique position where the knowledge we gain in photovoltaic module development and testing can be leveraged for the large-scale deployment of well-designed, high-performing solar PV systems in Singapore and the region.
“Through this kind of synergy, we can offer a more comprehensive and holistic service to our clients and research partners. With our facility at Singapore’s CleanTech Park, we are now also closer to several of our key clients and will be able to offer them these services with the same dedication and even faster turn-around times.”
