Spire to develop solar cell microcrack detection systems

July 21, 2010

Massachusetts company Spire Corporation has been awarded a US Department of Energy grant to develop a microcrack detection system for solar cells and wafers.

A significant percentage of solar photovoltaic cells can contain microcracks, which can spread and affect performance and the lifespan of solar panels, but are difficult to detect.

Spire Corporation will develop a non-contact, photoluminescent technology that can be integrated into solar cell and module assembly lines.