The speed at which prospective solar cell materials can be characterized and selected for deployment increases The 16-channel parallel characterization system speeds up testing for new perovskite solar cell designs. Source: Adam Surmiak, Xiongfeng Lin/Monash Universitywith a high‐throughput solar cell testing system engineered at Monash University, Australia.

The machine provides the capacity to evaluate 16 sample perovskite-based solar cells simultaneously and in parallel. Researchers have previously conducted laboratory tests on millimeter-sized samples in indoor conditions in time-consuming protocols that do not address device deterioration over time, the performance impacts of environmental conditions or other real-world parameters. Components for the new automated system were produced using ultra-detailed milling and a 16-micrometer precision 3D printer.

Tests on new designs for next-generation solar cells can now be done in hours instead of days, as the system generates comprehensive measurements in real time. The researchers also claim they now have the capacity to test thousands of solar cells in one day.