Application Note: Machine Vision: Key Tool For Efficient And Low-Cost Solar Cells

The cost of electricity produced from sunlight employing the photovoltaic (PV) effect is currently significantly higher compared to electricity produced from fossil fuels such as coal. In order to further reduce cost of electricity from PV, researchers worldwide are working on various novel solar cell types in order to increase the energy conversion efficiency. In addition solar cell manufacturers are working hard to bring down production costs. Luminescence-based machine vision with SWIR InGaAs cameras can be one of the key tools to further improve the solar cell uniformity and efficiency, and consequently improving yield and thus reducing costs.