Researchers from the Nanyang Technological University Singapore (NTU Singapore) and startup EtaVolt have unveiled a groundbreaking high intensity illumination device that can “rejuvenate” solar panels and reduce their degradation. This new technique, known as Advanced Regeneration Technology, involves applying intense light and controlled temperature on the solar cells to excite the polysilicon molecules and quickly move them, ultimately patching up the holes caused by light, heat, and humidity.
According to the scientists, this process is similar to patching holes in a bucket, repairing solar panels to prevent energy leakage and ensure optimal light energy collection. The high intensity illumination device can reportedly roll itself over the photovoltaic modules, completing the process in less than five minutes and helping treated solar panels recover up to 5% of their lost field performance. This breakthrough could potentially reduce module degradation by up to 5 years, depending on the cell technology, and can be used on around 90% of solar modules available in the market.
EtaVolt’s website explains that the new regeneration technology is based on a proprietary combination of illumination, temperature, and regeneration time, offering light-induced degradation (LID) mitigation and recovery. NTU Singapore researcher Stanley Wang emphasized the rigorously tested and validated results of the solar rejuvenation method, demonstrating its effectiveness and potential for widespread adoption in commercial applications.
While the research team did not reveal more technical details about the device, they confirmed that the technologies developed at NTU have been patented and licensed to EtaVolt through NTUitive, the University’s innovation and enterprise company.
If you want to learn more about this groundbreaking innovation, you can read the full article here.
