EPFL's researchers open research center to test solar panels in Dakar

EPFL's scientists recently inaugurated a new research center in Senegal to test solar panels and their underlying components. Founded in conjunction with École Supérieure Polytechnique de Dakar, the center will help solar-panel operators assess the quality of parts they source locally. It will also provide specialized training and host PhD students performing thesis work. Despite having one of the highest sunshine rates in the world, Senegal uses very little solar power. That's because the photovoltaic equipment available on the local market is often unreliable, with huge differences in performance from one solar panel to the next. PV equipment manufacturers from around the world have gotten into the habit of sending to Africa their faulty or poorly performing devices, which rarely work according to manufacturers' specifications. As a result, neither businesses nor consumers trust the solar panel components they acquire from local suppliers.