Mr. Sumalde Adrian Augusto Mendoza (2nd-year doctoral student in Ohdaira Lab, Sustainable Innovation Research Area) received the Best Oral Presentation Award at the 36th International Photovoltaic Science and Engineering Conference (PVSEC-36).

PVSEC-36 was an international conference on photovoltaic systems, held from November 9th to 14th, 2025, at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand. Researchers and engineers from around the world gathered to discuss cutting-edge research findings.

＊Reference：PVSEC-36

■Date Awarded
November 14, 2025

■Title
Development of encapsulant-less vertical crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules with various thermoplastic materials as module base

■Authors
Adrian Augusto M. Sumalde, Kensaku Maeda, and Keisuke Ohdaira

■Abstract
Encapsulant-less PV modules were developed to address the recyclability concerns in conventional crystalline silicon (c-Si) photovoltaic (PV) modules. Specifically, these modules were conceptualized for vertical installations for building integration, targeting high urban density areas and/or locations with heavy snowfall conditions. This work evaluated the potential of several thermoplastics as primary material for module base, providing both physical stability and aesthetic appeal. The design utilizes grooves for easy installation and removal of module components, as well as "corner" and "bar" holding structures to minimize partial shading and vertical stability. Mini-modules were 3d-printed using black polycarbonate (PC), translucent polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), and white acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA). Electrical performance was evaluate using 1-sun illuminated J - V characteristics, EQE spectra, and electroluminescence imaging, while an initial 72-hour damp-heat test was conducted to investigate the response of modules to thermo-hygrometric stress. Using corner holding structures in the module base design, performance losses were successfully minimized, kept to as low as 0.36% η_abs for the white ASA modules. The translucency of PETG modules and white colors of ASA modules also resulted in cell-to-module ratios above 90%, with confidence that upscaling will improve these values. Future direction involves upsizing and redesigning for additional physical stability, to be evaluated using moisture ingress and vibration stability tests.

■Comment
I am truly honored to have received the award at PVSEC-36. It validated my efforts throughout the year and motivates me to continue working hard in my research and my PhD studies. I would like to thank Professor Keisuke Ohdaira and Senior Lecturer Kensaku Maeda for their continuous guidance and instilling discipline in my daily research activities in JAIST, as well as to NEDO and Specially Appointed Professor Marwan Dhamrin, The University of Osaka, for their technical support for the fabrication of our solar cells. Lastly, I would also like to thank Associate Professor Kotona Motoyama, Kanazawa University, who strengthened my awareness of responsible research and innovation. Through her, I am always reminded that whenever we communicate our research, the benefit to society is a common language that we all can understand.

　

　

December 9, 2025