Dr Robert DUMBRELL

Employment experience:

2024 – Now: Staff Scientist (Hanwha Qcells, Germany)

2019 – 2024: Senior Engineer (Jinko Solar, China)

2011 – 2014: Senior Engineer (Suntech R&D, Australia)

2011: Engineer (CSG Solar, Australia) ​ Education: 2015 – 2019: Doctor of Philosophy in Photovoltaic Engineering (UNSW) 2006 – 2010: Bachelor of Engineering in Photovoltaics & Solar Energy, Hons., Co-op Scholarship (UNSW) ​ Research interests:

• Luminescence based characterization of silicon solar cells

• Simulation and loss analysis

• Manufacturing data analytics and quality improvement

Why is your research important?

The PV industry has been growing on the back of rapid cost reduction and efficiency improvements, but quality control in manufacturing has lagged behind other more mature industries. There is a large opportunity to implement state-of-the-art data analytics and inline metrology to improve quality, leading to more reliable PV products in the field, and cost savings to manufacturers.

Why do you like research? 

Having freedom to work on topics that interest you. Contributing to solving big and important problems. Having time to dig deep and find the best solutions. Working in teams with other motivated and capable people.

What do you like to do when you are not saving the world?

Family time, music, football, cycling.