Temperature controlled platform, system, and method for holding, probing, and testing solar cells

A platform for testing a solar cell, the platform comprising:

• a plate defining a conductive surface configured to electrically contact the solar cell, the plate defining:
• two or more first vacuum ports disposed along a first area of the conductive surface of the plate;
• and
• two or more second vacuum ports disposed along a second area of the conductive surface of the plate, the second area covering a larger portion of the conductive surface compared to the first area, and the solar cell is sized to seat against the first area of the conductive surface;
• a valve-sensor unit in fluid communication with the first vacuum ports and the second vacuum ports;
• and
• a control board connected to the valve-sensor unit, wherein the control board executes instructions to:
• monitor a first pressure in the first vacuum ports and a second pressure in the second vacuum ports by the valve-sensor unit;
• determine the solar cell is seated against only the first area of the conductive surface of the plate based on the first pressure and the second pressure;
• and
• in response to determining the solar cell is seated against only the first area of the conductive surface, apply vacuum to only the first vacuum ports by the valve-sensor unit.

A method for testing a first solar cell, wherein the method comprises:

• placing the first solar cell upon a plate, wherein the plate defines a conductive surface that electrically contacts the first solar cell;
• covering, by the first solar cell, one or more first vacuum ports disposed along a first area of the conductive surface of the plate;
• monitoring, by a valve-sensor unit, a first pressure in the first vacuum ports;
• monitoring, by the valve-sensor unit, a second pressure in one or more second vacuum ports, wherein the second vacuum ports are disposed along a second area of the conductive surface of the plate, and wherein the second area covers a larger portion of the conductive surface when compared to the first area;
• determining, by a control board, the first solar cell is seated against only the first area of the conductive surface of the plate based on the first pressure and the second pressure, wherein the control board is connected to the valve-sensor unit;
• and
• in response to determining the first solar cell is seated against only the first area of the conductive surface, applying vacuum to only the first vacuum ports by the valve-sensor unit.