Multi-year partnership powers solar solutions
Nova Scotia’s clean-tech sector is gaining momentum and at the heart of this growth is a partnership that began with a simple idea: make solar technology more accessible and efficient. Since January 2020, NSCC’s Applied Energy Research (AER) Lab and Rayleigh Solar Tech have been working together to transform concepts into prototypes and prototypes into solutions that matter.
The collaboration started with a low-cost testing system for solar cells, enabling Rayleigh to verify performance, durability and affordability. By 2022, NSCC had delivered a damp-heat testing system paired with custom electronics designed to hold cells at their Maximum Power Point (MPP), the point where they operate most efficiently. This setup enabled accelerated lifetime testing under high humidity and temperature conditions, compressing over 10 years of outdoor exposure into just a few months of testing. The damp-heat environment accelerates moisture ingress to compare encapsulation materials and their impact on performance and lifespan.
Scaling up with next-generation testing solutions
As Rayleigh scaled up, their needs evolved. In May 2025, they returned to NSCC for help designing a high-throughput testing system capable of handling up to 128 solar cells simultaneously with flexibility to expand further. This next-generation solution, developed with Enginuity, is expected to be operational by January 2026, positioning Rayleigh to compete in the consumer market.
Dane George, Co-Founder of Rayleigh Solar Tech, explains: “For Rayleigh, rigorous testing is the backbone of credibility, and NSCC’s ability to help us develop advanced testing systems quickly has become a real competitive advantage. This high-throughput solution lets us validate designs faster, reduce risk, and scale with confidence.”
Agile support for startup success
Startups require agility and NSCC has delivered. Beyond electrical design expertise, the AER Lab has provided hardware architecture, PCB assembly, software development, mechanical design assistance and academic literature reviews to validate manufacturing goals. This holistic approach ensures Rayleigh has the tools and knowledge to overcome technical hurdles and accelerate innovation. Ben Nickerson, NSCC Research Associate and project lead, explains:
“Startups often need support in many areas as their company grows and priorities shift. By understanding all the elements of their product from electrical design to software development we can help them overcome technical hurdles and scale their operations in a meaningful way.”
Turning ideas into tested solutions
The journey began with defining design specifications, followed by SPICE simulations, virtual models of electronic circuits that allow engineers to test and refine designs before building physical hardware. A first-phase prototype verified functionality using an embedded computer development board and custom circuitry. The second-phase prototype, now underway, focuses on cost efficiency and streamlined assembly through custom carrier boards and optimized PCB form factors, both designed by the AER Lab. Enginuity provided design review, assisted with hardware testing and supported overall system integration.
Student engagement and industry experience
Student involvement has been a cornerstone of this partnership. NSCC graduates have contributed to hardware and software development, collaborating with Enginuity and gaining exposure to real-world engineering standards. Students tackled challenges like solar module modelling and laser scribe alignment, giving them hands-on experience in areas such as firmware development, interface design and CAD modeling.
Beth Easson, NSCC Student Innovation Coordinator who helped connect Rayleigh with students, explains the impact:
“These projects let students apply what they’ve learned to real-world challenges, build technical and interpersonal skills and often transition from capstone work into paid placements. It’s building a strong pipeline talent for Nova Scotia’s growing clean-tech sector.”
The Bays: Where ideas turn into prototypes
NSCC’s presence at Invest Nova Scotia’s innovation hub, The Bays, has been key to fostering collaboration with tenants like Rayleigh Solar Tech. At the heart of this connection is the NSCC Dartmouth Makerspace in Bay 9, which offers advanced tools such as 3D printers, laser engravers and CNC machines alongside the expertise of Applied Research and Makerspace staff. Rayleigh leveraged the Makerspace for Kapton laser cutting jobs to support its solar cell manufacturing process. This combination of tools and talent accelerates prototyping for Rayleigh and other startups.
Moving forward: Growth and new opportunities
Rayleigh Solar Tech’s upcoming Phase 3 move to Burnside marks a major milestone in their evolution from startup to scale-up. This expansion reflects their growing capacity and ambition to meet the demands of a competitive clean-tech market. NSCC looks forward to continuing its role in supporting Rayleigh’s next phase of development.
“Rayleigh’s mission is to make solar more accessible and cost-effective, and NSCC has helped turn that mission into measurable progress," says Dane. "Together we’re building the tools, validation, and know-how required to bring advanced solar technology to market.”
This partnership exemplifies how collaboration between education, research and industry can accelerate Nova Scotia’s transition to a sustainable future. By combining technical expertise, student talent and entrepreneurial vision, NSCC and Rayleigh Solar Tech are not just building solar solutions, they’re building a cleaner, brighter tomorrow.