Interconnection Technology for Conventional and Concentrator Modules (Solar Cells)

It is well known that conventional cell metallization technology has several negative impacts on cell performance. First of all standard design of solar cell front side metallization suffers not only from high shading which is in the range of 6-9% but also from reduction of surface passivation and corresponding higher recombination current in the p/n-junction. Printing of Ag/Al pads at the cell rear side reduces the rear side surface passivation and results in corresponding decrease of Voc value. Furthermore separate technological steps required for Ag/Al pads printing and drying increases the cell costs. Nevertheless PV module tabbing and stringing technology is based on usage of Ag/Al pads for cell interconnection.