Flexible silicon heterojunctions solar cells and modules

In this manuscript is discussed the potential of using silicon heterojunction solar cells to obtain flexible silicon modules. Modules were manufactured using non-metalized silicon heterojunction solar cell with thicknesses down to 70 μm. The modules were rolled around curved surfaces with different diameters. Rolling diameters down to 5 cm were tested. Damages in the solar cells due to the rolling process were inspected using photoluminescence (PL). PL images after the rolling show promising results towards flexibility. Rolling reliability tests were also performed in thin passivated wafers (60-80 μm). The wafers were rolled down to 7 cm diameter. PL images show no evidences of mechanical damage in the wafers due to the lamination or after the rolling process.