To manufacture PV modules for solar power generation, the solar cells have to be interconnected in series to solar cell strings to enable the desired voltage output. The encapsulation serves as protection of the fragile solar cells and the interconnection against environmental impacts. In PV industry, the solar cell interconnection is realized by soldering, with a market share of around 95% as stated by the ITRPV. Besides soldering, solar cells can also be interconnected by the use of electrically conductive adhesives (ECAs). This alternative interconnection technology is discussed in detail. Additionally, welding is also investigated as an alternative interconnection technology for solar cells.

Chapter Contents:

• 10.1 Solder interconnection of solar cells
• 10.1.1 Materials for solder interconnection
• 10.1.2 Soldering process
• 10.2 Electrically conductive adhesives
• 10.2.1 Introduction
• 10.2.2 Applications of ECAs for solar cell interconnection
• 10.2.3 ECA material systems
• 10.2.4 Mechanical and electrical properties of cured ECAs
• 10.2.5 Processing aspects of ECA
• 10.2.6 Summary
• 10.3 Welding-based solar cell interconnection
• 10.3.1 Introduction
• 10.3.2 Parallel gap welding
• 10.3.3 Ultrasonic welding
• 10.3.4 Laser welding
• References

Inspec keywords: integrated circuit interconnections; solar cells

Other keywords: soldering; environmental impacts; solar power generation; electrically conductive adhesives; solar cell strings; module interconnection technologies; interconnection technology; fragile solar cells; PV industry; welding; solar cell interconnection; PV modules; ECAs

Subjects: Photoelectric conversion; solar cells and arrays; Metallisation and interconnection technology; Solar cells and arrays