Resistive Power Loss Analysis of PV Modules Made From Halved 15.6 × 15.6 cm2 Silicon PERC Solar Cells With Efficiencies up to 20.0%

In photovoltaic (PV) modules, the interconnection of solar cells is critical in terms of mechanical stability and resistive power losses. In this study, we analyze the interconnection of large-area 15.6 × 15.6 cm² industrial p-type passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC) solar cells in terms of resistive losses. For our analysis, we prepare a 3 × 3 minimodule from PERC solar cells with soldering pads and efficiencies up to 20.0%. We measure a significant cell-to-module (CTM) power loss of 8% at this module. For comparison, we prepare a 3 × 6 module consisting of halved 7.8 × 15.6 cm² PERC solar cells. Using a nanosecond laser to cut the finished solar cell in two pieces, no additional power loss is introduced by cutting. The CTM factor of 1.0 determined at the 3 × 6 module is explained using an analytical model describing the series resistance of the module interconnection. Using this model, we estimate for our current PERC cell generation and module process an output power of 275 W for 60 full-size cells and 285 W for 120 halved cells.