In-Line Post-Process Scribing for Reducing Cell to Module Efficiency Gap in Monolithic Thin-Film Photovoltaics

The gap between cell and module efficiency is a major challenge for all photovoltaic (PV) technologies. For monolithic thin-film PV modules, a significant fraction of this gap has been attributed to parasitic shunts and other defects, distributed across the module. In this paper, we show that it is possible to contain or isolate these shunts using state-of-the-art laser scribing processes, after the fabrication of the series-connected module is finished. We discuss three alternatives, and quantify the performance gains for each technique. We demonstrate that using these techniques, it is possible to recover up to 50% of the power lost to parasitic shunts, which results in 1-2% (absolute) increase in module efficiencies for typical thin-film PV technologies.