Recent progress in the design and fabrication of Spheral Solar modules

Texas Instruments has begun design and fabrication of photovoltaic modules using its unique Spheral Solar technology. The solar cell structure, especially the aluminum foil conductors, presents challenges in several areas of product design. This paper presents the design of the cell interconnection and junction box, both of which are affected by the aluminum cell structure and are also key to product reliability. Environmental testing of the cells and modules is discussed, and electrical performance data are presented