High efficiency at module level with almost no cell metallisation: Multiple wire interconnection of reduced metal solar cells

Perpendicular multiple busbar wires have proven an effective way of interconnecting standard screen printed solar cells with high reliability and low cell to module loss. The technology is also an effective way to interconnect plated solar cells, where conventional soldered interconnects may be problematic. However, the full benefits of this interconnection technology can be fully realized on plated cell structures with drastically reduced plated metallization. This paper presents a new selective emitter plated cell structure with metallization reduced to around 1 μm thickness, interconnected using perpendicular multiple busbar wires. Metal usage on the cell is reduced by more than 90% compared to conventional plated or screen print cells and the use of Ag almost eliminated, while high efficiency at the module level is achieved along with environmental durability.