How does laser scribing affect solar cell performance?

A conventional cutting process is laser scribing, followed by a mechanical breaking process. This laser scribing method requires a deep scribing of approx. 30%-50% of the wafer’s thickness and causes a significant damaging of the solar cell edge in combination with microcracks. Both have a negative effect to the performance of the cell.

Why is laser technology important for solar energy production?

Solar energy is indispensable to tomorrow´s energy mix. To ensure photovoltaic systems are able to compete with conventional fossil fuels, production costs of PV modules must be reduced and the efficiency of solar cells increased. laser technology plays a key role in the economical industrial-scale production of high-quality solar cells.

How do thin film solar cells work?

In the case of conventional silicon solar cells, a thin conductive layer of metal is applied for contacting the doped silicon. In modern organic thin-film solar cells, not only contacting, but also semiconducting layers are applied to a transparent film.

Can solar cells be cut into half-cells?

Cell cutting fueling recent advances in PV manufacturing In recent years, cutting solar cells into half-cells has become a key strategy for PV manufacturing by enabling remarkable gains in power output and mechanical strength at the module level.

How does plasma etching improve the efficiency of solar cells?

In the subsequent plasma etching process, a nanostructure is applied to this microstructure, which reduces the reflection even more. It is a combination of surface structures that will increase the efficiency of silicon solar cells.

How many cells can a laser cut?

Unsurpassed flexibility on number of cell cuts – in standard configuration, the laser system cuts half-cells. Depending on the number of laser sources, the system is able to cut up to sixth-cut cells without decreasing the throughput