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Production Briefing Outline: LPKF SolarQuipment has developed the ‘Allegro’ laser scribing system for thin film module production that is intended to combine both, high precision and high throughput. The LPKF Allegro laser system is designed for all processes (P1 through P3) of laser structuring on thin film solar cells. The system is said to integrate easily into existing operational processes, and can be adapted to module size and the existing thin film solar cell technology.

Problem: Production of thin film solar modules requires a precise laser scribing method to achieve the monolithic series interconnection in a cost efficient way. The efficiency of the solar panels directly depends on the accuracy of the scribing process. Scribing insulating channels on thin film solar panels has to be very exact as the smaller the dead area, the higher the output of the module. If there are any thermal or plastic distorsions in the glass substrate, the resulting solar panel becomes less efficient.

Solution: To achieve precise results, the LPKF Allegro laser systems employs air bearings for low maintenance, long term stability and high axis precision. The ‘Dynamic Design’ technology always moves the dynamically most reasonable component, which is the compact laser working head and not the sensitive glass substrate. Automatic alignment of scribing against existing structures and an integrated compensation of glass waviness ensures the required accuracy, according to the company.  A variety of laser sources is available to machine different thin film technologies.

Applications: Laser scribing of thin film solar panels based on CdTe, aSi, aSi/µSi, CIGS technology

Platform: LPKF Allegro series is modular in construction and can be tailored to customer requirements. The system offers; significant process security and maximum protection against debris; through-glass structuring (when the coating is on the opposite side); a variety of laser wavelengths available for different thin film technologies; compensation for variations in glass thickness and waviness; continuous setting of cell width (distance of structuring paths) of 5 to 15 mm; automatic alignment of structuring against existing structures and inline concept with auto-feed of glass and lead-away.

Availability: Currently available with 6 - 8 month lead-times from purchase order.