Heraeus develops back-side tabbing conductors with lower paste laydown

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Heraeus Photovoltaic Business Unit, a developer of advanced front and back-side silver paste for crystalline solar cells has introduced the SOL200 Series for back-side tabbing conductors for mono- and multicrystalline silicon solar cell wafers. SOL200 has been claimed to demonstrate lower paste laydown while maintaining excellent solderability with both leaded and lead-free solders while maintaining high adhesion and high electrical performance.

Problem

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

Silver metallization pastes have become one of highest material cost parameters in c-Si solar cell fabrication due to the dependence on the core market price of silver (Ag). The need for both high-performance silver-based pastes for improved cell performance and cost-effective conducting materials is a critical requirement for PV manufacturers.

Solution

Following the successful development and market introduction of SOL230 a few years ago, Heraeus has developed the new SOL200 Series for back-side tabbing conductors that has demonstrated lower paste laydown while maintaining good solderability, high adhesion and high electrical performance. The increase in adhesion also demonstrates a better quality solder joint. The affect of humidity or contaminants on the integrity of the solder joint is minimized giving reliable thermal cycling and improved lifetime testing results, according to the company. Increased paste coverage with improved results can provide savings via improved performance. Coverage with SOL200 is claimed to be significantly better than competitive materials. Increased paste coverage translates into lower paste consumption.

Applications

Back-side tabbing conductors for mono- and multicrystalline silicon solar cell wafers.

Platform

The new SOL200 Series is available in SOL220, and SOL210. The SOL210 solver paste is said to use 10% less silver than the SOL230. Screen printing parameter recommendations include the use of a 200-280 mesh stainless steel screen with 10-14μm emulsion. Typically dried in an IR dryer with set points of 250-300°C in less than 20 seconds or 150°C for 10 minutes in a circulated air oven. Co-fireable with back-Al and front-Ag pastes.

Availability

Currently available. 

Read Next

September 9, 2025
Iberdrola has signed a 77MW power purchase agreement (PPA) with Italian grocery retail group Selex Gruppo Commerciale.
September 9, 2025
Nautilus and Summit Ridge Energy secured major financing deals to expand community solar projects across multiple US states.
September 9, 2025
The US is forecast to reach between US$55-60 billion in clean energy tax credit monetisation in 2025, according to a report from clean energy financing technology platform Crux.
September 9, 2025
The average price of solar modules sold in Europe fell marginally between July and August, while buyers’ confidence remained steady.
September 9, 2025
The US Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has released a policy blueprint which it claims would “strengthen the reliability of America’s electric grid with solar and storage technologies.”
September 9, 2025
US solar tracker manufacturer Nextracker has acquired Origami Solar, a steel frame technology-focused company, for approximately US$53 million. 

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
October 2, 2025
London,UK
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
Manila, Philippines