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

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

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

July 3, 2025
Malaysian engineering and infrastructure giant Gamuda has expanded its presence in the Australian renewables sector by partnering with Tasmanian landowners to build a 1.2GW portfolio, which includes solar PV.
July 2, 2025
A new state-owned green bank, the Energy Security Corporation (ESC), has launched in New South Wales, Australia, with an initial funding allocation of AU$1 billion (US$640 million).
July 2, 2025
Asset management firm Capital Dynamics has secured €110 million (US$129.4 million) in financing for three solar PV projects in Spain.
July 2, 2025
The US Senate has narrowly passed – with a 51-50 vote and with vice-president JD Vance breaking the tie – the reconciliation bill yesterday (1 July) without the solar and wind excise tax.
Premium
July 2, 2025
ANALYSIS: China's leading PV manufacturers are locked in a new round of competition, aiming to outpace each other through record-breaking feats.
July 2, 2025
Investment manager Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners has begun commercial operations at a 373MW solar PV plant in the UK.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 2, 2025
Mexico City, Mexico
Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
Solar Media Events
September 22, 2025
Bilbao, Spain
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK