As the solar industry continues to scale, one question becomes ever more pressing: how do we build a more sustainable, resilient and future-ready photovoltaic supply chain?
At AIKO, the answer begins not just with record-breaking efficiency, but with reinventing what lies beneath the surface.
While many manufacturers remain focused on pushing cell performance through incremental gains, AIKO has taken a bolder path: pioneering copper interconnection, a breakthrough that quietly underpins the performance and durability of its ABC (All Back Contact) modules.
Silver has long been the default in PV cell metallization, but it’s not without challenges. With solar already consuming nearly 20% of global silver supply, growing dependence on this rare and costly resource poses real risks for the industry. Price volatility, supply constraints and sustainability concerns are already reshaping how forward-thinking manufacturers approach design and materials.
AIKO’s copper interconnection delivers superior conductivity:
- The resistivity of pure copper is just 1.7 μΩ·cm, far lower than the ~5 μΩ·cm typical of silver pastes (which also contain glass and binders).
- Lower resistance enables higher current collection and improved energy performance, particularly under high irradiance or heat.
Unlike silver paste, copper electroplating does not require high-temperature firing, eliminating thermal stress and impurity diffusion into the silicon wafer. This results in a cleaner, more robust cell, with higher initial efficiency and longer operational life.
As Europe’s solar market becomes more competitive and quality-driven, technologies that combine efficiency, reliability and sustainability will set leading brands apart.
AIKO’s copper interconnection is not merely a manufacturing innovation, but a clear signal of long-term strategic thinking. It reinforces the company’s position as a pioneer in BC technology and as a trusted partner to solar professionals seeking the next generation of performance.
By addressing both environmental concerns and engineering challenges, this proprietary advancement represents a smarter path forward for solar, and for the zero-carbon future it powers.
