Sun Chemical offers one-stop shop for solar cell metallization solutions

August 15, 2012
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Sun Chemical is now offering a broad range of metallization solutions for both additive and subtractive processes as well as module materials for use in the crystalline silicon (c-Si), thin film, printed electronics and other emerging markets. Products being highlighted include a variety of silver tabbing and aluminum backside pastes such as ‘SunTronic’ Cellmet 437W Backside Aluminum paste and SunTronic Cellmet 451W Silver Tabbing Paste.

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

Solar cell manufacturers are continually searching for new ways to reduce the cost of solar cells in both additive and subtractive processes for metallization pastes, insulators, and resists.

Solution

One of the key products being featured includes SunTronic Cellmet Aluminum metal pastes which are formulated for screen printing processes. Cellmet 437 was developed for use as the back electrode on mono or multi-crystalline silicon solar cells. These low bow, green environmental and health hazard friendly aluminum pastes are specially designed to form p+ doped layer when fired on a p-doped silicon photovoltaic devices. This paste has been optimized to eliminate Al bead formation during the firing process and has been optimized to be co-fireable with Sun Chemical’s and others front side silver and back side silver metallization pastes.

Applications

Back-surface electrode on mono or multi-crystalline silicon solar cells.

Platform

Cellmet 437 is specially designed to fire through the back surface of the silicon solar cells 180-220 mm thick. When fired at ~ 780oC peak temperature it gives the low bow of ~1.0 mm for 200 ± 20 micron thick 6” wafer as well as excellent electrical properties. The paste viscosity (40 ± 10 Pa.S) (no shear rate figure was given) is said to be suitable for screen printing of the complete back metallization. The product is fritted using an environmentally friendly lead and cadmium free glass composition and can be fired over a broad range of conditions including co-fire process techniques with front contact silver inks.

Availability

Currently available.

Read Next

January 29, 2026
The cost of Chinese solar module manufacturing will rise in the first half of 2026, though prices may fall again before the end of the year.
January 29, 2026
PV module defects are increasing as manufacturers struggle to achieve consistent quality through robust bill-of-material and process controls.
January 29, 2026
A Korean-led consortium including Hyundai Engineering has started construction at a 350MW solar PV plant in Dallas, Texas.
January 29, 2026
A new trade association, Californians for Local, Affordable Solar and Storage (CLASS) has started work to improve access to community solar.
January 29, 2026
Renewables-specific M&A platforms offer project buyers and sellers transparency and efficiency in Europe’s increasingly selective deal environment, writes Ksenia Dray.
January 29, 2026
Clean energy pricing in Europe and America is set for a decisive adjustment in 2026 as record deployment levels collide with heightened market volatility and policy headwinds.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK
Upcoming Webinars
February 18, 2026
9am PST / 5pm GMT
Solar Media Events
March 24, 2026
Dallas, Texas
Solar Media Events
April 15, 2026
Milan, Italy
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA