Technical Papers

Passivated-contact solar cell designs, such as TOPCon or silicon heterojunction solar cells (SHJs), enable cell efficiencies greater than 24%, and are promising candidates for the next revolution in mass production after the passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC). Plated metallization (Ni/Cu/Ag or Cu/Ag) fits well with new constraints on low-temperature processing and the combination of low material costs and highly conductive bifacial metal grids for these types of solar cell.

For the work reported in this paper, a new model of the screen-printing process was set up in order to improve the understanding of the screenprinting process, with a focus on the interaction between Ag paste and the screen.

Different types of PV backsheet provide modules with varying levels of protection in warm, humid conditions. Haidan Gong, Minge Gao and Yiwei of Wuxi Suntech’s PV test centre detail the results of research undertaken to better understand the properties of different backsheet materials in tropical conditions.

Half-cell modules are gaining an increasing market share because of their potential for increasing module power without requiring any changes to cell technology. However, it has emerged that different cell separation technologies can produce similar electrical performances of the half cells, yet lead to an entirely different mechanical behaviour of the cells.

The market share of bifacial solar modules is rising, because of the additional power yields of up to 20% per year, which reduce the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). Many manufacturers have bifacial PV modules in their portfolios, with a majority of them employing bifacial passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC+) technology. In this paper, it is shown from the results of studies that rear-side-related potential-induced degradation (PID) effects can occur in addition to the conventional front-side shunting type (PID-s).

The recent trends in crystalline Si-based bifacial cell development are having a major impact on interconnection technology. This paper presents an overview of various bifacial interconnection technologies.

This paper outlines how a blend of physics-based analysis and statistical data science methods can aid continuous improvement and yield optimization in high-volume solar cell fabrication.

PV manufacturing capacity expansion announcements in 2019 were a stark contrast to 2018, when major policy changes in China impacted the upstream supply chain. This paper looks in detail at not only a significant recovery in capacity expansions throughout the year but also new trends in the capacity scale of announcements and a marked shift in wafer sizes and cell technology.

With Japanese companies keen to learn from their counterparts in deregulated energy markets such as the UK, the Japan Energy Challenge provided the ideal forum for exchanging ideas. Andy Colthorpe reports.

Ensuring battery systems used in conjunction with solar perform safely and optimally is essential in ensuring the continued roll-out of storage technology. Robert Puto and Gerhard Klein of TÜV SÜD examine independent technical assessments that must be undertaken before a storage system is built.