IndiFiduell - Individual Wire-finger Connections for Long-term Stable High-efficiency Modules

Global photovoltaic production and installation capacities are steadily increasing. The resulting rise in demand for manufacturing materials makes it necessary to reduce costs, which can be achieved, for example, through more efficient use of materials.

An important starting point is the adaptation of materials and processes for the electrical interconnection technology of highly efficient solar cells, which can reduce the use of expensive metals (primarily silver).

Furthermore, materials containing lead are still mainly used in industry for electrical interconnection. Although lead-containing interconnection materials are well understood and reliable in use, they are not sustainable for the environment.

For new, cost-efficient electrical connections for high-efficiency solar cells to be accepted and competitive, it is crucial that the quality of the electrical connection is not compromised in terms of long-term stability. Long-term stability depends on the processes and materials used and must be tested and verified under harsh conditions.

The approach pursued at IndiFiduell serves to evaluate and characterize resource-saving, lead-free electrical contacts for use in photovoltaics. The focus is on determining material-property relationships. In addition to routine measurement methods for the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of electrical contact quality, our work focuses on the testing and development of new methods for microstructural contact characterization. These are intended to support the resource-saving use of cost-intensive materials by enabling better control and precise local evaluation of electrical properties in order to reduce material usage to a minimum without compromising quality and stability.