German Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE and production technology company Teamtechnik Maschinen und Anlagen GmbH reported that it is now possible to connect high efficiency solar cells using electrically conductive adhesives in series production. The results of the joint research project »KleVer« show »that the adhesive technology is ready for the market and can be used as an alternative to the widespread soft soldering interconnection technology.« According to the companies, due to the much lower process temperatures of this technology compared to soldering, temperature-sensitive high efficiency solar cells can be connected using adhesives in a gentle and material-saving process.

The reliability of the adhesive connection was confirmed in tests carried out in a climate chamber. On this unit, it was demonstrated that solar cells as full or half-cells with three, four or five busbars could be connected using electrically conductive adhesives at a throughput of about 1,600 cells per hour. The power of the heterojunction modules manufactured up to now with the adhesive technology is 320 watts for a standard size of 60 cells. The process temperature of this technology remains below 180 degrees Celsius, avoiding damage to the hetero layers of the cells.

The »KleVer« project was financially supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy BMWi.