GOAL1 - New innovative approaches for laser-based edge isolation, aiming at efficiency increase and cost decrease

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Abstract:

The goal of the cooperation project is to develop new innovative laser based edge isolation processes for silicon solar cells, and industrial manufacturing of these cells. Instead of optimizing existing processes, the aim is to follow new approaches in order to: reduce cycling times from currently 2 seconds to 1 second, reduce manufacturing costs, minimize cracking rates, increase the solar cell efficiency by at least 0,1 %. These aims of the project will each be realized by finding a “global solution”, consisting of a system for quick data preparation, a new adapted laser source, adapted laser beam guidance, as well as two laser edge isolation processes. A reduction of cycling times is accompanied by a reduction of manufacturing costs. Due to the minimized thermal damage of the solar cell, the cracking rate can also be minimized. Efficiency increase is mainly due to precise, edge-near and process safe isolation processes as the active surface of the solar cell can be used optimally. Realization is achieved by using ps pulse durations so that the crystal structure is not damaged. Project funding: German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU). Project partners: Schott Solar GmbH, Manz Automation AG, Trumpf Laser GmbH + Co.KG, Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. (Coordinator).