Joint Research by Fraunhofer ISE and Heraeus for High-performance Solar Modules
The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE and Heraeus are researching and optimizing novel, selectively coated cell connectors in a joint research project. The Selectively Coated Ribbon (SCR) cell connector achieves an average gain of 1.9 W in conventional 60-cell solar modules. The connector can be used in industrial PV module manufacturing without system modification and at no extra cost. Fraunhofer ISE has successfully tested modules with the SCR connector in its accredited TestLab PV Modules. Heraeus and Ulbrich developed a process for the production of the efficient cell connector and presented the new product to the professional audience in September 2018 at the EU PVSEC in Brussels.
Modules produced with the SCR connector showed high reliability in load tests according to IEC 61215 test standard. In extended tests carried out at the TestLab PV Modules at Fraunhofer ISE, the cell connectors were examined under specific loads such as temperature changes, increased UV radiation and moisture storage. The combination of UV exposure and moisture is realized in a special climate chamber and goes beyond the usual standard tests of the IEC standard. In comparison to the common cell connector with plain solder coating, there were no restrictions with regard to reliability.
The development work is part of the "CONNECT Combined Metallization and Connection Technology for Efficient PV Modules" project and is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) (Grant number: 0324052B).
