Cell cutting technology to increase PV module power output
InnoLas Solutions has announced an automated laser machine with an integrated soft wafer breaking process to produce half cells or quarter cells for later module assembly.
Increasing cell efficiency is one way to reduce the cost of solar power. The reduction of the cell-to-module losses during module assembly presents another strategy which allows a significant increase of PV module power output by integrating only one additional process step.
The device-inherent resistivity together with the high photo-induced current of the solar cells within one string is causing significant electrical losses when cell-to-cell interconnection takes place during the stringing process. This represents one of the main contributors to electrical performance and has therefore a high impact onto later module efficiency.
When using half or quarter cells instead of full cells, the impact of the cell resistivity in one string can be lowered due to the reduction of the photo-induced current per unit cell. As a result of German research institutes, the output power of half-cell modules increases up to 10-15W, driven by significantly higher Isc and FF.
A 6 months real-world outdoor measurement in Germany using half-cell modules confirmed a + 3% higher average module power yield in comparison to standard modules and represents a strong argument of using cell cutting to reduce C2M losses.
InnoLas offers an integrated solution based on its new ILM-2 laser machine and handling platform for an advanced precise and high-aspect ratio laser grooving process together with a soft breaking method. With a high throughput of 2850 cells/h of incoming full cells the machine package represents the first production cell cutting tool in the market.
Markus Nicht, CEO InnoLas Solutions: "We see an increasing demand for cell cutting solutions in the market. That is why we designed the ILM-2 as a modular machine concept that can be used as a stand-alone or in-line system, with the option to use different laser sources and different automation concepts. The ILM-2 offers our customers a future-proof 24/7 production solution with an excellent uptime. The orders received recently for our ILM-2 laser machine which are covering a total of 300MW production capacity of fully automatic cell cutting demonstrate that our customers honor the InnoLas approach that exclusively stands for production proven components without any compromise."
