A low concentration receiver concept for cost effective crystalline back contact cells

Abstract

A versatile interconnection and receiver concept for back contact low concentrating crystalline solar cells is pre sented. The key feature is the AP-C-MWT cell [I] which allows for any cell formats as a multiple of 22.5 x 10 mm 2 • We demon strate the feasibility of an adequate receiver concept and show the electrical optimization steps for a given concentration. The steps include the electrical finite-element-method (FEM) simula tion of the interconnector conductivity and an analytical model to derive the optimal geometric design. Finally measured efficiency data for a built prototype are reported, showing a receiver effi ciency based on string area of 19.2% (C=9.9) and a cell to receiv er efficiency of 99.3% I ndex Terms -back contact cells, solar cell interconnection, silicon concentrator cells, concentrator photovoltaic receiver, LCPV.

Industrially feasible all-purpose metal-wrap-through concentrator solar cells

“…Attributed to the process sequence, the perimeter area exhibits no texture, however in later development stages this feature can be omitted. Due to the MWT architecture, both external polarities are located on the rear side, allowing an advanced interconnection capable of exploiting the entire cell area in each direction [10]. Furthermore, no solder structures were used on the illuminated side, reducing shading of the front side.…”

“…The interconnection and module part will be covered by a second submission to this conference presented by Matthieu Ebert [10]. …”