Innovative cell interconnection based on ribbon bonding of busbarless cells using silicone-based electrically conductive adhesives

Attaching interconnection ribbons to solar cells using electrically conductive adhesives is an attractive alternative to soldering, particularly if it can be achieved on cells without busbars. We report on ribbon bonding tests on busbarless PERC cells using a silicone-based electrically conductive adhesive, comparing the results with those of soldered control samples. The ribbon-bonded samples lead to somewhat lower performance, but promising results have nevertheless been obtained that indicate that equivalent performance could be reached with better process control. Proof-of-concepts of innovative structures combining electrically conductive adhesives and non-conductive adhesives are demonstrated, with the potential to yield high fill factors, moderate material consumption and easier application. (C) 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.