Aging tests of mini-modules with copper-plated heterojunction solar cells and pattern-transfer-printing of copper paste

Abstract: Mini-module aging tests with differently interconnected heterojunction solar cells having industrially viable copper metallization are presented. The plating process comprises 3 steps: firstly, screen printing of a seed-grid layout using a copper-based paste, followed by deposition of a dielectric layer over the entire wafer surface, and finally, selective copper electrodeposition on grid positions. Modules with Smartwire interconnection, fabricated with M6 half-cells, are stable in extended TC and PID tests. DH degradation is at 5% after 2700 h (glass-glass modules without edge sealing). Shingle modules, realized in collaboration with CEA INES and AMAT, exhibit notably higher fill factor compared to reference modules with screen-printed silver paste. This improvement is attributed to the superior line conductivity achieved with plated copper. TC stability of shingle modules is very good, whereas after 2000 h damp-heat aging more than 2% loss in fill factor is observed. Using pattern-transfer-printing technology narrow, high aspect-ratio lines have been obtained: with a seed-grid of pure copper paste, reinforced with electrodeposited copper. Line dimensions and line resistance as well as first cell results are presented.