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Efficiency from the start: innovative value chains in module production

Published in: Solar, Think Tank, Exclusive Articles

Over the past few years Europe has made noticeable progress in strengthening local PV production, thereby increasing resilience, sustainability, and independence along the entire value chain. Still, there are many obstacles to overcome, and without any doubt, the most severe threat is the Chinese PV industry and its economies of scale. To stay competitive, it is essential to remain at the technological forefront. This requires not only a keen sense for a unique customer value and an innovative design of the manufacturing process chain, but also a close look at the basics enabling the desired product features.

Specific benefits derive from a thoughtful and automated integration of the production process steps and the close cooperation of the European companies involved along the process chain. This article describes the joint efforts of 3D-Micromac, Singulus Technologies, and M10 Solar Equipment in establishing an innovative module production approach, covering advanced cell cutting and repassivation of the cutting edge as well as a sophisticated solution for solar cell interconnection within the module (see Fig. 1).

Compared to conventional cell separation approaches, 3D-Micromac's patented Thermal Laser Separation (TLS) process grants superior quality of the cutting edge, providing the perfect base for subsequent edge repassivation as Singulus Technologies offers.

The latter method boosts cell efficiency by compensating for losses related to cell cutting. Last but not least, M10 Solar Equipments' Shingle-Matrix module design revolutionizes the connection technology of solar cells, aiming to achieve high panel efficiencies, improved product aesthetics, and outstanding shading resilience, especially in integrated photovoltaic applications (xIPV).

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