Tape solution in photovoltaic mini modules : A study into how the optical and electrical properties are affected by a novel method of assembling photovoltaic modules

Abstract: The goal of this thesis is to, on behalf of JB Eco Tech, investigate a novel method of interconnecting photovoltaic (PV) modules. The principle is to stick the interconnecting strings on the cells with a transparent tape instead of soldering. As a part of the assembly process, the module is laminated under heat which makes the strings stick to the PV cell. The method is going to reduce one step in the production process, replacing the soldering procedure with the lamination of the strings onto the cells. Also, the replacement of lead and silver will spare costs and the environment. To analyse the effects of the novel method on the performance of the cell, the optical properties of the module were investigated by mathematical models and Light Beam Induced Current (LBIC). Also, the electrical properties were compared to the conventional method of soldering by analysing the I-V characteristics. The experiments were done on mini modules. Although the mini module displayed a reflectance of about 5.7 – 6.0% the contribution of the tape only accounted for a maximum of 0.5%. Since the tape only covers a fraction of the cell, this reflectance is negligible. Only 3 modules were successfully analysed, and the electrical properties of the novel method did not differ from the conventional method. To solidify the later a claim a more extensive rapport has to be made. The thesis opens up a new research area where improvements to the novel method can be done.