Study on the edge isolation of industrial silicon solar cells with waterjet-guided laser

• Published in: Solar energy materials and solar cells Vol. 91; no. 17; pp. 1638 - 1644
• Main Authors: Kray, Daniel, Hopman, Sybille, Spiegel, Akos, Richerzhagen, Bernold, Willeke, Gerhard P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 15.10.2007; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Edge isolation; Energy; Exact sciences and technology; Laser; Natural energy; Photovoltaic conversion; Solar cells; Solar cells. Photoelectrochemical cells; Solar energy; Solar cells; Edge isolation; Laser; Crystalline material; Silicon solar cells; Experimental result; Stability; Water jet; Review; Experimental study
• ISSN: 0927-0248; 1879-3398
• DOI: 10.1016/j.solmat.2007.05.028

In this paper, we review the device physics to explain the necessity of edge isolation as well as the various common methods for performing this important step. In order to assess these processes, different aspects have to be taken into consideration and will be discussed. Finally, experimental results of edge isolation on commercial multicrystalline solar cells with waterjet-guided laser (wavelength 1064 nm) and conventional laser (wavelength 355 nm) are presented and discussed. From the experiments, we conclude that the waterjet-guided laser shows the potential to improve the laser scribing process in terms of pn junction damage and mechanical stability.