InnoLas cell cutting technology can increase PV module power output

Krailling, Germany - Increasing cell efficiency is one way to reduce the cost of solar power. Reduction of cell-to-module losses during module assembly presents another strategy to allow a significant increase of photovoltaic (PV) module power output by integrating only one additional process step.

Device-inherent resistivity, together with high photo-induced current of solar cells within one string, is causing significant electrical losses when cell-to-cell interconnection takes place during the stringing process. This represents one of the main contributors to electrical performance and has therefore a high impact onto later module efficiency.

When using half or quarter cells instead of full cells, the impact of cell resistivity in one string can be lowered due to reduction of photo-induced current per unit cell. As a result of German research institutes, the output power of half-cell modules increases up to 10-15W, driven by significantly higher Isc and FF.

A 6-month, real-world outdoor measurement in Germany using half-cell modules confirmed a +3 percent higher average module power yield in comparison to standard modules, and represents a strong argument of using cell cutting to reduce C2M losses.

InnoLas offers an integrated solution based on its new ILM-2 laser machine and handling platform for an advanced precise and high-aspect ratio laser grooving process, together with a soft breaking method. With a high throughput of 2850 cells/h of incoming full cells, the machine package represents the first production cell cutting tool in the market.

"We see an increasing demand for cell cutting solutions in the market," says Markus Nicht, CEO of InnoLas Solutions. "That is why we designed the ILM-2 as a modular machine concept that can be used as a stand-alone or in-line system, with the option to use different laser sources and different automation concepts."