Module-TEC – Module Technology Evaluation Center

Module-TEC offers extensive facilities to develop module technology. It fills the gap between laboratory development and industrial production technology by allowing relevant charge numbers and formats to be processed. In addition to production and processing technology, numerous analytical facilities are available for quality control. Our research is concentrating on connection technology for crystalline solar cells, integration of high-efficiency cells into modules and the analysis and optimization of module efficiency. In parallel, we are developing application-specific customized modules for building integration (BIPV) and integration into vehicles.

Innovative Adhesive Connections

A state of the art industrial stringer with infrared soldering technology is available for series connection of crystalline solar cells. The equipment is able to produce contacts with three, four or five busbars on solar cells. In addition, half-cells can be connected fully automatically with a high throughput.

In addition to the commercially widespread process for soldered contacts, the stringer offers a gentler, fully automated process for contacting solar cells with electrically conductive adhesives (ECA). This innovative concept of adhesive connection is particularly suitable for temperature-sensitive high-efficiency cells, such as hetero-junction solar cells. A technically sophisticated cell-holding concept combined with IR radiation allows contact-free and mechanically low-stress processing of the cells at industrial throughput rates.

Technical Facilities

Fully and semi-automated equipment for electrical series connection of cells (IR, contact, induction)

Back-contact stringer for fully automated connection of cells of different formats with both contact polarities on the back surface of the solar cell (metal wrap-through MWT, inter-digitated back contacts IBC)

6-axis robot for automated lay-up of the solar cell strings, production of back-contact modules with conductive back surface films, pick-and-place tasks and controlled UV curing

3D X-ray computer tomography

Two laminators on an industrial scale for encapsulating solar cells, adapted for thicker configurations and spherically curved modules

Digital microscopy and scanning electron microscopy for the analysis of joints

Instruments for mechanical characterization of module materials (static and dynamic) as well as for adhesion testing

Electroluminescence and gel content analysis for quality control of production processes