Fraunhofer ISE Innovates Contactless Solar Cell Testing Method

• Fraunhofer ISE's contactless method boosts solar cell efficiency, reducing stress and costs while enhancing production rates for back-contact and thin cells.

Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE has developed a contactless method for measuring the performance of back-contact solar cells, enhancing production efficiency. This method, based on photoluminescence and contactless electroluminescence imaging, eliminates the need for physical contact, reducing mechanical stress and maintenance costs. It allows for higher throughput rates and is particularly beneficial for solar cells that are difficult to contact, such as back-contact cells. The method was successfully tested in 2022 and has been adapted for IBC cell architectures in production environments.

The contactless measurement technique derives the complete current-voltage characteristic curve and performance parameters like open-circuit voltage and efficiency. It aligns well with conventional methods and is advantageous for thin cells, reducing damage risk and measurement time. This innovation supports higher production rates and lowers investment costs for new production lines. Dr. Johannes Greulich of Fraunhofer ISE highlights its suitability for single-sided metallized solar cells and perovskite-silicon tandem cells, aiming to adapt it for industrial mass production and further research.

How does Fraunhofer ISE's contactless method improve back-contact solar cell production?

• Reduces mechanical stress on solar cells by eliminating physical contact during measurement.
  
• Decreases maintenance costs associated with traditional contact-based measurement methods.
  
• Increases throughput rates, enhancing overall production efficiency.
  
• Particularly beneficial for back-contact solar cells, which are challenging to measure with contact-based methods.
  
• Successfully tested and adapted for interdigitated back contact (IBC) cell architectures.
  
• Provides complete current-voltage characteristic curves and performance parameters without physical contact.
  
• Aligns with conventional measurement methods, ensuring compatibility and reliability.
  
• Reduces risk of damage to thin solar cells, preserving their integrity and performance.
  
• Shortens measurement time, contributing to faster production cycles.
  
• Supports higher production rates, facilitating scalability in manufacturing.
  
• Lowers investment costs for new production lines by reducing the need for complex contact-based equipment.
  
• Suitable for single-sided metallized solar cells and perovskite-silicon tandem cells.
  
• Aims for adaptation in industrial mass production, promoting widespread adoption.
• Encourages further research and development in solar cell technology.