| Work Detail |
Scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems in Germany have developed a contactless method for measuring the performance of back-contact solar cells, enabling online evaluation of key parameters such as efficiency, fill factor, and current-voltage characteristics. Scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) have developed a method for measuring the performance of back-contact solar cells that avoids contact on the production line. The method is based on non-contact photoluminescence and electroluminescence imaging under different excitation conditions, as well as spectral reflection measurements. It is capable of measuring the complete current-voltage characteristic curve of the solar cell, including performance parameters such as open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current density, fill factor, and efficiency. Dr. Johannes Greulich, head of the Online Solar Cell Analysis and Simulation Group at Fraunhofer ISE, said the contactless method is particularly suitable for measuring single-sided metallized solar cells as well as the bottom cells of perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells. He also explained that the new method has shown very good agreement in tests. We intend to develop the necessary adjustments for use in industrial series production and accelerate the measurement of inverse behavior in a future research project with partners, Greulich said. A Fraunhofer statement adds that the elimination of physical contact with the solar cell saves time, enabling significantly higher production yields. Dr. Ralf Preu, Director of Fraunhofer ISE, suggests that the methodology opens the door to productivity increases of more than 10,000 wafers per hour and the production of even thinner solar cells. With this innovation, we are making more cost-effective large-scale production of next-generation solar cells possible, Preu adds. The methodology has also been cited as a way to eliminate mechanical stress on solar cells during measurement and reduce measurement system maintenance costs. |
