Process development for automated solar cell and module production. Task 4: automated array assembly
The scope of work under this contract involves specifying a process sequence which can be used in conjunction with automated equipment for the mass production of solar cell modules for terrestrial use. This process sequence is then critically analyzed from a technical and economic standpoint to determine the technological readiness of each process step for implementation. The process steps are ranked according to the degree of development effort required and according to their significance to the overall process. Under this contract the steps receiving analysis were: back contact metallization, automated cell array layup/interconnect, and module edge sealing. For automated layup/interconnect both hard automation and programmable automation (using an industrial robot) were studied. The programmable automation system was then selected for actual hardware development. Economic analysis using the SAMICS system has been performed during these studies to assure that development efforts have been directed towards the ultimate goal of price reduction. Details are given. (WHK)
- Research Organization:
- MB Associates, San Ramon, CA (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- NAS-7-100-954882
- OSTI ID:
- 5355482
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/JPL/954882-80/21
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
SILICON SOLAR CELLS
CONNECTORS
ELECTRIC CONTACTS
PROCESSING
SEALS
SOLAR CELL ARRAYS
PRODUCTION
AUTOMATION
BONDING
CLEANING
COMPUTER CALCULATIONS
CZOCHRALSKI METHOD
ECONOMICS
ENCAPSULATION
ETCHING
MONOCRYSTALS
SILICON
CONDUCTOR DEVICES
CRYSTAL GROWTH METHODS
CRYSTALS
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
ELEMENTS
EQUIPMENT
FABRICATION
JOINING
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
SEMIMETALS
SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SURFACE FINISHING
140501* - Solar Energy Conversion- Photovoltaic Conversion