Adhesives for attaching wire network to photovoltaic cells

摘要

Provided are novel methods of fabricating photovoltaic modules using pressure sensitive adhesives (PSA) to secure wire networks of interconnect assemblies to one or both surfaces of photovoltaic cells. A PSA having suitable characteristics is provided near the interface between the wire network and the cell's surface. It may be provided together as part of the interconnect assembly or as a separate component. The interconnect assembly may also include a liner, which may remain as a part of the module or may be removed later. The PSA may be distributed in a void-free manner by applying some heat and/or pressure. The PSA may then be cured by, for example, exposing it to UV radiation to increase its mechanical stability at high temperatures, in particular at a, for example the maximum, operating temperature of the photovoltaic module. For example, the modulus of the PSA may be substantially increased during this curing operation.

主权项

1. A method of fabricating a photovoltaic module, the method comprising:
providing a photovoltaic cell comprising a surface; providing an interconnect wire network assembly comprising a conductive wire network; establishing an electrical contact between a portion of the conductive wire network and the surface of the photovoltaic cell;stabilizing the electrical contact between a portion of the conductive wire network and the surface of the photovoltaic cell with a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) provided adjacent to an interface between the portion of the conductive wire network and the surface to provide mechanical support to the wire network with respect to the surface of the photovoltaic cell and to maintain the electrical contact; and
curing the PSA to increase mechanical stability of the PSA at an operating temperature of the photovoltaic module,
wherein the PSA comprises individual structures forming a pattern corresponding to individual wires of the conductive wire network and wherein the individual structures do not completely extend over the surface of the photovoltaic cell in between the individual wires of the conductive wire network.