METHOD FOR FORMING SOLAR CELL CONTACTS AND INTERCONNECTING SOLAR CELLS

摘要

Photovoltaic cells with silver-rich thick film electrical contacts having superior thermal aging properties are disclosed. The silver-rich contacts are formed by firing a silver ink or paste wherein substantially all of the silver in the ink or paste before firing is in the form of spherical particles. Preferably inter-cell connections to the contacts are accomplished using a tin and silver solder paste comprising between about 96% tin/4% silver and 98% tin/2% silver. Solar cells having contacts incorporating the present invention exhibit the capability of withstanding temperatures in the range of 150 DEG C. with little or no thermal degradation of contact peel strength in the region of the solder bonds.