Ribbon for shingled solar cells

Abstract

Disclosed is a solar cell string. Each side of the solar cells has a corrugated shape that forms an opening when the solar cells are arranged in an imbricated manner. The solar cells are electrically connected in series by a strap passing through the opening. A wire mesh for reducing resistance of a solar cell is also disclosed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to solar cell modules or solar panels and to solar cells within solar cell modules. BACKGROUND

[0002] To meet the growing global demand for energy, alternative energy sources need to be sought. Many geographic regions have abundant solar energy resources that can be partially met by electricity generation through solar (e.g., photovoltaic) cells.

[0003] Generally, solar radiation that is incident on the surface of a solar cell substrate and enters the solar cell substrate creates electron and hole pairs in the bulk of the substrate. The electron and hole pairs migrate to p-doped and n-doped regions in the substrate, creating a voltage difference between the doped regions. The doped regions are connected to conductive regions on the solar cell to direct current from the cell to an external circuit. When solar cells are combined into an array (e.g., a solar cell module), the electrical energy collected from all of the solar cells can be combined in series and parallel arrangements to provide electricity having a desired voltage and current. SUMMARY

[0004] The present specification discloses a solar module having at least one string of solar cells arranged in a shingled manner. Each solar cell is a crystalline silicon solar cell having a generally rectangular shape. Each solar cell has a front surface with a metallization pattern and a back surface with a metallization pattern. Each solar cell has at least one long edge with a corrugated shape, where the corrugated shape includes a raised portion and a recessed portion. The solar cells in the string are arranged in a shingled manner with the raised portion of one cell overlapping an adjacent solar cell. The solar cells are shingled such that the recessed portion of each cell forms an opening within the string of solar cells. The shingled solar cells are electrically connected in series by a conductive ribbon that passes through the opening formed by the recessed portion to electrically connect the back surface metallization of one cell to the front surface metallization of an adjacent cell.

[0005] The disclosed solar module can have multiple strings of solar cells, with the cells within each string electrically connected in series and the strings electrically connected in parallel.

[0006] In some embodiments, the front surface metallization pattern of each solar cell includes a plurality of busbars oriented parallel to the short side of the solar cell, and a conductive ribbon is disposed onto the busbars. In some embodiments, the ribbon is soldered to the busbars. In some embodiments, the portion of the ribbon that is disposed onto or soldered to the busbars extends parallel to the short side of the solar cell. In some embodiments, the busbars in one cell are aligned with the busbars in an adjacent cell. In some embodiments, the busbars in one cell are not aligned with the busbars in an adjacent cell. In some embodiments, the busbars in one cell are not aligned with the busbars in an adjacent cell, but are aligned with the busbars in a cell adjacent to the adjacent cell.

[0007] In some embodiments, the busbars of each solar cell are oriented parallel to the short side of the solar cell, and are aligned with the recessed portion of the long side of the solar cell.

[0008] In some embodiments, the string of solar cells includes solar cells having different recessed portion alignment. In some embodiments, the recessed portion of one cell is aligned with the protruding portion of an adjacent cell. In some embodiments, the recessed portion of one cell is aligned with the protruding portion of two adjacent cells. In some embodiments, the recessed portion of one cell is not aligned with the recessed portion of an adjacent cell, e.g., is offset relative to the recessed portion of the adjacent cell. In some embodiments, the recessed portion of one cell is not aligned with the recessed portion of two adjacent cells.

[0009] In some embodiments, each solar cell has one long side with a corrugated shape and the other long side is straight. In some embodiments, each solar cell has two long sides with a corrugated shape.

[0010] The present specification discloses a solar module having at least two strings of solar cells electrically connected in parallel. Each string contains solar cells arranged in a shingled manner. Each solar cell is a crystalline silicon solar cell having a generally rectangular shape. Each solar cell has one long edge with a corrugated shape and another long edge that is straight, where the corrugated shape includes a convex portion and a concave portion. Each solar cell has a front surface with a metallization pattern having busbars oriented parallel to the short edge of the solar cell and aligned with the concave portion of the long edge. Each solar cell has a back surface with a metallization pattern. The solar cells in each string are arranged in a shingled manner with the convex portion of one cell overlapping an adjacent solar cell. The solar cells are shingled such that the concave portion of each cell forms an opening within the string of solar cells. The solar cells are shingled such that there is an offset in the concave portion in adjacent solar cells. The solar cells are shingled such that the busbars in one cell are not aligned with the busbars in an adjacent cell, but are aligned with the busbars in a cell adjacent to the adjacent cell. The shingled solar cells within each string are electrically connected in series by a conductive tape that passes through the opening formed by the concave portion to electrically connect the back surface metallization of one cell with the front surface metallization of an adjacent cell.

[0011] The present specification discloses a solar cell having a front surface with a metallization pattern. The metallization pattern includes a conductive material, such as silver. The metallization pattern has busbars and fingers. The fingers are connected to the busbars, oriented perpendicular to the busbars, and parallel to each other. The solar cell has a wire mesh having wires and bands made of a second conductive material, such as copper. The wires and bands form a grid, where the wires are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the bands. The wire mesh is attached to the metallization pattern by attaching the wires of the wire mesh to the fingers of the metallization pattern. In some embodiments, the wires are soldered to the fingers of the metallization pattern. In some embodiments, the wires of the wire mesh can connect two fingers of the metallization pattern. In some embodiments, the two fingers connected are connected to different busbars of the metallization pattern. In some embodiments, the bands of the wire mesh are aligned with the busbars of the metallization pattern. In some embodiments, the bands of the wire mesh are not aligned with the busbars of the metallization pattern.

[0012] The present specification discloses a method of assembling a solar cell. The method comprises assembling a wire mesh having wires oriented parallel to each other and a tape attached to the wires, wherein the tape is oriented perpendicular to the wires. The method further comprises providing a solar cell having a surface metallization pattern having finger structures oriented parallel to each other. The method further comprises, after assembling the wire mesh, arranging the wire mesh onto the surface metallization pattern of the solar cell such that the wires of the wire mesh are aligned with the finger structures of the metallization pattern; and subsequently attaching the wire mesh to the metallization pattern. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] The drawings described below depict various aspects of the systems and methods disclosed herein. Each drawing depicts an embodiment of a particular aspect of the disclosed systems and methods, and thus each drawing is intended to comply with the requirements of 35 U.S.C. § 112, first paragraph, in that it is a full, clear, and exact representation of the systems and methods described herein. Furthermore, where possible, like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict the same or similar components. Additionally, where possible, the following description refers to the accompanying drawings, which use the following figures to depict various aspects of the systems and methods disclosed herein:

[0014] Figure 1 A solar module is schematically illustrated.

[0015] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a solar cell string is schematically illustrated.

[0016] Figure 3A And Figure 3B A cross-sectional view of a shingled solar cell string is schematically illustrated.

[0017] Figure 4A And Figure 4B A plan view of a front surface of a solar cell is schematically illustrated.

[0018] Figure 5 A plan view of a solar cell string is schematically illustrated.

[0019] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a solar cell string is schematically illustrated. Figure 5

[0020] Figure 7 A plan view of a solar cell string is schematically illustrated.

[0021] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of a solar cell string is schematically illustrated. Figure 7

[0022] Figure 9 A plan view of a solar cell string is schematically illustrated.

[0023] Figure 10 ​​A wire mesh is schematically illustrated.

[0024] Figure 11 、 Figure 12 A solar cell with a wire mesh is schematically illustrated.

[0025] Figure 13 is a flowchart of a method of assembling a solar cell. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings, in which like elements in different drawings are identically numbered. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict only typical embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the application. The detailed description illustrates by way of example, not by way of limitation. This description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the application, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives and uses of the application, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the application.

[0027] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. And, the term "parallel" is intended to mean "substantially parallel" and encompasses slight deviations from parallel geometries. The term "perpendicular" is intended to mean "perpendicular or substantially perpendicular" and encompasses slight deviations from perpendicular geometries, rather than requiring that any perpendicular arrangements described herein be perfectly perpendicular. The term "square" is intended to mean "square or substantially square" and encompasses slight deviations from square shapes, such as substantially square shapes with chamfered (e.g., rounded or other truncated) corners. The term "rectangular or substantially rectangular" is intended to mean "rectangular or substantially rectangular" and encompasses slight deviations from rectangular shapes, such as substantially rectangular shapes with chamfered (e.g., rounded or other truncated) corners or can have non-straight edges. The term "identical" is intended to mean "identical or substantially identical" and encompasses slight deviations in shape, size, structure, composition or configuration, for example.

[0028] The present specification discloses high efficiency solar modules (also referred to herein as solar panels). Figure 1A solar module 1000 is shown that includes six super cells 100 arranged in parallel rows and electrically connected in parallel. Figure 1 Each super cell 100 in the solar module 1000 includes a number of individual solar cells 10 arranged in a row and electrically connected in series. The solar module can include any suitable number of super cells, and the super cells can include any suitable number of solar cells. For example, a solar module can have 480 solar cells arranged into 6 super cells, with each super cell including 80 individual solar cells. The length of a super cell can substantially span the entire length or width of the solar module, or two or more super cells can be arranged end-to-end in a row.

[0029] In the examples described in this specification, each solar cell 10 is a crystalline silicon solar cell having a front (sun-facing side) surface and a back (shaded side) surface. Between the front surface and the back surface are at least one semiconductor layer having p-type conductivity and at least one semiconductor layer having n-type conductivity. The n-type semiconductor layer and the p-type semiconductor layer meet to form an n-p junction. Each solar cell has an electrical contact or metallization (e.g., a metallization pattern) on the front surface of the solar cell that forms an electrical contact with the semiconductor layer on one side of the n-p junction. In addition, each solar cell has an electrical contact on the back surface of the solar cell that forms an electrical contact with the semiconductor layer on the other side of the n-p junction. For example, if the front surface electrical contact (metallization) forms an electrical connection with the n-type semiconductor layer, the back surface electrical contact forms an electrical contact with the p-type semiconductor layer. However, other material systems, diode structures, physical dimensions, or electrical contact arrangements can be used as appropriate.

[0030] The electrical resistance effect of a solar cell can reduce the efficiency of the solar cell due to power dissipation in the electrical resistance. The series resistance of a solar cell can result from: current moving through the p-n material of the solar cell; contact resistance between the metal contacts and the silicon; and the electrical resistance of the metal contacts or metallization. The design of the metallization (e.g., metallization pattern) of a solar cell can reduce the losses due to electrical resistance. Certain features of the metallization pattern (e.g., finger structure and busbar spacing) can be optimized to reduce the electrical resistance of the metallization.

[0031] The solar cells 10 in a super cell can be electrically connected in series. This typically requires an electrical connection from the front surface of one solar cell to the back surface of an adjacent solar cell. In a conventional ribbon- connected solar cell, an electrically conductive ribbon is used to connect the back metal contact of a solar cell to the front metal contact of an adjacent solar cell. This type of connection requires a gap between the solar cells to accommodate the ribbon used to connect the adjacent solar cells. Figure 2A cross-sectional view of a string of solar cells 10 connected in series by a ribbon 52 is shown. For solar cells 10 having electrical contacts at the front and back surfaces of the solar cell, the ribbon must connect the front surface of one solar cell to the back surface of the adjacent cell to form a series connection. For solar cells in Figure 2 , this series connection requires a gap between the solar cells for the ribbon 52 to make the required connection. The space between the solar cells reduces the area available for power generation in a given size of solar module.

[0032] Shingled solar cells can eliminate the gap between the solar cells, as shown in Figure 3A , 3B . Shingled solar cells 10 can be electrically connected in series by adhering the solar cells together using an electrically conductive adhesive, as shown in Figure 3A . Alternatively, shingled solar cells 10 can be electrically connected in series by a ribbon 53, as shown in Figure 3B .

[0033] This specification discloses high efficiency solar modules in which the solar cells within the module are shingled and a ribbon is used to electrically connect the solar cells in series. This specification further discloses the use of a ribbon or wire to reduce the electrical resistance of the solar cells.

[0034] Figure 4A A schematic diagram of a front surface view of a solar cell 10 is shown. The solar cell 10 is rectangular or substantially rectangular with non-straight long sides. The long sides of the solar cell 10 have a corrugated shape with protruding portions 41 and recessed portions 42, the protruding portions being portions of the solar cell that protrude or extend away from the centre of the solar cell, and the recessed portions being portions of the solar cell that are recessed towards the centre of the solar cell. The protruding portions 41 protrude or extend beyond an imaginary line 45 connecting the corners of the long side of the solar cell to which the protruding portion 41 belongs. The recessed portions 42 are portions of the solar cell that are recessed relative to the imaginary line 45.

[0035] The front surface of the solar cell 10 has a conductive front surface metallization pattern that collects the current generated by the solar cell when it is illuminated. The metallization pattern acts as an electrical contact of the solar cell and may include silver. The front surface metallization pattern includes a plurality of busbars 15 extending parallel to and substantially extending the length of the short side of the solar cell 10. A plurality of finger-like structures 20 are attached substantially perpendicularly to the busbars 15 and extend parallel to each other. The front surface metallization pattern may not have contact pads at the edges of the front surface, which can reduce costs. The rear surface of the solar cell 10 may have a similar metallization pattern to the front surface. The busbars 15 are aligned with the recessed portion 42 of the solar cell. For example, Figure 4A The busbar 15 starts and ends at the recessed portion 42.

[0036] Figure 4B A schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of the solar cell 10 is shown. Figure 4B In the image, one long side of the solar cell has a wavy shape, while the other long side of the solar cell has a straight edge. Figure 4B The busbar 15 in the solar cell has an end point at the recessed portion 42.

[0037] Figure 5 It shows an arrangement in a shingled manner. Figure 4A This is a schematic plan view (front surface) of a series of solar cells 10 connected in series. This series of solar cells can form part of a supercell 100. The solar cells are arranged such that a protruding portion 41 of one solar cell overlaps with the front surface of an adjacent solar cell, but a recessed portion 42 does not overlap with the front surface of an adjacent solar cell. This arrangement forms an opening that includes the recessed portion of the adjacent solar cell. Figure 6 It shows crossing Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the solar cell string along line 6-6. The protruding portion 41 is... Figure 6 The outline is drawn with a dashed line and is located behind the band 50 in this cross-sectional view.

[0038] Solar cells 10 are electrically connected in series using conductive strips 50 to metallize the front surface of a solar cell. Figure 6 (not shown) and the rear surface metallization of the adjacent solar cell ( Figure 5 and 6 (Not shown) is connected to. Strip 50 is made of a conductive metal (e.g., copper). Strip 50 may also have a conductive metal core, for example, made of copper, coated with silver, lead, tin, lead-tin, or tin-bismuth. Coating may be accomplished by electroplating.

[0039] The band 50 can be arranged above and attached to the busbar 15 of the front surface metallized portion, such as... Figure 5 As shown. The strip 50 can be attached to the busbar 15 by welding. It is advantageous to position the strip 50 above the busbar and weld it to the busbar, as this eliminates the need for separate contact pads to connect the strips. Eliminating contact pads, typically made of silver, reduces the cost of the solar cell. The strip 50 can be attached to the metallized portion of the rear surface of the solar cell via the busbar on the rear surface. Generally, multiple strips connect one solar cell to adjacent solar cells. The strip 50 extends from one solar cell to an adjacent solar cell through an opening formed by the recessed portion 42 of the solar cell. The strip 50 bends slightly as it passes through this opening.

[0040] Figure 7 It shows an arrangement in a shingled manner. Figure 4B This is a schematic plan (front surface) view of a series of solar cells 10 connected in series. The solar cells are arranged such that a protruding portion 41 of one solar cell overlaps with an adjacent solar cell, but a recessed portion 42 does not overlap with an adjacent solar cell. This arrangement forms an opening that includes the recessed portion of the solar cell 10. Figure 8 It shows crossing Figure 7 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the solar cell string along line 8-8. In this cross-sectional view, in... Figure 8 The protruding portion 41, outlined by a dotted line, is located behind the strip 50. The solar cell 10 uses conductive strips 50 connected in series to metallize the front surface of one solar cell. Figure 8 (not shown in the image) and the rear surface metallization of the adjacent solar cell ( Figure 7 , 8 (Not shown in the image) Connection. The strip 50 can be arranged above and attached to the busbar 15 of the metallized front surface portion, as shown in the image. Figure 7 As shown. The strip 50 can be attached to the busbar 15 by welding. Generally, multiple strips connect one solar cell to an adjacent solar cell. The strip 50 extends from one solar cell to an adjacent solar cell through an opening formed by the recessed portion 42 of the solar cell. The strip 50 bends slightly as it passes through this opening.

[0041] Figure 16An alternative embodiment of the strip 50 is shown, comprising two segments: segment 51 having a flat rectangular cross-sectional area and segment 52 having a triangular cross-sectional area. Segment 51 is attached to the rear surface of the solar cell 10 and extends to the front side of the adjacent solar cell. The advantage of having a flat cross-sectional area is that the stress exerted on the flat strip by the corner 1610 of the solar cell is less than that of a strip having, for example, a circular cross-sectional area when the strip passes through the opening formed by the recessed portion. The advantage of segment 52 having a triangular cross-sectional area is that, compared to a strip with a flat cross-sectional area, the triangular cross-sectional area will allow more light to reach the front surface of the solar cell. Figure 16 The strip 50 can be a continuous strip with cross-sectional regions of different shapes, or the strip 50 can include two different segments joined together, or two separate segments attached to a common contact pad (not shown) on the front surface of the solar cell.

[0042] and Figure 2 Compared to the solar cell arrangement shown in Figure 3, Figures 5 to 8 The solar cell arrangement shown has many advantages. By passing the strip through the opening formed by the recessed portion of the solar cell, the solar cell can be [larger / smaller / larger ... Figure 2 The solar cells are arranged closer together. Closer proximity allows for more efficient use of the given space within the solar module and provides a larger surface area for power generation. Furthermore, Figures 5 to 8 The solar cell arrangement shown does not use conductive adhesive (ECA). This simplifies the manufacturing process because it eliminates the need for a separate step of printing the ECA and another step of oven-curing the ECA. Figures 5 to 8 The solar cell arrangement shown is also better than Figure 3B The arrangement shown is more advantageous because Figures 5 to 8 The strip in the middle will not be sandwiched between two solar cells at any point. For example, in Figure 3B At the junction between solar cells, there is a three-layer stack consisting of a solar cell-strip-solar cell. This stacking applies stress to the portion of the strip sandwiched between two solar cells, which can lead to fatigue failure. Figure 6 and Figure 8 In this configuration, since strip 50 passes through the opening, there is no such 3-layer stack. Because strip 50 is not sandwiched between the two solar cells, the portion of the strip at the junction between the two solar cells experiences much less stress.

[0043] Figure 9A schematic diagram showing a plan (front surface) view of two types of solar cells 11, 12 arranged in a shingled fashion. Solar cell 11 differs from solar cell 12 in that the raised and recessed portions of the corrugated edge of the solar cell are offset and complementary. For example, the recessed portions of solar cell 11 are horizontally (e.g., along an axis parallel to the short edge of the solar cell) aligned with the raised portions of solar cell 12, and the raised portions of solar cell 11 are horizontally aligned with the recessed portions of solar cell 12. As with the above-described embodiment, the tape 50 passes through the openings formed by the recessed portions of the solar cells. It is advantageous to use two types of solar cells (e.g., solar cells 11, 12) because both types of solar cells can be cut from a silicon wafer, reducing waste of silicon material. Because the recessed and raised portions of solar cells 11, 12 are complementary, a single cut of a silicon wafer can be used to manufacture the corrugated edges of both types of solar cells.

[0044] In some cases, it can be desirable to cut solar cells according to an industry standard solar cell design. This can be more cost effective because the manufacturing and purchase price of industry standard solar cells is lower than custom solar cells. Figure 14 A schematic diagram showing a front surface of an industry standard 12-busbar solar cell (also referred to as a 12 BB or MBB (multi-busbar) solar cell). It should be understood that industry standard MBB solar cells can have more or less than 12 busbars. The MBB solar cell 1410 can be cut along the cut line 1401 to produce two solar cells 1411 and 1412 having a corrugated shape. Solar cells 1411, 1412 have recessed portions corresponding to every other busbar. In other words, if one busbar terminates in a recessed portion of the corrugated shape, then the adjacent busbar will terminate in a raised portion of the corrugated edge. For example, busbar 1416 terminates in a raised portion of the corrugated edge of solar cell 1412, while adjacent busbar 1415 terminates in a recessed portion of the corrugated edge of solar cell 1412.

[0045] Solar cells 1411, 1412 cut according to an industry standard MBB solar cell can be shingled and electrically connected in series as shown. Figure 15 Solar cell 1412 is electrically connected to solar cell 1411 by a busbar 1417. Busbar 1417 can be a separate piece of material that is attached to solar cells 1411, 1412, or it can be a portion of the same piece of material that forms the busbars of the solar cells. Solar cell 1412 is electrically connected to solar cell 1411 by a busbar 1418. Busbar 1418 can be a separate piece of material that is attached to solar cells 1411, 1412, or it can be a portion of the same piece of material that forms the busbars of the solar cells. Figure 14The solar cells 1411 and 1412 are oriented in the same manner, while the solar cell 1411 is rotated 180 degrees so that its wavy edge is oriented in the same direction as the wavy edge of the solar cell 1412. The ribbons 50 are attached to the busbars 1415 that terminate at the recessed portions. The ribbons 50 of the solar cell 1412 pass through the openings formed by the recessed portions to connect to the back surface of the adjacent solar cell 1411. It will be appreciated that more solar cells can be stacked and connected in series to the solar cells 1411, 1412. Ribbons (not shown) can also be attached to the busbars 1416 at the end of the raised portions to help collect current from the solar cells, but those ribbons can not connect to adjacent solar cells. In some embodiments, it is advantageous to use an ECA in the area 1420 where the solar cell 1412 overlaps the solar cell 1411. An ECA can be placed in this area between the solar cells 1411 and 1412 to reduce series resistance and to reduce stress on the shingled solar cells, as the ECA can act as a cushion to offset the stress applied to the solar cells.

[0046] Using a wire mesh can also reduce the resistance of the solar cells. Figure 10 A schematic of a wire mesh 1001 including wires 1002 and ribbons 1050 is shown. The ribbons 1050 and wires 1002 are made of an electrically conductive metal, such as copper. The ribbons 1050 and wires 1002 can also have a core of an electrically conductive metal, such as copper, that is coated with silver, lead, tin, lead-tin, or tin-bismuth. In the wire mesh, the ribbons 1050 are oriented substantially parallel to each other, the wires 1002 are oriented substantially parallel to each other, and the ribbons 1050 are oriented substantially perpendicular to the wires 1002. The ribbons 1050 and wires 1002 can be attached together at junctions 1010 between the ribbons 1050 and wires 1002. The ribbons and wires can be attached to each other by welding or using an adhesive.

[0047] The wire mesh 1001 can be disposed on the metallization of a solar cell. For example, Figure 11 A wire mesh 1001 is shown disposed on the front surface of a solar cell 10 as shown. Figure 4B The wire mesh 1001 can be disposed on the back surface metallization of a solar cell. In Figure 11 In some embodiments, the wires 1002 are disposed on and attached to the fingers of the metallization. The wires 1002 can be attached to the fingers by soldering. In Figure 11 In some embodiments, the ribbons 1010 are aligned with the busbars 15 of the metallization pattern. Figure 12A schematic drawing showing an alternative embodiment of the wire mesh 1001, wherein the strips 1010 are not aligned with the busbars 15, but are for example offset with respect to the busbars 15, and are not arranged above the busbars 15. Arranging the wire mesh 1001 onto the metallization of the solar cell will reduce the series resistance of the solar cell and increase the efficiency of the solar cell.

[0048] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the steps of attaching the wire mesh to the solar cell. In step 1301, the wire mesh is assembled, for example by attaching the strips to the wire mesh. In step 1302, after assembling the wire mesh, the wire mesh is arranged onto the metallization of the solar cell. In some embodiments, the wire mesh is arranged onto the metallization such that the wires 1002 of the wire mesh are arranged onto the finger structures of the metallization. In step 1303, the wire mesh is attached to the metallization, for example by soldering the wires 1002 of the wire mesh to the finger structures of the metallization. One advantage of assembling the wire mesh before attaching the wire mesh to the solar cell is that the attachment step can be done as a single step. An alternative to this approach is to first solder the wires to the finger structures of the metallization, which is a time consuming process when multiple individual wires need to be soldered for each solar cell. In the approach of Figure 13 only one wire mesh needs to be soldered to the solar cell metallization.

[0049] The present disclosure is illustrative and not restrictive. Other modifications can occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the disclosure and are intended to be within the scope of the claims. For example, where a method and steps are described above, those skilled in the art will recognize that some of the steps can be modified, omitted or added, and such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: Solar cell strings, comprising: At least a first solar cell and a second solar cell made of generally rectangular crystalline silicon are electrically connected in series. Each solar cell includes a front surface and a rear surface with metallized patterns, a first long side with a corrugated shape having protrusions and recesses, and a second long side. The first solar cell and the second solar cell are arranged in a shingled manner, wherein the protrusion of the first long side of the second solar cell overlaps with the second long side of the first solar cell. An opening, comprising a recessed portion of the first long side of the second solar cell; and A conductive strip, passing through the opening, connects the front surface metallization pattern of the second solar cell to the rear surface metallization pattern of the first solar cell.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the front surface metallization pattern of each solar cell includes a plurality of busbars oriented parallel to the short side of the solar cell; and the conductive strip is disposed on one of the busbars of the second solar cell.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the conductive strip comprises a first portion having a flat rectangular cross-sectional area and a second portion having a triangular cross-sectional area.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein a portion of the conductive strip extends substantially parallel to the short side of the second solar cell, and wherein the portion is arranged on one of the busbars attached to the second solar cell.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the front surface metallization pattern of each solar cell includes a busbar oriented parallel to the short side of the solar cell, and wherein the busbar is aligned with a recessed portion of the first long side of each solar cell.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the recessed portion of the first solar cell is not aligned with the recessed portion of the second solar cell.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second long side of each solar cell is straight.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the second long side has a corrugated shape with protruding and recessed portions.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a generally rectangular crystalline silicon third solar cell, the second solar cell and the third solar cell being arranged in a shingled manner, wherein the protruding portion of the first long side of the third solar cell overlaps with the second long side of the second solar cell.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the recessed portion of the first solar cell is aligned with the recessed portion of the third solar cell, but not with the recessed portion of the second solar cell.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the front surface metallization pattern of each solar cell includes a busbar oriented parallel to the short side of the solar cell, and the busbar is aligned with a recessed portion of the first long side of each solar cell.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the second long side of each solar cell is straight.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: The second opening includes another recessed portion of the recessed portion of the first long side of the second solar cell; And a second conductive strip that passes through the second opening to connect the front surface metallization pattern of the second solar cell to the rear surface metallization pattern of the first solar cell.

14. A solar cell comprising: The front surface has a metallized pattern, the metallized pattern including a first conductive material, a busbar, and finger structures connected to the busbar, the finger structures being oriented perpendicular to the busbar; A metal wire, comprising a second conductive material different from the first conductive material, the metal wire being disposed on top of the finger structure and welded to the finger structure; and A strip comprising the second conductive material, the strip being attached to the metal wire and oriented perpendicular to the metal wire.

15. The solar cell of claim 14, wherein the strip is aligned with the busbar of the metallized pattern.

16. An apparatus comprising solar cells of claim 14 that are electrically connected in series and arranged in a shingled manner.

17. A method for assembling a solar cell, comprising: Assemble a wire mesh, the wire mesh comprising wires oriented parallel to each other and a strip attached to the wires, the strip being oriented perpendicular to the wires; A solar cell is provided, the solar cell including a surface having a metallized pattern, the metallized pattern having finger-like structures oriented parallel to each other; After assembling the metal mesh, the metal mesh is arranged on the surface of the solar cell such that the metal wires of the metal mesh are aligned with the finger structure of the metallization pattern; as well as The metal mesh is attached to the metallized pattern.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein attaching the wire mesh comprises welding the wires of the wire mesh to the finger structure of the metallized pattern.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the surface is the front surface of the solar cell.

20. The method according to claim 17, The metallized pattern includes a first busbar and a second busbar oriented parallel to each other, and a first finger structure is connected to the first busbar, a second finger structure is connected to the second busbar, and the first finger structure is aligned with the second finger structure; and The arrangement of the metal wire mesh includes aligning a metal wire with both the first finger structure and the second finger structure.

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