Interconnect Shield for Backside-Contact Solar Cells

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Solution Overview

Problem

Backside-contact solar cells pose challenges in visually shielding front-side electrical connections, which are not readily applicable from conventional approaches used in traditional solar cells, affecting both aesthetics and conversion efficiency.

Innovation Solution

An interconnect assembly with an interconnect shield is introduced, which electrically connects the backsides of solar cells while providing electrical isolation, preventing unwanted shunt paths and visually hiding the interconnects, thereby improving conversion efficiency and aesthetics by directing light and blocking substances from migrating to the front sides.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If backside-contact solar cells are interconnected using conventional approaches, then electrical connections are established, but visual appearance deteriorates and unwanted shunt paths are created

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconversion efficiencyVSAvoidunwanted shunt paths

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An interconnect shield is introduced as an intermediary component between the interconnect and the solar cell. This shield provides electrical isolation to prevent unwanted shunt paths while allowing the interconnect to maintain electrical contact with the solar cell contact points. The shield acts as a mediator that blocks harmful electrical leakage paths without interfering with the intended electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The interconnection system is segmented into distinct functional components: the interconnect for electrical connection and the interconnect shield for electrical isolation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the interconnect provides electrical continuity while the shield prevents harmful shunt paths, resolving the contradiction between electrical connection and prevention of unwanted electrical paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If interconnects are exposed on front side of solar cells, then electrical connections are visible, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual appealVSAvoidvisible electrical connections

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The interconnect shield serves as a visual mediator that blocks the view of the interconnect from the front side of the solar cell. This allows the electrical connection to function while preventing it from being visible, thus maintaining aesthetic appearance. The shield mediates between the functional requirement of electrical connection and the aesthetic requirement of hidden connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The interconnect shield is positioned specifically at the location where visual appearance is concerned (the front view of the solar cell), while allowing the interconnect to remain exposed at the backside where electrical connection is established. This local application of shielding provides visual appeal where needed without interfering with electrical functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If substances migrate to front sides of solar cells, then contamination occurs, but conversion efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconversion efficiencyVSAvoidsubstance migration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The interconnect shield acts as a physical barrier or mediator that prevents substances from migrating from the interconnect area to the front side of the solar cell. This shield blocks the migration path of contaminants while allowing light to pass through to the solar cell, thus preventing contamination without blocking the functional operation of the solar cell.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The interconnect shield enhances the conversion efficiency of solar cell arrays by preventing electrical shorts and improving light capture, while providing a visually appealing and durable solution for solar cell module assembly.

Implementation Method 1

An interconnect assembly with an interconnect shield is introduced, which electrically connects the backsides of solar cells while providing electrical isolation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical isolation: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

blocking substances from migrating to the front sides

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical barrier blocking: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 3

directing light and blocking substances from migrating to the front sides

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight direction: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS7390961B2Interconnection of solar cells in a solar cell module

Publication Date: 2008.06.24 MAXEON SOLAR PTE LTD

AI summary

In one embodiment, a solar cell module comprises a plurality of solar cells interconnected as a solar cell array. An interconnect assembly electrically connects the backsides of two adjacent solar cells. The interconnect assembly may have an interconnect that electrically connects a contact point on a backside of a solar cell to a contact point on a backside of another solar cell. The interconnect assembly may further include an interconnect shield placed between the solar cells and the interconnect.