Free form metallization of solar cells using Laser Induced Forward Transfer

Abstract

Front metallization is an expensive, fundamental step in the fabrication of solar cells. Laser additive direct writing techniques, such as Laser Induced Forward Transfer (LIFT), can be used for printing optimized metallization patterns or free form personalized designs with applications in building integrated photovoltaics. In this work, metallic fingers and busbars have been printed onto different rigid and flexible photovoltaic materials using commercial, high viscosity, micron-sized particles, silver-based pastes. Printed lines show very large aspect ratios, low electrical resistivity and good adherence to the substrate. Functional test cells have been metallized from unfinished CIGS flexible solar cells.