Towards a 300 WP p-Type HIP-MWT-Module - Simulation, Experimental Results and Costs

In this work we are aiming at the goal of fabricating a cost-effective HIP-MWT module exceeding 300W. In order to accomplish this goal HIP-MWT (high-performance metal wrap through) silicon solar cells [1, 2] are fabricated on industrial PERC (passivated emitter and rear cell) precursors. Simulation of the optimal metallization layout for MWT based on measured parameters show cell efficiencies up to 21.5%. The consequentially fabricated HIP-MWT solar cells reach maximum efficiencies of 21.4%. The in parallel processed H-pattern reference cells reach maximum efficiencies of 21.2%. The cell efficiencies show a reduced advantage for MWT than in similar experiments, which is due to the tapered busbars of the reference cells allowing nearly the same short circuit currents. Anyhow, combined with a module interconnection based on back contact foils a cell-to-module (CTM) loss of 2 % is demonstrated which allows module power over 300 WP. Due to a power advantage of about 15W in comparison to H-pattern modules the cost of ownership calculation shows a cost advantage of the HIP-MWT module of 3.2 %. Simulation, experimental results and cost calculation show an advantage for HIP-MWT technology over the H-pattern reference leading to the conclusion that MWT is a more cost-effective concept.