Faster firing processes up to 20 m/min belt velocity

This work successfully demonstrates fast firing processes with a technical throughput of 13204 cells/h for M2- sized solar cells (assumption of a double-lane furnace and 25 mm distance between wafers). This throughput is significantly higher than the currently predicted throughput of approx. 8000 cells/h for thermal processes in the PV industry by the latest ITRPV report. The demonstrated throughput is achieved by increasing the furnace's belt velocity to 20 m/min without enlarging the furnace. Compared to the standard firing process of the authors' institution (at 6 m/min, yielding 3961 cells/h), the abovementioned faster process is approx. three times shorter but maintains a similar power conversion efficiency and contact adhesion quality, making the module compatibility promising. According to the "SCost"cost of ownership model, increasing the throughput from 8000 to 13204 cells/h reduces the firing process costs by approx. 37% (from 0.052 €Ct/Wp to 0.033 €Ct/Wp). Since no larger furnace is required, it is simple to implement the faster firing process in an industrial production line.