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Market Survey Cell Interconnection Equipment 2017

Authors: Shravan K. Chunduri, Michael Schmela

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Contents

© TaiyangNews 2017All rights reserved.

The text, photos and graphs in this report are copyrighted (cover photo credit: Schmid). TaiyangNews does not guarantee reliability, accuracy or completeness of this report's content. TaiyangNews does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors in this work.

Publisher:TaiyangNews UG (haftungsbeschraenkt)Montsalvatstr. 1580804 Munich, Germanywww.taiyangnews.info

01Introduction 6

02Overview

03Latest Equipment Improvements• More Busbars• Half-Cut Cells• Adhesives-Based

Interconnections

• Other Improvements

Click on the chapter or the sub-chapter you want to explore.

04Updates on Ribbons

05Product Details

06Advanced Interconnection Technologies• Multi-busbar technology• Smart wire connection technology• Shingles

07Conclusions

08Product Specifications Table

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7 8

13 14 24

29 31

• SolarPower Europe p.2• Schmid p.4• Confirmware p.13• Meyer Burger p.29• SNEC p.39

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In a unique and innovative process, the Multi Busbar Connector connects solar cells to strings with 12 round wires and 20 soldering pads per wire at high-speed. The aesthetic cell design turns modules into a premium product with 6 - 9 W more power output. Shorter and narrower grid fingers result in a higher fill factor and a higher current - at lower costs: Up to 25 % silver can be saved when using SCHMID’s reliable multi busbar connection solution.

Multi Busbar ConnectorHigher module power and silver savings

www.schmid-group.com

up to 25 %

less silver


Cell interconnection is an important part of module making. It provides the opportunity to improve the module performance independent from the cell level and enables reduction of cell-to-module losses. Module manufacturing is increasingly focusing on the interconnection segment. Today’s state-of-the-art module manufacturers are using high-tech interconnection machines, the days of manual tabbing and stringing are over.

For our current survey on this interconnection equipment a total of 12 companies responded to our enquiry and provided the data for 17 products in total. In the past, a western domain, interconnection equipment increasingly comes from Asia. Our survey, contains 8 western companies and 4 from Asia, with both Germany and China being represented by 3 companies each.

Throughputs in our survey vary from 930 to 5,500 cells per hour and product platforms are built from a single lane all the way to processing 5 strings at a time.

One of the most important trends in the interconnection segment is that machines are updated to handle an increasing number of busbars. Since last year the industry is clearly shifting from 3 busbars to 4 busbars. Most of the leading PV module manufacturers have started working with 5 busbars and the first are presenting modules with 6 busbars.

A total of 10 interconnection tools in our survey have the ability to process cells with 5 busbars, 3 can handle 6 busbars. One equipment maker is already

promoting a product able to apply ribbon on 8-busbar cells. Extrapolating the idea of more busbars, equipment makers have developed a multi-busbar concept, where interconnection is done by several thin wires, typically more than 10. More than the gain at modules, the approach is more attractive in terms of silver paste savings at module level. Our survey provides background on 4 multi-busbar devices, while the table lists data for 2 products.

In order to increase the power rating of solar modules, using half cut cells is an interesting approach. But it negatively impacts the throughput of production equipment. So far, half-cut cell based modules are a small niche. Except for tools from 2 suppliers in our survey, all others offer equipment for half-cut cells as a standard feature.

Today’s interconnection equipment is almost exclusively based on soldering. An alternative are bonding based solutions, which employ conductive adhesives. But the approach is mainly beneficial to process cells that are sensitive to high temperatures, such as heterojunction or very thin cells. Since heterojunction cells are not wide spread yet, only one company in our survey is offering a machine for bonding technology.

Shingles based interconnections, eliminating busbars completely, are an interesting concept that improves module power output. Though IP is an issue, one Chinese company in our survey offers an interconnection machine for this solution.

t Enjoy reading our Market Survey on Cell Interconnection Equipment 2017Shravan K. ChunduriHead of Technology, [email protected]+91 996 327 0005Hyderabad, India

Michael SchmelaManaging Director, [email protected]+49 173 15 70 999 Munich, Germany

Executive Summary

In a unique and innovative process, the Multi Busbar Connector connects solar cells to strings with 12 round wires and 20 soldering pads per wire at high-speed. The aesthetic cell design turns modules into a premium product with 6 - 9 W more power output. Shorter and narrower grid fingers result in a higher fill factor and a higher current - at lower costs: Up to 25 % silver can be saved when using SCHMID’s reliable multi busbar connection solution.

Multi Busbar ConnectorHigher module power and silver savings

www.schmid-group.com

up to 25 %

less silver


1. IntroductionSolar cell interconnection is a crucial step in module making. Establishing an electrical connection between solar cells in a module not only defines the final shape and output power of the solar panel, depending on the strategy applied it also strongly impacts yield and throughput of the entire module factory.

During the early days of PV, interconnection was mainly accomplished manually – the cells were first “tabbed” and then connected to strings. Over time, the industry has gradually moved to automatic solutions, first using tabbers, then stringers, and today one-stop solutions, that combine the tabbing and stringing process in a single machine.

However, innovative technical approaches have been introduced recently. While module makers were primarily dependent on the cell level performance in the past, now it is much more about the PV panel performance itself. To put it simple, the interconnection part is becoming increasingly interesting as module manufacturers come up with new module designs and equipment providers offer new machines to enable high-throughput production of such solar panels. Our current market survey on cell interconnection equipment shows the latest trends and also products from the world leading vendors of these machines.

Primarily, four: Increasing the number of busbars per cell is the hot topic in the interconnection segment. While most module manufacturers use 4 busbars today, several have started to use 5-busbar cells, the first have even presented panels with 6-busbar cells.

Source: ConfirmWare


Cell interconnection in a classical sense has two major objectives – forming a reliable bonding between the cell’s busbars and solder ribbon, and establishing a connection between the front busbars of one cell to the rear busbars of the adjacent cell to form a series connection. In today’s module assembly environment, this is realized with combined tabbing and stringing equipment (“stringers”). A number of companies are offering innovative approaches – from tweaking the standard interconnection process, to redefining it and taking it to the next level. Our survey outlines both the ‘traditional’ and advanced interconnection methods.

The survey features products from 12 companies, including the market leaders, from three continents – America, Asia and Europe:• Aaron Co. Ltd., Korea• Autowell Technology Co.Ltd., China• Ecoprogetti Srl, Italy• Hangzhou ConfirmWare Technology Co. Ltd.,

China• M10 Industries AG, Germany• Meyer Burger, Switzerland• Mondragon Assembly, Spain• NingXia XN Automation Equipment Co.Ltd., China• P. Energy S.p.A., Italy• Schmid Group, Germany• Teamtechnik Maschinen und Anlagen GmbH,

Germany• Xcell Automation, USA

For many years,Teamtechnik from Germany, Xcell Automation (formerly Komax) and Meyer Burger (formerly Somont) have been the leaders in production and supply of interconnection equipment for solar modules. While Teamtechnik and Xcell Automation are still focusing on traditional interconnection equipment, Meyer Burger has shifted its focus to its new innovative Smart Wire Connection Technology (SWCT). Schmid, which was building traditional interconnection tools in the past, has switched completely to next generation equipment, promoting now exclusively its Multi Busbar Connector.

Southern European companies Mondragon, Ecoprogetti, P.Energy are well known in the solar industry due to their long presence. There is also a rather new supplier – M10. While the name is new, the founders of the German company have been active in building stringing equipment for over 20 years. Like any other PV segment, the interconnection equipment stream is facing increased competition from Chinese companies, primarily supplying the domestic market, where most of the world’s module production capacity is located. This is also reflected in the survey. Three Chinese interconnection leaders – Autowell, ConfirmWare and XN Automation – have provided data for their products. Another Chinese company, Jinchen Machinery, responded to our initial inquiry, but has not provided the data in the prescribed format, which is why its products are not listed in the survey.

2. Overview

Source:Ecoprogetti

A serious series: Cell interconnection in solar module processing is about establishing high-quality series connections between solar cells by routing the solder ribbon from the top of one cell to the bottom of the adjacent cell.


Who is the leader in the interconnection segment? What are the market sharesof the suppliers? This is hard to estimate as most of the companies declined to reveal shipments they made in 2016. However, Autowell from China said it shipped 462 units in 2016, which equals a processing capacity of above 20 GW – and probably translates into the global No. 1 spot. Autowell said it is supplying its interconnection equipment not only to China but to nearly every important market in Asia. Without having absolute numbers, from our interviews it is very obvious that these days Chinese companies usually buy domestic interconnection machines from Chinese companies – for their facilities at home and

abroad. Xcell Automation emphasized that 2016 has been a good year since a long time.Teamtechnik said it is building 1 to 2 stringers per week at its facility in Germany, which are shipped worldwide. Like many non-Chinese tool makers, Teamtechnik is seeing India as one of the key emerging markets. Indeed, Newcomer M10 received its first order from Indian module maker Emmvee Photovoltaics. After successful installation at Emmvee, Maximilian Germann, sales and after-sales manager at M10, said that his company is aiming to ship about 10 systems this year. All equipment makers we talked to have been in general satisfied with their sales of interconnection equipment these days.

3. Latest Equipment ImprovementsIn addition to improving fundamental attributes of interconnection equipment, such as establishing more reliable solder bonding, increasing throughput and reducing breakage rates, tool suppliers are increasingly adapting their machines to the latest customer requests.

The ability to process more busbars is the most common upgrade every interconnection tool supplier has been constantly working on over the last few years. Employing conductive adhesives instead of soldering and interconnecting half-cut cells into modules is another field, though not a priority. The stringing equipment makers are also working on small upgrades to process different high-efficiency cells and improve the overall performance of the machines.

3.1 More BusbarsSolar cell interconnection tool suppliers unanimously agree that the hottes topic in this segment for years has been to increase the number of busbars. 3-busbar cells were standard about two years ago, but the industry has now mostly shifted more or less completely to 4 busbars. And many of the leading PV manufacturers are already offering a significant amount of their module products with 5 busbars. At the 2017 SNEC show, held in April in Shanghai, the first module companies were even exhibiting modules based on 6 busbars.

Moving to more busbars has effects on different stations in the cell and module production process. Screen printing is the first stage, where companies have to make the decision how many busbars their cells should have. At this point in time, any change is very simple, as it only requires to use a screen with the pattern you want to print. Much more critical is the cell interconnection step in module making. It involves putting an additional track for ribbons preparation, handling and controls – and depending on the age of the current machine generation, in some cases it requires a completely new machine. In any case, the more busbars the higher is the complexity at the systems level.

All new interconnection equipment is coming with the ability to process cells with 4 and 5 busbars by default; some of the 17 machines in our survey can solder even 6 busbars.

Several companies are offering upgrades for their tools in the field. However, this is usually a question of age of the production systems. “We’ve upgraded already many machines to 4 busbars,” said Sven Kramer, vice president sales at Teamtechnik. While a change to 4 busbars is generally no problem, depending on the model, some earlier systems could be upgraded to 5 busbars, he added. Teamtechnik’s TT1600 and TT1800, for example, can be upgraded to 5 busbars.


Inaki Legarda-Ereno, energy business director at Mondragon, said that the time required for such a field upgrade is about 2 weeks for his company’s earlier tools. Ecoprogetti’s CEO Domenico Sartore said his company has done several upgrades and the platform, on which his company’s tools are built, offers the flexibility to do such upgrades easily. Xcell Automation’s product manager Adrian Gretler commented, “We’re in a reasonably good position, because luckily we laid out our machines from the beginning to be able to do 5 busbars.” The X3 product series of the company supports processing cells with up to 5 busbars.

Moving to a higher number of busbars certainly has several benefits. Increasing the number of busbars reduces the gap between the busbars, which also shortens the finger length. Thus the current load carried by the section of fingers between the busbars lessens with an increasing number of busbars. And this reduces the internal electrical resistance of a solar cell to a great extent, because the fingers have the highest impact on resistance losses.

At this point, the optimization can take two different paths. Keeping the finger width at the same level reduces resistance losses, thereby improving the electrical characteristics of the cells. Alternately, the finger width can be reduced to a level that equates to the resistance of the previous busbar layout. This approach has a dual impact. Reducing the finger width naturally reduces shading losses; it also reduces paste consumption. The performance gain of moving from 3 to 4 busbars was about 2 to 3% relative gain in efficiency. However, it is not exactly clear if the gain has a similar level when shifting from 4 to 5 or from 5 to 6 busbars. The equipment makers are not willing to estimate the benefit. That is because, the drive for higher number of busbars is mainly comings from the solar cell and module manufacturers. Today’s general view is that up to 5 busbars it makes economic sense, beyond the opinions differ. Do 6-busbar cells provide any cutting edge or is it simply a differentiation factor?

However, nearly every equipment vendor listed in the survey has a production-ready solution capable of processing cells with up to 6-busbars in 24/7 operation mode with stable uptime and yield.

According to Legarda-Ereno from Mondragon, the “big buck” will be made with standard cells using 4 busbars, and he believes it will go up to 8 busbars. Ecoprogetti’s CEO Sartore says that though nearly everything is possible – no matter if 6 or 7 bubsars, it is 5 busbars, which is more than enough to make economic sense. According to Teamtechnik’s Kramer, some of his customers are already producing modules with 5 busbars and there is a serious interest in the 6-busbar approach. “It will take some more time until the industry will continue to increase the number of busbars further,” said Kramer. “The curb is getting to the edge,” said Maximilian Germann, sales and after-sales manager at M10, when he refers to 6 busbars. There was a huge step from 2 to 3 busbars and there is also a benefit from 3 to 4, while he believes that for some it is interesting to have 5 busbars. But the move to 6 busbars may not be driven by performance boost alone but also because it is considered a differentiation factor. “6 busbars is not a must,” concludes Germann. Gretler from Xcell Automation shares a similar opinion, saying that nobody would just blindly put more material into a panel if they don’t have to.

According to Autowell, from 3 to 4 busbars, the power gain is 3 W while it is minimal when moving from 4 to 5 busbars. However, the drive from 5 to 6 busbars is not really about more power anymore. Panel makers are looking for the right mix between the maximum number of busbars that could be both – a good level for marketing purposes as well as the optimum power gain to the panel. In the end, it is about finding the ideal mix for the cell/module maker to make the highest profit – so that different products for different applications will come with different numbers of busbars.


The 8th edition of the International Roadmap for Photovoltaic (ITRPV), published in March 2017, covers a development of only up to 5 busbars. While the 3-busbar approach had a share of about 50% in 2016, it would consistently decrease in the coming years – to about 40% this year, less than 30% in 2019 and be negligible in 10 years, according to ITRPV. The 4-busbar approach, which had a share of 40% in 2016, would become predominant this year, reaching about 45%, and would remain at the same level for 2 years. In 2021, modules with 4-busbar cells would be still the dominant design, though its share is supposed to slightly fall to about 40%. Afterwards 4-busbar cells are expected to be sidelined – and reach about 30% in 2024 and less than 20% in 2027. Cells with 5 busbars are expected to gain consistent market share – from slightly above 5% in 2016, to above 10% this year, 20% in 2019 and close to 40% in 2024. However, it looks like the move towards more busbars is taking place faster.

Some equipment makers are promoting cell connection concepts that take the number of busbars from the single digit to double digits – above 10.

These interconnection concepts are different – and known as multi-busbar approach. Schmid and Meyer Burger have pioneered the multi-busbar approach – and have been promoting the concept for many years. Meyer Burger has redefined the interconnection process with its SWCT, which uses a polymer film embedded with thin copper wiresto serve as an interconnection media. Schmid’s solution is built on a soldering platform that stays closer to traditional interconnection. Like a typical interconnection tool, it routes the connection media from the top of the first cell to the bottom of the next cell, with the only difference being that thin wires are employed instead of flat copper strips. Several other interconnection equipment makers have started to offer multi-busbar solutions as well. Last year, Zeus from Korea launched a machine, now there are also products available from China – XN Automation’s machine is already featured in this survey and Autowell is offering a similar product, but did not provide any data. ConfirmWare considers the multi-busbar approach one of the hot topics in the cell interconnection segment.

More busbars and no busbars: According to the ITRPV 2017 edition, 4-busbars cells are dominating module manufacturing as of this year. As the shares of 3 busbars constantly fade away until 2027, 5 busbars as well as busbar-less technologies gain market shares.

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Market shares of different busbars layouts


3.2 Half-Cut CellsEmploying half-cells also influences the interconnection process. Technically, the concept requires just one change – instead of using traditional square cells as they usually come from the factory, the slices are cut into two pieces using lasers in a direction perpendicular to busbars. The rest of the module making process follows the same course.

The logic behind cutting cells into two pieces is that two half-cut pieces have the same voltage as the full cell, but the current – which is a function of the surface area – gets divided accordingly by half. Consequently, the internal electrical losses which are in the second order of the flowing current – are reduced to 1/4th for a half cell compared to full cells. The flip side of the concept is that an additional process step is required – the slicing of cells. In addition, half cells reduce the throughput of interconnection tools by half as well, when looking at mass production. That’s because the interconnection machine considers a half cell or a full cell as one unit.

The concept saw some traction two years ago, but the production share has not increased as much as anticipated in 2016. “Requests for half-cells have tapered off a little bit,” said Gretler from Xcell Automation. “Maybe there are one or two producers coming online every year, which put a half-cell panel in their lineup of products,” he added. Indeed, the half-cell approach adds more complexity to module making. Cutting cells is a mechanical process, which might induce breakage losses and micro-cracks. The ribbon consumption also goes up slightly due to the string cross connection. Nevertheless, REC Solar from Singapore has implemented the technology in mass production at its Singapore facility with an installed capacity of 1 GW. According to Teamtechnik’s Kramer, a few more of his Asian and European customers are also seriously evaluating the approach. However, from the equipment side, there is no bottleneck to implement this technical solution. Each equipment supplier in our survey is providing the option to process half-cut cells. Switching to half cut cells “is simply a

recipe adoption,” said Germann from M10. However, Autowell from China is seeing a trend of “increased interest” for half cut cells. And it is recommending using a high-throughput version of its interconnection equipment to compensate for the reduction in throughput due to half cells.

As we outlined in our recent report on Advanced Solar Module Technology 2017, the reason of this recent demand surge for half cells in China is the high benchmark set by the Chinesegovernment sponsored Top Runner Program, which is a scheme auctioning 8 to 10 GW this year. The Top Runner Program’s goal is to push commercialization of high-tech solar modules. The 3rd phase of the program requires at least 280 W for 60-cell multicrystalline modules and 295 W for mono. Half cut cells help module manufacturers to circumvent any shortage in high-effciency cells as they provide an instant boost in module power by about 5 to 6 W. “It is the most economic and fastest way to realize a power gain,” said Linyang CTO Xu. Qidong, Jiangsu province based Linyang produces only half-cut bifacial solar cells and modules.

As module manufacturers can combine half cells not only with any traditional high-effciency cell technology as well as with any other advanced module concept, except shingles (which is one evolutionary step ahead), it is likely that this technology will see a huge uptick in the near future from the less than 3% market share in 2016 –and probably beyond the around 14% ITRPV is forecasting for 2021.The 8th roadmap estimates that modules built with half-cut cell technology will account for about 35% of all modules in 10 years, after reaching about 10% in 2019, which is roughly inline with the estimates of the previous roadmap.

3.3 Adhesives Based InterconnectionThe interconnection process is mainly accomplished with soldering, but there is an alternative available today. It is based on electrical conductive adhesives, which are metal fillers loaded into a thermosetting epoxy base, along with some additives, curing and diluting agents. The final form is a glue-like substance that attaches the interconnection ribbons

http://taiyangnews.info/reports/advanced-solar-module-technology-report-2017/



to the cell’s busbars. As only curing is required to establish a permanent bonding between the ribbons and the cell’s busbars, conductive adhesives based interconnection is relatively independent from the soldering composition. Thus, lead-free solders can be used without increasing the processing temperatures. The inherent benefit of employing conductive adhesives is that the approach enables accomplishing the interconnection at relatively low temperatures – at less than 120oC.

Conductive adhesives are also available in the form of film. This method is very beneficial for interconnecting high-temperature sensitive PV architectures, such as heterojunction solar cells. Many equipment makers have worked on this approach. But there is only one model listed in our survey – Aaron’s ARCF-1600 – that is exclusively designed for using conductive films. Teamtechnik has also been working on a non-traditional interconnection tool for the heterojunction cells, but based on conductive glue. Since no one is producing HJT cells in large commercial quantities other than Panasonic today, the machine is still in the development and testing phase. “We have a very stable connection and also long-lasting module life,” said Kramer. This bonding-based interconnection also enables a low-stress approach for solar module manufacturing, which is especially useful when interconnecting thin cells. Confirmware began development and testing of bonding based solution since 2015. According to Cheng-ye Zhang, his company has provided test equipment to Trina, at the same time he emphasizes, there is only one more Chinese company that is evaluating the technology.

Ecoprogetti has developed a similar technology for concentrated PV. According to Ecoprogetti’s CEO Sartore, a machine was developed on a special customer request. “While 90% of the machine remains the same, it needs only few adaptions to make it ready for handling conductive adhesive-based interconnections,” he said. Xcell Automation also worked on some custom projects in the area. “We have not seen enough requests to build a standard product with bonding based solutions,” said

Gretler.

M10 has designed its system keeping such special applications in mind. According to Germann, the flux applications system can be configured to apply adhesives. Germann believes that adhesives based interconnections could be a topic for the future. “Maybe not now or next year, but it could begin in 2020,” he said. ITRPV anticipates that more than 20% of module interconnections will be accomplished using conductive adhesives in 10 years, from a minor presence in today’s manufacturing. The roadmap expects employing conductive adhesives would be noticeable from 2021 with a share of 10% and progressively become more prominent from then on attaining 20% in 2027. However, Autowell is tweaking the soldering process to make it suitable for heterojuction cells. In 2014, the company developed a special equipment platform to accomplish the interconnection at a very narrow processing window of 180 to 200°C governed by an in-house developed temperature control system.

3.4 Other ImprovementsIn addition to working on above mentioned major technology developments, interconnection equipment suppliers are also working on incremental developments. M10, for example, switched to water based flux. According to Germann, alcohol based flux is a dangerous good, complicated to purchase and to deliver, and most importantly it makes the machine dirty. However, M10’s tool can also work with alcohol-based flux without any issues.

The stringer companies are also working on required modifications for advanced cell concepts. Xcell Automation highlights the ability to process bifacial cells. The interconnection process in principle is the same as for both bifacial and monofacial cells, but according to Gretler, the main difference with bifacial cells is the absence of a thick aluminum BSF. “These cells behave differently in a heated environment,” he said. This means a certain optimization is required at soldering stations, preheating and cooling stages.


4. Update on Ribbons A report on interconnection equipment would be incomplete without information on its process consumable – solar ribbon. While there is no big news on the solder side of ribbon, its dimensions are worth a note. Ribbon dimensions change according to the busbars layout. For 3-busbar cells, typical ribbons employed in mass production are 1.5 to 1.6 mm wide and 0.2 mm thick. Moving to 4 busbars, 1.1 to 1.2 mm wide ribbons with a thickness of about 0.2 to 0.22 mm are employed. To interconnect cells with 5 busbars, the current practice is to employ ribbons of 0.8 to 1 mm in width and 0.22 or 0.25 mm thickness. As for the 6-busbars layout, ribbons would be thicker to minimize resistance losses. Such ribbons may have a 0.8 to 0.6 mm width range and 0.2 to 0.26 mm thickness. The exact dimensions, however, depend on the module maker.

In addition to standard copper strips coated with solder, there are also special ribbons types, such as grooved ribbons and colored ribbons.

These ribbons direct the sunlight back to the module by means of total internal reflection, which increases module output by about 2.5%. Almost any stringer can process such special ribbons, but there is rather little demand for such products. The main reason is that these grooved ribbons employ silver as top layer, which makes them expensive. As an alternative, 3M is promoting a solution called Light Redirecting Film, which is a micro structured mirror film that comes with integrated EVA adhesives. When placed over the cell tabbing ribbon, it reflects the light back onto the modules, much like silver grooved ribbon. 3M claims a power increase of about 0.5 to 2% with its solution. Companies like Autowell and Cofirmware are offering interconnection equipment and hardware upgrades that support placing such film on to the ribbons automatically. Autowell says some of its customers are using reflective films on 5-busbar half-cult cells and attain a power gain of about 10 W per module.


5. Product DetailsFor our market survey on interconnection equipment, 12 companies, including the world market leaders, have provided data for 17 products. Below are detailed descriptions of the products listed in the survey table following an alphabetical order.

Aaron Aaron has provided data for one model, called ARCF-1600. As mentioned above, the ARCF 1600 is mainly designed to use conductive films as bonding medium. The tool can process cells with 156 mm side length and a thickness down to 140 µm. These cells are loaded in up to 5 cassettes, each with a capacity of 300 cells. The cell loading

is done automatically. Before loading, a vision system inspects the cells for cracks and aligns the cells with a positioning accuracy of +/-0.2 mm. The ribbons are attached to the cell busbars by means of conductive films and bonding is attained with a so called “low bonding and hot bar” mechanism. Aaron’s tool is capable of interconnecting cells with 4 and 5 busbars. Accomplishing the process of interconnection in a cycle time of 2.6 seconds, the tool supports an average throughput of 1,400 cells per hour based on dual lane configuration.

Bonding based: The ARCF-1600 from Aaron is the only equipment in the survey that accomplishes the interconnection process employing conductive films.

Source: Aaron


Easy shift: Like many interconnecting equipment suppliers, Autowell is also offering the flexibility to switch between the busbars, which takes about 30 minutes per track.

Source: Autowell

AutowellToday’s market leader for stringing equipment, Autowell from China, is offering several tools but has sent data for only one traditional stringing model for our survey. The CHD150 M4000 comes with the ability to process 3- to 5-busbar cells, and on the rear, it is designed for a tabbed busbar layout. To change between the number of busbars requires just 30 minutes per track. The busbar spacing in the machine can be adjusted up to 50 mm. The tool accepts cells with a wide thickness range of 160 to 300 µm and ribbon specs are given as 0.9 to 3 mm in width and 0.16 to 0.32 mm in thickness. The tool is also compatible with advanced ribbons such as grooved and colored ribbons. Up to 200 cells can be placed in 4 cassettes, which are manually placed in the machines. Cell alignment is guided by a camera in busbar direction.

During the production process, the flux is sprayed onto the cell and ribbons are positioned mechanically. The soldering is accomplished using IR, and Autowell says it employs a patented holding wire frame for the continuous soldering process. A Teflon belt conveyor is employed for cell transport. The tool can interconnect between 10 to 12 cells to form a string of a maximum length of 2,000 mm. The system setup consists of a dual-lane configuration and has a rated cycle time of 1.06 min per module translating into an hourly throughput of 3,400 cells.

The CHD150 M4000 also offers the flexibility to upgrade to 6-busbar cell processing. According to the company, the possibility to include 6-busbar cells has been already integrated into the machine, while it was actually developed for 5 busbars.


IR based: Like the majority of interconnection tools listed in our survey, the KFWIII-H from CofirmWare uses IR energy as heat source to accomplish soldering.

Source: CofirmWare

ConfirmWareConfirmWarefrom China has also provided the data for only one model – KFWIII-H. This interconnection machine supports all cell formats used today in module production, including side lengths of 125 mm, 156 mm and half cells with 156 mm x 78 mm. As for the number of busbars, the tool can handle even 2-busbar cells with 125 mm side length as well as 3, 4 and 5 busbars with standard cell dimensions; while the company is working on the 6-busbar option for its tool, which will be available in a few months.

To shift between the number of busbars, the tool requires 1 hour setup time. The busbar spacing varies according to the number of busbars – 52 mm for 3-busbar cells, 39 mm for 4 busbars, and 31.2 mm or 30.8 mm with 5 busbars..

The cell loading is done automatically from cassettes with a capacity of 200 cells. The cells are inspected with a camera assisted inspection system that checks for side tear, corner tear, cracks, cell orientation and surface strains. For alignment a camera governed robot is employed. The flux is applied onto the ribbons by smear method. The ribbons are positioned with an accuracy of +/- 0.2 mm. KFWIII-H employs IR as heat source for soldering accomplished at 200oC.This way and based on double lane processing, this interconnection tool processes a maximum of 3,000 cells per hour, and the average throughput is given as 2,700 cells per hour. With a variable space between 1.5 mm to 50 mm, a string consisting of 1 to 12 cells is produced with a maximum length of 2,000 mm. This tool has a throughput of 65 MW per year.


EcoprogettiEcoprogetti from Italy is listing a single model, which was introduced end of last year. The tool is called ETS2100. The system can process solar cells with side lengths of 156 mm and 156.75 mm and a thickness down to 160 µm. ETS2100 is designed to interconnect cells with 4 and 5 busbars in standard configuration, while 3-busbar cell processing is available as an optional feature. The cells are loaded into the machine by means of a basket, which is loaded and unloaded automatically with a motorized belt. A vision system inspects the cells for microcracks before they are sent to the soldering process.

The cell alignment is done mechanically and optically with a camera. The tool accepts ribbons sizes from 1 to 2 mm, which are stretched and fluxed by dipping before placed for soldering with a position accuracy of +/- 0.1 mm. As to the core soldering process, the ETS2100 relies on a hybrid approach – hot air combined with contact soldering – accomplished at 360oC. The company is offering IR soldering as an option. The cells are heated pre- and post-soldering to avoid thermal stress. The stringing tool offers the flexibility to adjust the soldering length as well as tab length. The distance between the cells in a string can be varied between 2 mm to 8 mm and the number of cells per string can be set between 1 to 12, while the total string can have a length up to 2,000 mm.

Dual lane processing: Like a number of stringer manufacturers, Ecoprogetti employs a dual lane setup to improve throughput - in case of its ETS2100 this leads to an output of up to 2,100 cells per hour.

Source: Ecoprogetti


The entire process runs in two parallel lanes, finally attaining a throughput of 2,100 cells per hour. The system has a production capacity of 60 to 70 MW. According to Ecoprogetti’s CEO Sartore, a key point of the machine is its flexibility to adapt to different processing conditions – different kind of solar cells with different temperature profiles, different cell spacing and number of busbars. In order to shift between the number of busbars the system requires 30 minutes.

M10Kubus is the name of a new innovative interconnection machine from M10. As is usually the case with any new company’s product, Kubus also comes with assurance of higher throughput, perhaps the highest in the industry. But even more than the large production capacity, the so called “non-stop production” makes this stringer very special. That means, according to M10’s Germann, unlike other stringing tools, it is not required to stop the tool for changing the ribbon bundles, a major factor affecting the down time of a stringing process.

Kubus consists of 4 sections – two cell loaders arranged on both sides of the central station, which is lined up with a ribbon supply unit on the fore front, a soldering unit and finally the tray transport unit. The tool is designed to handle all current common cell dimensions – 125 to 156 mm side length – and is also capable of interconnecting half-cult cells, while the spec for cell thickness is given as 160 to 250 µm. The cells are inspected for cracks, scratches and

broken edges by means of a vision system before they enter the actual soldering process. A camera assisted optical alignment setup governs cell positioning with an accuracy of +/- 0.2 mm. The system is capable of processing cells with 3, 4, 5 and 6 busbars in standard configuration. The module manufacturer can change to any of these busbar layouts anytime – and such a change requires 5 to 6 man-hours. To support the various busbar layouts, Kubus comes with the flexibility to opt for busbar spacing between 26 and 78 mm. On the ribbons side the stringing tool can handle width down to 0.6 mm and thickness from 0.1 to 0.25 mm. The system has 4 identical ribbon drawers, but actually needs only three for production. That means if one roll gets empty, one can pull out the ribbon drawer and the machine is running still at 100% speed. “The operator has all the time to change the ribbon, put the new spool in, feed in the ribbon easily,” said Germann.

An adjustable and metered micro spray system applies flux on both sides of a cell. The flux application system comes with an integral cleaning system, which avoids flux related hassles, emphasized Germann. An even more important reason to choose fluxing on the cell, he says, is when a module manufacturer wants to shift to conductive adhesives as the same flux applicator can be employed for putting down the adhesive, which shows that the system is already well equipped for the next level of interconnection technologies.

Flexibility: Ecoprogetti promotes its ETS2100 as a very flexible tool that can be configured for different needs of interconnection and can process several cell architectures.

Source: Ecoprogetti


At the central station of the machine, cells and ribbon are brought together and the entire interconnection process is accomplished on carbon trays. Such a tray has 12 vacuum chambers to retain the position accuracy of the cells and ribbon. Kubus relies on IR-based soldering and the multi-stringer platform enables processing 6 cells in parallel. “We are fast at every other step, but not in rush at soldering, which is very important for a stable process” said Germann. Kubus processes at a rate of 5,500 cells per hour, producing strings of up to 2,000 mm in length. This accounts to a cycle of 48 seconds per module. The system has a rated process yield of 98% and mechanical yield losses are specified at about 0.3%.

The most important feature of the system, according to M10, is its ability to do most of the maintenance work without stopping the tool. Changing the ribbon spools can be done without bringing the Kubus to halt and one operator is sufficient per tool, just needed to refill the goods. The stringing device tool

is said to have less than 2% scheduled downtime. Based on the system availability of 98.4%, M10 says its Kubus has a capacity of 190 MW per year.

The machine has a foot print of 35 m2 and requires a total operating area of 72 m2. At the end of the process, a 6-axis robot picks up the strings, turns them according to polarity. According to Germann, ribbon cutting is avoided from the beginning as length is defined according to interconnection design, which reduces wasting of ribbon considerably. An even more important benefit of the system is its ability to run nonstop, which significantly reduces the system’s cost of ownership, said Germann. Although the required capex for the Kubus is quite high, Germann emphasizes that based on a fair comparison with other high-tech stringers, the M10 stringer would reduce manufacturing costs by about €270,000, primarily because of its high annual production capacity of 190 MW.

Nonstop super high speed: The Kubus from M10 not only has a very high throughput rating of 5,500 cells per hour, it can be loaded with ribbon feeds without stopping the tool, which leads to a very high total uptime of 98%.

Source: M10


Meyer BurgerMeyer Burger mainly promotes its SWCT device to module manufacturers for interconnection of cells (see Chapter 6), but it also still offers traditional stringing equipment for which it sent product specs. Stringer 2000 is one of two products for which the company has supplied data. This tool supports nearly all cell dimensions – 125, 156 and 156.75 mm side length and a thickness raging from 140 to 300 μm. It processes cells with 3 to 5 busbars on the front and as for the rear tab configuration, its machine can be used for both tabbed and interrupted layouts. The busbar spacing is configurable between 30 and 60 mm. The tool can handle a ribbon widths from 1 to 2 mm, with lead or lead-free. Meyer Burger’s machines are based on the so-called SoftTouch soldering principle, a proprietary technology of the company, which accomplishes soldering at temperatures up to 300oC. The machine establishes contacts on 10 to 12 spots per tab. The cells are handled automatically during the entire process and positioned by an optical guidance system. The flux is applied to the ribbon. This way, the Stringer 2000 is processing cells in a dual lane configuration and supports a production flow of 1,900 cells per hour.

The MAS3.8BB model consists of two Stringer 2000 units integrated into one layup machine. Consequently, this integrated solution comes with doubled throughput of 3,800 cells per hour.

MondragonSpanish company Mondragon has also provided the data for two solar cell interconnection models. The MTS 2500 is the latest model, which was introduced this year. A very interesting aspect of this interconnection system is that Mondragon says the tool can process cells from 3 to as many as 8 busbars. That comes at a time when experts still discuss how much sense it makes to move from 5 to 6 busbars. The system also supports interconnecting half-cut cells.

It employs SCARA robots for loading the cells from cassettes to the machine for processing. The cell alignment is done with the help of a vision system with an accuracy of +/-0.2 mm, ribbons alignment is done mechanically at the same accuracy level. Based on IR soldering, this tool establishes series connections at a rate of 2,400 cells per hour.

In a maximum string length of 1,960 mm the tool interconnects up to 12 cells with cell spacing between 10 and 50 mm. The busbar spacing is given as 78 to 75 mm for 2 busbars, 52 mm for 3 busbars, 39 mm for 4 busbars, 31.2 mm for 5 busbars and 26 mm for 6 busbars. The nominal processing capacity is 80 MW per year.

TS2000 is Mondragon’s other model in our survey, but it was introduced to the market 2 years earlier, in 2015. The majority of the specifications of this tool are similar to the above model, however, the tool can process cells with a wider spacing from 2 to 50 – and longer on demand. The busbar spacing is the same but only up to 5 busbars. As the above model, the flux is applied onto the cell in a non-contact manner and it employs IR energy as heat source for soldering, which is accomplished at 220oC. The TS2000 can process up to 1,800 cells per hour in a nominal mode of operation. Though the tool can produce the same maximum string length of 1,960 mm as the new model, its ability to work with cells of 125 mm side length enables the machine to solder up to 15 of such cells into a string. This interconnection device supports an installed annual capacity of 60 MW.

PhototradeP.Energy is offering its products under the name of Phototrade. The reason is not known as the Italian company has not responded to our enquiry seeking clarification. Out of the two models listed in the survey, the TS1800GOLD represents the top configuration. It accepts cells of 180 to 200 μm thickness. The company has not provided details about cassettes configuration, but did mention that the cells are presented to the machine automatically. A camera system, which inspects the cells for cracks before they are fed into the soldering process, is also responsible for cells alignment. Based on IR soldering, this machine processes about 1,800 cells per hour. Except for the throughput, which is 900 cells per hour, most of the specifications of the TS900GOLD are the same as for the TS1800GOLD. The difference in throughput is just because the latter is based on a single lane configuration, while the TS1800GOLD is a dual lane machine.


SchmidGerman company Schmid has provided data for its Multi Busbar Connector, for which details are presented in Chapter 6 Advanced Interconnection Technologies.

TeamtechnikTeamtechnik has provided data for two machines. The TT2100 is a single track machine, the TT4200 is a combination of two TT2100 tools with a shared central cell feeder, both introduced in 2016. That means the TT2100 is the fundamental stringer configuration of the German company.According to Teamtechnik’s Kramer, the interconnection platform can handle cells with up to 6 busbars, and the devices are equipped to handle ribbon dimensions accordingly – with width down to 0.6 mm and thicker ribbons of up to 0.25-0.26 mm.

The machines come with a standard configuration to process 4-busbar cells. They can also process 5 or 6 busbars, whereas customers have to opt for one size either when purchasing the machines or upgrade whenever they are ready to go for a higher number of busbars. Another optional feature of these machines is that they can use round wire for interconnection, in addition to working with grooved ribbons. The tool can handle cells with side lengths of 156 mm as well 156.75 mm as standard, while processing half cells requires some changes in the hardware.

For today and tomorrow: Teamtechnik customers can opt for 5- or 6-busbar cell processing for its TT2100 and TT4200 models, either when purchasing the device or later as an upgrade. The products come with 4-busbar processing as a standard feature.

Source: Teamtechnik


The cells are presented to the machine in up to 5 cassettes in the TT2100 and up to 10 cassettes in the TT4200. The optical alignment is done via a camera assisted robot either onto the cell busbar or edge positioning. Before cells are loaded for processing, they are inspected for cracks, broken edges and disruptions in grid lines. The machine also supports various busbar spacing, between 26 to 52 mm. To be precise – 26 mm, 31.2 mm, 39 mm and 52 mm – respectively for 6, 5, 4, and 3 busbars. The shift from one busbar number to another requires about 2 hours for the TT2100 and about 3 hours for the TT4200. During processing the flux is applied onto the cell’s top and bottom with a controlled micro spray.

As with the previous generation tools, the new TT2100 also uses hold-down devices to separate the soldering process from the cell handling process.

The cells are subjected to pre-heating on the bottom side first, followed by pre-heating on top side by four IR lamps. At the soldering head, there are four IR lamps for heating the top and bottom, and it is also equipped with a pyrometer for measuring the temperature. Based on the pyrometer feedback the power output of the IR module is adjusted from the top to have uniform processing conditions. After the soldering step, the cells are passed through post-heating and cooling zones. Every cells in Teamtechnik’s machines is processed that way. “This is our philosophy that we process one cell at a time,” said Kramer. The TT2100 accomplishes 2,100 cycles per hour, the TT4,200, having two such tracks side by side, accomplishes 4,200 cycles. This translates to average throughputs of 1,840 and 3,680 cells per hour, respectively.

Single and double: The main difference between the two models from Teamtechnik is that the TT2100 is single track machine and the TT4200 is a combination of two TT2100 tools that are operated side by side, sharing a centralized cell feeding unit.

Source: Teamtechnik Source: Teamtechnik


Xcell AutomationXcell Automation has provided data for a brand new machine, called X6, which is set for release in the second half of 2017. The tool comes with several upgrades of which one is its capability to process 6 busbars. An even more important upgrade of the X6 model over the previous X3 is throughput, which is nearly double – now reaching 3,600 cells per hour, based on dual lane configuration. According to Gretler, for the X3 model many process steps are sequential, while many steps in the X6 are parallel. These include ribbon preparation, ribbon cutting, cell loading and cell placing. On the other hand, the X6 has kept some legacy features – one is induction soldering. Induction provides instant temperature feedback and allows a true ‘closed loop’ solder cycle, said Gretler. The approach allows very precise process control down to each busbar level. This soldering process also allows very different types of cells. One example is bifacial technology. “We have been very successful with bifacial cells,” said Gretler. Another aspect carried forward by the X6 is the concept of touching the cell just once. That means right from the loading until the cell enters the preheating station, all of the intermediate steps

– such as cell separation, optical alignment, spray fluxing, optical cell inspection and placement on the preheated chuck – are accomplished with one pick-and-place operation. The X6 model is mainly promoted for its compatibility with various cell architectures like PERC, half-cells and bifacial cells – and larger wafer formats if required.

XN AutomationChina’s XN Automation is present in our survey with two devices. One is the CHn20 model, a multi-busbar connector (see Advanced Interconnection Technologies chapter for details), the other is the CH526, a regular stringer tool.The CH526 is equipped to handle cells with 4 and 5 busbars, 156 mm side length and 160 to 250 µm in thickness. These cells are loaded using cassettes of which the tool can accommodate up to 8 pieces, each with a capacity for 200 cells. The CS526 relies on induction for continuous soldering at a rate of 2,400 cells per hour. The interconnection tool supports shifting between 4 and 5 busbars, which requires 3 to 4 hours. Processing half-cut cells is offered as an option. The maximum string length is 2,000 mm.


Taking the idea of more busbars to the next level, a number of companies have developed so called multi-busbar interconnection machines. Here, instead of employing 4, 5 or even 6 ribbons for realizing interconnection between the cells, several thin copper wires are used.

Meyer Burger and Schmid are the pioneers in multi-busbar technology, although the method employed by each of these European equipment makers is fairly different when looking at the details. GT Advanced had also developed a similar technology, called Merlin, but this solution is not part of the products the US company is actively promoting today. However, based on Schmid’s approach, several other equipment makers from Asia have started developing multi-busbar systems.

The multi-busbar approach eliminates busbars at the cell level. Instead, thin copper wires take over the role of busbars, though at the module level. However, some companies have developed innovative

interconnection approaches that do without busbars completely, even for the module. After taking over the start-up Cogenra, US company SunPower is offering solar modules that are interconnected in a way that resembles overlapping roof tiles, thus eliminating metal strips altogether. The technology was originally developed by US company Solaria, but at recent solar trade shows you could spot the first Chinese module makers to showcase solar modules using shingle technology as well.

6.1 Multi-busbar technologySchmidWhen looking at the degree of deviation from standard interconnection, Schmid’s solution, built on a soldering platform, is not that different but stands out among the advanced interconnection approaches. Schmid’s Multi Busbar Connector (MBC) is not just a concept or an early-stage pilot machine, but a proven product that was introduced in 2011 and is used by a high-tech module manufacturer in commercial production.

6. Advanced Interconnection Technologies

Special cells: Implementing Schmid’s MBC technology requires use of busbar-less cells, which have soldering pads at regular intervals to attach each of the 12 wires. The standard is 22 pads today, but this can be changed.

Source: Schmid


Similar to many other interconnection machines, Schmid’s tool relies on an IR heat source for the soldering process. As mentioned above, the major conceptual change associated with MBC is that it uses 360 µm thin copper wires instead of the flat solar ribbons to realize cell interconnection. But, like typical solar ribbons used in the current production, these copper wires are also coated with solder composite tin (62)-lead (36)-silver (2); the only difference is the thickness, which is 12 µm. While the rest of the module making process remains unchanged, MBC does have some special provisions at the cell level.

Schmid’s technology is only applicable for so called busbar-less cells. Such cells are not common, but processing them is not difficult at all. All it needs is changing the metallization pattern layout in the screen by providing soldering pads to attach each wire. Schmid provides a number of 22 pads as a reference, but it can vary if customers prefer more or less pads. The soldering pads within the cell are circular in shape with a diameter of about 400 µm, while those at the cell edges are rectangular in shape with a dimension of 400 µm wide and 1.5 mm long in order to provide superior soldering strength. As for the number of wires, the standard is 12 wires, but customers can opt between 8 and 15 wires. Thus, busbar spacing varies accordingly.

The system processes the cells in a sunny-side up fashion. The wires are held by special parallel grippers. A motion-axis system together with a high-precision imaging system ensures precise placement of the cell with an accuracy of 0.05 mm, so that the

wires can be precisely aligned to the small soldering pads. The wires are fluxed inside the machine to solder them to the cells’ “front-to-back.” The soldering process is accomplished on a preheated chuck. Based on a dual-lane configuration, MBC can process 1,600 cells per hour when referring to 10 cells per string. The tool can accommodate up to 12 cells per string or 24 half-cut cells. Schmid’s interconnection system has a rated uptime of 92%, mechanical yield losses are said to remain below 0.5%.

The circular copper wires not only result in shading compared to standard ribbons, the light hitting the round copper wire is reflected back onto the cell surface, thereby improving light harvesting. On top, said Christian Buchner, vice president of Schmid Group’s PV business, the total copper cross section from 12 wires is higher than typical 3-, 4- or 5-busbar ribbons. This multi-busbar approach reduces the finger length, which also enables reducing the finger width. Lowering finger width after reducing the length has a dual effect; it decreases shading losses as well as silver paste consumption without increasing resistance losses. All this together results in a 10 W power gain for a 60 cell module based on 4-busbar cells, emphasized Buchner.

Buchner also underlines that the MBC concept reduces silver paste usage on the front side down to 55 mg compared to 90 mg for a typical 4-busbar cell. Another benefit of the approach is that – except for the interconnection step – nothing is required to be changed in the module assembly process. While the wire may appear special, it is a commodity available

Low shading, high cross section: The circular wire employed by Schmid’s MBC device not only reduces effective shading compared to standard ribbons, it improves light harvesting. On top, the total copper cross section from the 12 wires is higher than typical 3-, 4- or 5-busbar ribbons, which reduces effective resistance.

Source: Schmid


from many sources at a price comparable to typical solar ribbon products, which means no extra manufacturing costs, according to Buchner.Schmid’s technology has found a first major customer. High-efficiency solar module manufacturer LG from Korea is an early adaptor of the technology using MBC tools for 400 MW of its production capacity.

Following Schmid’s lead, a number of Asian tool makers have also developed thin copper wires based interconnection solutions.

XN AutomationXN Automation has provided data for an interconnection tool, called CHn20, that looks similar to Schmid’s MBC. However, the Chinese equipment maker has not replied to our enquiry about the specialty or differences associated with its tools. The system can handle up to 12 busbars. The cells are automatically loaded from one of 8 cassettes, the tool can accommodate. The flux is applied on the ribbon and placed for soldering with an accuracy of +/- 1 mm. Based on induction soldering, this dual lane configuration interconnects a maximum of 1,850 cells per hour.

AutowellStringing equipment supplier Autowell is also offering a multi-busbar interconnection machine, but the

company has not provided specs for our product table – that’s why it is not listed. Still, it looks like Autowell has taken the concept to the next level.

The Chinese interconnection market leader has developed a very flexible interconnection platform, called MS30A. In addition to providing wide options for multi-busbar interconnection, this machine can also be configured using standard copper strips for processing cells with 3 to 6 busbars. In other words, the MS30A is a tool aimed at providing interconnection technology for module manufacturers’ requirements today and tomorrow.

According to a product data sheet from Autowell, for multi-busbar cells the MS30A allows to choose the number of interconnecting copper wires between 12 to 16, which is further expandable up to 24. The busbar spacing is adjustable between 2 to 6 mm, but can go up to 50 mm for the standard busbars configuration. The tools can also process half cells. The maximum string length is 2,000 mm, consisting of up to 12 standard size cells or 24 half-cut cells.

At the SNEC trade show in Shanghai in spring 2017, vertically integrated solar module manufacturer Trina showed a technical paper highlighting that optimized 12-busbar design in a multicrystalline module has a potential to improve the power by 8 to 10 W.

Everything is possible: The MS30A (not listed in the survey) from Autowell is advertised to be capable of supporting every trend in busbars – all the way from 3 to 6 busbars and multi busbars with wire count ranging between 12 to 18, which is expandable to 24 max.

Source: Autowell


6.2 Smart Wire Connection Technology Meyer Burger calls its advanced interconnection approach Smart Wire Connection Technology (SWCT). The technology was initially developed by Day4 Energy, which was acquired by Meyer Burger. The process employs thin wires used as interconnection media instead of solar ribbons. The wires are round copper wires coated with a low melting-point alloy consisting of 50% indium. The alloy layer is about 3 to 5 μm in thickness. The wires are embedded in a polymer foil that is placed onto the cell and the stack is laminated, after which the wires are bonded to the cell’s metallization.

While this sounds very different, SWCT basically follows a typical cell connection process sequence but employs customized equipment. The process also employs a stringer, called Cell Connection System, for putting the wires on top and bottom of the cell to connect the positive side to the negative side. One big difference compared to the standard process is that SWCT wires have to be prepared in a way that they are embedded into a foil. For this purpose, a roll-to-roll machine is used, which prepares the foil wire assembly spool that is loaded into the Cell Connection System. The tool puts the wire foil assembly on top of one cell and the bottom of the subsequent cell. This creates the first contact between wires and fingers of the cell. The

melting point of the wire coating is much higher than the temperature during the stringing process, which does not exceed 140 to 150oC, according to Franck Genonceau, PV business manager at Meyer Burger. After a string of 10 to 12 cells is formed, it is interconnected as part of a matrix. The final connection between wires and cells is established during the lamination process.

The advantages of SWCT are similar to any multi-wire connection technology. Moving away from busbars on cells increases the power of the module due to lower resistivity losses and reduced shading. Even more important is the reduction of silver consumption. According to Genonceau, the exclusive benefits of the technology are that SWCT completely eliminates the busbars on cells, unlike other multi-busbar approaches, which still require pads to connect the wires. With SWCT, every finger is contacted with wire. Moreover, Meyer Burger’s approach does not need high alignment, he emphasized. While the company has evaluated several configurations with different numbers of wires, 18 is currently the standard. With a diameter of 200 μm, these wires have a similar absolute shading level of 3.6 mm compared to about 4 mm for 4 busbars. However, the effective shading is much less due to their circular shape, which has a lower contact area and also reflects a major portion

Plug & play: Meyer Burger offers its Smart Wire Connection Technology (SWCT) as part of a plug & play full module production line.

Source: Meyer Burger


of the light back onto the module, said Genonceau. As for consumables, Meyer Burger says it has qualified suppliers for wires, foils and encapsulants. “We attained a TUV certificate using this specific bill of materials (BOM),” said Genonceau. Due to its low processing temperature SWCT is a perfect fit for heterojunction technology, but can be used for other cell technologies as well. “Any high-efficiency cell architecture can benefit from SWCT,” said Genonceau.

Using SWCT technology, Meyer Burger produced modules with an output power of 330 W, based on 60 heterojunction cells with an efficiency of 22.8%. Meyer Burger claims it can attain a 6% higher power compared to the 3-busbar layout and a silver reduction of 83% at the cell level.

Module manufacturers interested in using SWCT require a different tool set – an additional device to prepare the foil, a different stringer and a different matrix assembly system. While any kind of laminator can be used, Meyer Burger suggests using its own product. The SWCT line has a production capacity of around 90 MW per year. If used with heterojunction architecture, the normalized module conversion costs will be reduced by 3.5%, according to Meyer Burger.

6.3 ShinglesThe new multi-busbar approaches as well as SWCT still use wires to connect cells in a module – the major difference compared to traditional ribbon-based stringing is the number, the size and the shape of the wires. But there are solar companies that have developed solutions that don’t need interconnection media between the cells in solar panels at all.

Cogenra Cogenra has developed an innovative cell process in which the cells are connected to each other in a similar fashion to a shingle structure of tiles placed on roofs. That means the cells are connected with

a slight overlap at the ends unlike with standard technology, where cells are sitting next to each other and are connected by means of ribbons that run from the top of one cell to the bottom of the adjacent one. Cogenra developed a process called Dense Cell Interconnect (DCI) technology, which was originally for concentrating PV (CPV), but tweaked the process to work for standard solar cells as well. In March 2015, the company showed that a 72-cell panel can produce 400 W when interconnected their way, while a module based on standard design using the same cells reached a maximum of 350 W. SunPower acquired Cogenra in mid-2015 and commercialized the technology with its Performance series (P-Series).

Solaria Solaria has developed a similar interconnection method. The approach of the company involvescells that are scribed and cut into uniform strips, then interconnection is accomplished by overlapping the cells. Bankrupt company SunEdison had licensed the technology from Solaria for its ‘Zero White Space’ modules. Solaria also offers the product directly – its Power XT model comes with a power rating of 330 W and 19.3% efficiency.

With the shingle interconnection technology offering a very attractive way of designing high-power modules, the technology has become an IP topic. Solaria started a patent lawsuit against Chinese companies GCL, Seraphim and Autoway; Cogenra began a case against SolarCity (now part of Tesla) for IP violation. While most of the interconnection equipment makers are carefully observing the outcome of this IP conflict, Autowell is offering an interconnection tool that enables shingles-style interconnection. Except for the name, CHR150-M10S, the company has not provided any further details. However, at the last SNEC show, a number of Chinese module makers exhibited shingle-style modules. For more details on shingle cells and panels check our recent Advanced Solar Module Technology Report 2017.




7. ConclusionsInterconnection is a crucial step in moduleassembly. That’s what Chinese equipment makers have understood, who have apparently improved technology to a level that is now good enough for the world’s leading module makers, which are all based in China as well. Today, the world’s largest interconnection tool suppliers are coming from China – lead by Autowell, Confirmware, and a few others.

However, the interconnection machine with the highest throughput is still offered by a Western company. M10’s model Kobus processes 5,500 cells per hour. It also comes at the highest sales price, but it is a Rolls-Royce that doesn’t leave any wishes open for interconnection of standard cell technology.

Higher throughput is on the agenda of most stringer manufacturers. Of the 2 new models in this survey introduced in 2017, Xcell Automation’s X6 comes

with a throughput of up to 3,600 cells per hour, that’s twice the throughput of its X3 model.

On the technology front, the ability to process cells with a quickly increasing number of busbars is certainly the hottest topic. While the 3-busbar layout dominated the interconnection process last year, 4 busbars have become the new standard, boosting power ratings by about 2%. Many module makers have already entered commercial production of 5 busbars, and the first have started offering 6-busbar cells, although opinions vary on the benefits of the last expansion step. But even if there is no performance benefit, the higher number of busbars is certainly an eye catcher and a differentiation factor for a commodity product. While all stringers listed in our surveys can process 5-busbar cells, a number of devices offer optional 6-busbar soldering, and the first are available that can deal with 6-busbar cells in

Meyer Burger’s SmartWire Connection Technology (SWCT) is a cost effective method of connecting solar cells. Employing multiple wires instead of conventional ribbons, SWCT enhances solar module performance significantly.

Boris RosensteinExecutive President/CEOSolarTech Universal LLC

“Higher efficiency at lower costs”

New SWCT Integrated Module Line impresses with hard facts: Up to 6% higher module power Up to 83% less silver in cell production Compatible with mono-crystalline and bifacial solar cells,

e.g. high efficiency HJT cells

Get to know our know-how:meyerburger.com


their standard versions. Mondragon from Spain even offers a stringer capable of handling up to 8-busbar cells.

Processing half-cut cells, though not complex, negatively affects throughput in module production, but brings the benefit of higher module power. The technology is still a niche, but in order to meet the module power rating criteria of the Chinese Top Runner project, many module makers in China are currently adding half-cell production capacities.

Bonding based solutions are not yet even a niche. Its further progress mainly depends on the wide spread commercialization of low-temperature-based cell architectures, such as heterojunction solar cells. Still, several equipment makers in this survey have been looking into this technology, the first even have their devices ready for processing cells with adhesive contacts. The multi-busbar module approach is very interesting, especially because of its potential to reduce silver paste consumption. The concept is not wide spread at all, but at the recent SNEC show in April 2017 in Shanghai a number of module manufacturers displayed products using such cells (although not yet commercially available). The complexity is high with these tools, as high accuracy is needed for the many and thin wire connections, so it will be interesting to see if and when this approach will really take off (ITRPV expects a 40% share in 10 years) – and who will own that space. After one of the two pioneers, Schmid from Germany cooperated with a Korean equipment maker to supply machines to LG, this company started to offer a multi-busbar machine on its own (not listed in this survey). However, next to the machine from Schmid, two multi-busbar machines from Chinese suppliers are listed in this survey. Another advanced

cell connection technology is being offered by Meyer Burger, which uses 18 wires embedded in a polymer foil to connect the solar cells. So while it looks like multi-busbar technology is getting traction among equipment makers and starts to attract the attention of module makers, it will be interesting to see the further market development of Meyer Burger’s proprietary solution.

Solar modules using shingle-type connected cells are a very exciting means to increase module power – and the first commercial equipment solution is available. But IP owned by few companies might limit – or at least delay – its expansion through the channels of the largest module manufacturers. Still, the first Chinese equipment makers are offering devices to connect cells like shingles.

In summary, it is likely that Chinese equipment makers will gain more market share, also beyond their home market as module makers from China increasingly establish production facility outside their country and use lower-cost Made-in-China equipment. With the world leading module producers all coming from China, it is obvious that Chinese interconnection suppliers increasingly dominate this market segment.

Today’s markets and customers for western manufacturers are almost exclusively outside China and non-Chinese companies, which appreciate products made in Europe or the US. However, if Chinese companies are able to continue to improve their cell interconnection products at rather low prices – and also manage to set up international sales and maintenance structures, they have chances to expand into these markets as well.


8. Product Specifications TableTaiyangNews Market Survey Cell Interconnection EquipmentCompany Aaron Autowell

Product name ARCF-1600 NAAvailable since 2014 2013

Made in Korea China

Cell specificationsCell dimensions / thickness 156 x 156 / 140 µm – / 160-300 µm

Number of busbars – standard / maximum 4 - 5 BB / – 3 - 5 BB / –

Rear tab layout supported Continuous Tabbed rear tab

Busbar spacing – 0 - 50 mm, precision: ±0.5 mm

Ribbons specificationsRibbon width / thickness 1 - 2 mm / 0.1 - 0.25 mm 0.9 - 3.0 mm / 0.16 - 0.32 mm

Solder coating of ribbon All kinds All kinds

Compatible with grooved ribbon / colored ribbon Yes / – Yes / yes

System setupCell loading Automatic Manual cell cassette loading

Number of cassettes / substrates per cassette 5 / 300 cells; full cells only 4 / 200 cells

Cell inspection method Vision system Vision system w. camera

Cell inspection parameters Cracks –

Cell alignment method / positioning accuracy Vision system Camera guided (busbar detection) / –

Flux applied on (cell or ribbon) / application method No flux / CF system Cell / spray

Ribbon positioning method / positioning accuracy – / ± 0.2 Mech.: 0.2 mm / 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm: less than 3% / >0.3 mm: less than 0.3%

Soldering technology / temperature Low bonding system. Hot bar system / – IR / –*2

Number of solder points per tab Bar system Continuous

Number of parallel lanes of processing Double lane Double lane

Cell transport - tabbing / stringing Conveyor & XY robot Teflon belt conveyor

String unloading Auto Manual or lay-up

System dimensions 4,65 x 1,28 x 2 m 8.3 x 3. 5 m x 2.35 m*3

Weight 2,721 kg 3,000 kg

Performance parametersChange over time between number of busbars 4BB / 5BB fixed system 30 minutes

Tabbing and stringing is simultaneous Two step Simultaneous

Cycle time 2.6 sec 1.06 min/module

Maximum throughput >1,600 cells/h 3,400 cells/h

Average throughput >1,400 cells/h 3,400 cells/h

Number of cells per string 12 10 - 12

Cell spacing 3 mm 0 - 50 mm, precision: ±0.2mm

Maximum string length 1,900 mm 2,000 mm

Annual production capacity – 70 MW

Supports half cell processing – Yes

Mechanical yield 90% 95%

Total system uptime 97% Poly: ≤0.2%, mono: ≤0.3%

Utilities & consumptionCompressed air pressure / consumption 5.5 bar /1000 l/min 5 - 7 bar

Maximum power / consumption 24 kW / – –

Notes*1 spray onto cell surface (controlled valve & nozzle): Start and finish position can be set*2 with a holding patented wire frame*3 width required with boom rotation: 3485 mm, length required with boom rotation: 8370 mm

Source: © TaiyangNews 2017


TaiyangNews Market Survey Cell Interconnection EquipmentCompany ConfirmWare Ecoprogetti

Product name KFW III-H ETS2100Available since 2016 2016

Made in China Italy

Cell specificationsCell dimensions / thickness 125 x 125,156 x 156, 125 x 78, 156 x 78 mm /

160 - 300 μm156 x 156 - 156.75 x 156.75 mm / 160-300 µm

Number of busbars – standard / maximum 2 BB / 125; 3 ,4 ,5 BB / 156 4 - 5 BB standard*1

Rear tab layout supported Continuous Both

Busbar spacing 3 BB / 52 mm, 4 BB / 39 mm, 5 BB / 30.8 & 31.2 mm

3 BB / 52 mm /, 4 BB / 39 mm / , 5 BB / 31,2 mm

Ribbons specificationsRibbon width / thickness 0.8 - 3.2mm / 0.18 - 0.32 mm 1 - 2 mm / 0.1 - 0.2 mm


Compatible with grooved ribbon / colored ribbon Yes / yes Yes / yes

System setupCell loading Automatic Automatic

Number of cassettes / substrates per cassette 4 / 200 cells 4 - 6 / 200 cells, full cells only

Cell inspection method Vision system w. camera Camera*2

Cell inspection parameters Side tear/corner tear/crack/cell reversal/sur-face stain

Chips, cracks, cell alignment

Cell alignment method / positioning accuracy CCD detection and robot positioning / – Optical / ± 0.1 mm

Flux applied on (cell or ribbon) / application method Ribbon / smear method Ribbon / immersion

Ribbon positioning method / positioning accuracy Mech. / ±0.2mm Mech. & opt. with camera / ± 0.1mm

Soldering technology / temperature IR / 200oC Hot air & contact; IR opt. / 360oC

Number of solder points per tab – Continuous or configurable points


Cell transport - tabbing / stringing Teflon transmitation belt Conveyor

String unloading Automatic joint layup/manual layup Automatic with unloading belt & flipping device

System dimensions 6.1 x 2.16 x 2.065 m 3.88 x 1.32 x 1.95 m


Performance parametersChange over time between number of busbars 1 h 0.5 h

Tabbing and stringing is simultaneous Simultaneous Simultaneous

Cycle time 1.33 sec 1.8 sec tabbed & stringed on 2 lines

Maximum throughput 3,000 cells/h -

Average throughput 2,700 cells/h 2,100 cells/h

Number of cells per string 1 - 12 1 - 12

Cell spacing 0.5 - 50 mm 2 - 8 mm


Annual production capacity 65 MW 60 - 70 MW

Supports half cell processing Yes No

Mechanical yield ≥ 99.8% 97%

Total system uptime ≥95% 99.5%

Utilities & consumptionCompressed air pressure / consumption 6 - 8 bar / 1,200 l/min 6 bar / 780 Nl/min

Maximum power / consumption 25 kW / 8 kWh/h 20 kW / 6 kWh/h

Notes*1 3 as optional, max. 5 bus bars*2 for detecting broken cells & for alignment



TaiyangNews Market Survey Cell Interconnection EquipmentCompany M10 Industries Meyer Burger

Product name KUBUS MTS 5000 Stringer 2000Available since 2015 2014

Made in Germany Europe

Cell specificationsCell dimensions / thickness – / 160 - 250 125 x 125 (± 0.2), 156 x 156 (± 0.2), 156.75 x

156.75 (± 0.2) / 140 - 300 μm

Number of busbars – standard / maximum 3 - 6 BB / – 3 - 5 BB / –

Rear tab layout supported – Continuous or interrupted

Busbar spacing 26 - 78 mm 30 - 60 mm

Ribbons specificationsRibbon width / thickness > 0.6 mm / – 1-2 mm / –


Compatible with grooved ribbon / colored ribbon Yes / – No / no


Number of cassettes / substrates per cassette – / buffer 5,600; supp. half-cell 10 / –

Cell inspection method Vision system w. camera Vision system

Cell inspection parameters Contour, size c- and v-chips, pin holes, print –

Cell alignment method / positioning accuracy – / ± 0,1mm Vision system / ± 0.25mm 0.3°

Flux applied on (cell or ribbon) / application method Cell / self-cleaning system Ribbon / –

Ribbon positioning method / positioning accuracy – / 0,1mm – / ± 0.4mm

Soldering technology / temperature IR / 240°C Soft-touch soldering / up to 300°C

Number of solder points per tab Continuous 12 points @ 6 inch

Number of parallel lanes of processing 6 cells at once Double lane

Cell transport - tabbing / stringing Transport and soldering on carbon trays Conveyor

String unloading Automatic 6 axis robot Automatic

System dimensions 35m² 9.23 x 1.64 x 2.38 m

Weight 17,.000 Kg ~ 5,000 kg

Performance parametersChange over time between number of busbars 5 - 6 h < 1 h


Cycle time 48 sec p module –

Maximum throughput 5,500 cells/h 2,000 cells/h


Number of cells per string < 12 10 - 12

Cell spacing 1.5 - 15 mm 1.5 - 15 mm


Annual production capacity 170 MW > 60 MW

Supports half cell processing Yes Yes

Mechanical yield > 98.4% 95%

Total system uptime > 98% 95%

Utilities & consumptionCompressed air pressure / consumption 6 bar / 700 l/min 6 bar / –

Maximum power / consumption 50 kW / 38 kWh/h 56 kW / 12 kWh/h

Notes



TaiyangNews Market Survey Cell Interconnection EquipmentCompany Meyer Burger Mondragon

Product name MAS3.8BB TS 2000Available since 2014 2015

Made in Europe Spain

Cell specificationsCell dimensions / thickness 125 x 125 (± 0.2), 156 x 156 (± 0.2), 156.75 x

156.75 (± 0.2) / 140 - 300 μm 156 x 156 mm & cut cells 160 - 300 µm

Number of busbars – standard / maximum 3 - 5 BB / – 2, 3, 4, 5 BB / –

Rear tab layout supported Continuous or interrupted –

Busbar spacing 30 - 60 mm 2BB / 78 o 75, 3BB / 52, 4BB / 39, 5BB / 31.2 mm

Ribbons specificationsRibbon width / thickness – –

Solder coating of ribbon All kinds Lead

Compatible with grooved ribbon / colored ribbon No / no Optional

System setupCell loading Automatic Scara robot

Number of cassettes / substrates per cassette 10 / – 5 / 200 cells; supp. half-cell

Cell inspection method Vision system Vision system

Cell inspection parameters – Cracks, bus continuity, grid quality, surface defects

Cell alignment method / positioning accuracy Vision system / ± 0.25mm 0.3° Vision system / ± 0,2 mm

Flux applied on (cell or ribbon) / application method Ribbon / – Cell / auto. contact-less

Ribbon positioning method / positioning accuracy – / ± 0.4mm Mech / ±0.2mm

Soldering technology / temperature Soft Touch soldering / up to 300°C IR / 220oC

Number of solder points per tab 12 points @ 6 inch Continuous


Cell transport - tabbing / stringing Conveyor Belt

String unloading Automatic Automatic, on glass

System dimensions 10 x 10 x 3.4 m 5. 9 X 2 X 2.1 m

Weight ~ 1,7000 kg 4,200 Kg

Performance parametersChange over time between number of busbars < 1 h 8 h (1 person)


Cycle time – 2 sec



Number of cells per string 10 - 12 12, 15*1

Cell spacing 1.5 - 15 mm 2.5 - 50 mm (longer on request)


Annual production capacity > 120 MW 60 MW


Mechanical yield 95% 90%

Total system uptime 95% 95%

Utilities & consumptionCompressed air pressure / consumption 6 bar / – 5 bar / 1200 Nl/min

Maximum power / consumption 137 kW / 32 kWh/h – / 26 kWh/h

Notes*1 125 mm side length



TaiyangNews Market Survey Cell Interconnection EquipmentCompany Mondragon Phototrade

Product name MTS 2500 TS900GOLDAvailable since 2017 2011

Made in Spain Italy

Cell specificationsCell dimensions / thickness 156 x 156 mm & cut cells 160 - 300 µm – / 180 - 200 µm

Number of busbars – standard / maximum 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 BB / – 3, 4, 5 BB / –

Rear tab layout supported Both Both

Busbar spacing 2 BB / 78 o 75, 3 BB / 52, 4 BB / 39 / 5 BB / 31.2 mm, 6 BB / 26 mm

–

Ribbons specificationsRibbon width / thickness 2 - 0.6mm / – – / 0.12 mm

Solder coating of ribbon Lead All kinds

Compatible with grooved ribbon / colored ribbon No / no Optional

System setupCell loading Scara robot Automatic

Number of cassettes / substrates per cassette – / – ; supp. half-cell – / – ; supp. half-cell

Cell inspection method Vision system Camera

Cell inspection parameters Cracks, bus continuity, surface defects Cracks

Cell alignment method / positioning accuracy Vision system / ± 0,2 mm Camera system / –

Flux applied on (cell or ribbon) / application method Cell / auto. contact-less – / bath or spray

Ribbon positioning method / positioning accuracy Mech / ±0.2mm – / 0.01 mm

Soldering technology / temperature IR / – IR / –

Number of solder points per tab Continuous Continuous

Number of parallel lanes of processing Single lane Single lane

Cell transport - tabbing / stringing Belt Conveyor

String unloading Automatic, on glass Automatic lay-up


Weight 3,000 Kg 2,050 kg

Performance parametersChange over time between number of busbars 8 h (1 person) 30 minutes


Cycle time 1.44 sec 4.0 sec

Maximum throughput 2,500 cells/h 930 cells/h

Average throughput 2,400 cells/h 900 cells/h


Cell spacing 10 - 50 mm 1.5 - 150 mm


Annual production capacity 80 MW 30 MW


Mechanical yield 99.5% 96%

Total system uptime 95% 98%

Utilities & consumptionCompressed air pressure / consumption 5 - 6 bar / 600 Nl/min 7 bar / –

Maximum power / consumption 40 KW / – 22 KW / –

List price List price €310,000 - €360,000 €195,000



TaiyangNews Market Survey Cell Interconnection EquipmentCompany Phototrade Schmid

Product name TS1800GOLD Multibusbar connectorAvailable since 2012 2011

Made in Italy Schmid Korea (South Korea)

Cell specificationsCell dimensions / thickness – / 180 - 200 µm 156 x 156, 156.76 x 156.76 / –

Number of busbars – standard / maximum 3, 4, 5 BB / – 8 - 15 wires possible

Rear tab layout supported Both –

Busbar spacing – – *1

Ribbons specificationsRibbon width / thickness – / 0.12 mm –

Solder coating of ribbon All kinds –

Compatible with grooved ribbon / colored ribbon Optional –


Number of cassettes / substrates per cassette – / – ; supp. half-cell –

Cell inspection method Camera Vision system

Cell inspection parameters Cracks –

Cell alignment method / positioning accuracy Camera system / – –

Flux applied on (cell or ribbon) / application method – / bath or spray Wire / –

Ribbon positioning method / positioning accuracy – / 0.01 mm –

Soldering technology / temperature IR / – IR / –

Number of solder points per tab Continuous –

Number of parallel lanes of processing Double lane –

Cell transport - tabbing / stringing Conveyor –

String unloading Automatic lay-up –



Performance parametersChange over time between number of busbars 45 minutes –

Tabbing and stringing is simultaneous Simultaneous –

Cycle time 4.0 sec –

Maximum throughput 930 cells/h 1,600 cells/h

Average throughput 900 cells/h 1,200 cells/h


Cell spacing 1.5 - 150 mm 2.6 - 3.2 mm

Maximum string length 2,900 mm –

Annual production capacity 60 MW –


Mechanical yield 96% –

Total system uptime 98% –

Utilities & consumptionCompressed air pressure / consumption 7 bar / – – / 4,000 l/min

Maximum power / consumption 40 KW / – 120 kW

Notes*1 it varies up to string numbers



TaiyangNews Market Survey Cell Interconnection EquipmentCompany Teamtechnik Teamtechnik

Product name TT2100 TT4200 GIGAAvailable since 2016 2016

Made in Germany Germany

Cell specificationsCell dimensions / thickness 156 - 156.75 (+ - 0.5) mm / 160 - 220 µm 156 - 156.75 (+ - 0.5) mm / 160 - 220 µm

Number of busbars – standard / maximum 4 BB Standard*1 4 BB Standard*1

Rear tab layout supported Continuous and segmented*2 Continuous and segmented*2

Busbar spacing 3 BB / 52 mm, 4 BB / 39 mm, 5 BB / 31,2 mm, 6 BB / 26 mm

3 BB / 52 mm, 4 BB / 39 mm, 5 BB / 31,2 mm, 6 BB / 26 mm

Ribbons specificationsRibbon width / thickness > 0.6 mm / – > 0.6 mm

Solder coating of ribbon All kinds*3 All kinds*3

Compatible with grooved ribbon / colored ribbon Optional / optional {round wire} Optional / optional {round wire}

System setupCell loading Automatic*4 Automatic*4

Number of cassettes / substrates per cassette 5 / –; half-cell opt. 10 / –; half-cell opt.

Cell inspection method Vision system w. camera Vision system w. camera

Cell inspection parameters Cell damages Cell damages

Cell alignment method / positioning accuracy Busbars or to cell edges / ± 0,1 mm Busbars or to cell edges / ± 0,1 mm

Flux applied on (cell or ribbon) / application method Cell / micro dosing system Cell/ micro dosing system

Ribbon positioning method / positioning accuracy Mech. & hold-down device / ± 0,2 mm Mech. & hold-down device / ± 0,2 mm

Soldering technology / temperature IR / 220ºC IR / 220ºC

Number of solder points per tab – –

Number of parallel lanes of processing Single lane Double lane

Cell transport - tabbing / stringing Vacuum transport system Vacuum transport system

String unloading Automatic flipping unit; opt. lay-up Automatic flipping unit; opt. lay-up



Performance parametersChange over time between number of busbars 2 h 3 h

Tabbing and stringing is simultaneous String assembly is done prior soldering String assembly is done prior soldering

Cycle time 1.71 sec 0.855 sec




Cell spacing 2 - 8 mm 2 - 8 mm


Annual production capacity 65 MW 130 MW


Mechanical yield ≥ 95% ≥ 95%

Total system uptime ≥ 95% ≥ 95%

Utilities & consumptionCompressed air pressure / consumption 1 bar / 400 l/min 1 bar / 600 l/min

Maximum power / consumption – /13.3 kWh/h – / 19.9 kWh/h

Notes*1 as an option 3, 4, 5, 6 BB*2 BB on the top and bottom side*3 recommended tin thickness: 20-25 µm*4 automatic changeover of carriers. Manual loading of cells into carrier

*1 as an option 3, 4, 5, 6 BB*2 BB on the top and bottom side*3 recommended tin thickness on ribbon: 20-25 µm, average measured*4 automatic changeover of carriers. Manual loading of cells into carrier



TaiyangNews Market Survey Cell Interconnection EquipmentCompany Xcell Automation XN Automation XN Automation

Product name X6 CH526 (Stringer) CHn20 (Stringer)Available since 2017 – –

Made in USA China China

Cell specificationsCell dimensions / thickness 156 x 156 mm, 156 x 78 mm /

120 - 300 µm156 x 156 mm / 160 - 250 µm 156 x 156 mm / 160 - 250 µm

Number of busbars – standard / maximum 4 - 6 BB / – 4 - 5 BB / – 12 BB / –

Rear tab layout supported Both – –

Busbar spacing 26 - 80 mm – –

Ribbons specificationsRibbon width / thickness 0.6 - 2.5 mm / 0.1 mm - 0.3

mm– –

Solder coating of ribbon All kinds All kinds All kinds

Compatible with grooved ribbon / colored ribbon Optional – –

System setupCell loading Automatic Automatic Automatic

Number of cassettes / substrates per cassette 12 / – 8 / 200 cells 8 / 200 cells

Cell inspection method Vision system Camera Camera

Cell inspection parameters Cracks, cell orientation, BB position, BB spacing

– –

Cell alignment method / positioning accuracy Camera guided / ± 0.2 mm – –

Flux applied on (cell or ribbon) / application method Cell / spray (contact-less) Cell / – Ribbon / –

Ribbon positioning method / positioning accuracy Mech. / ± 0.3mm – / ± 0.2mm – / ± 0.1mm

Soldering technology / temperature High-frequency induction (closed loop) / –

Induction / – Induction / –

Number of solder points per tab Continuous Continuous Continuous

Number of parallel lanes of processing Double lane Double lane Double lane

Cell transport - tabbing / stringing – Conveyor (moving fork) Conveyor (moving fork)

String unloading Manual or lay-up – –

System dimensions 5.982 x 2.02 x 1.988 m 6.7 x 2.36 x 2.28 m 6.7 x 2.36 x 2.28 m

Weight 3,500 kg 2,800 kg 2,800 kg

Performance parametersChange over time between number of busbars 2 - 4 h 3 - 4 h –

Tabbing and stringing is simultaneous Simultaneous – –

Cycle time – 1.47 sec 2 sec

Maximum throughput 3,600 cells/h 2,450 cells/h 1,850 cells/h

Average throughput 3,600 cells/h 2,400 cells/h 1,800 cells/h

Number of cells per string 3 - 12 – –

Cell spacing 2 - 40 mm – –

Maximum string length 2,000 mm 2,000 mm 2,000 mm

Annual production capacity 120 MW*1 80 MW 60 MW

Supports half cell processing Yes Optional Optional

Mechanical yield 88% 96% 95%

Total system uptime 95% 98% 97%

Utilities & consumptionCompressed air pressure / consumption 5.5 bar / 730 I/min 5 - 8 bar / 1,000 l/min 5 - 8 bar / 1,000 l/min

Maximum power / consumption 8 kW / 4kWh/h 15 kW / – 20 kW / –

Notes *1 4.3 W, 22.5 hr/day, 342 days p.a



TaiyangNew Reports & Market Surveys in H2/2017

Product Publication Date* Launch Event Language Topic

Market Survey 23-Aug-17 EN Wet-chemical Benches

Market Survey 30-Aug-17 EN Aluminum Oxide Deposition Systems

Market Survey 12-Sep-17 EN Cell Interconnection Equipment

Report 20-Sep-17 REI Expo Delhi EN & CN Advanced Module Technologies

Report 26-Sep-17 EU PVSEC Amsterdam

EN & CN Solar Wafer Technologies

Market Survey 1-Oct-17 EN Luminescence Imaging Systems

Report 18-Oct-17 PVCEC Beijing EN & CN Heterojunction Cell Technology

Market Survey 1-Nov-17 EN Screen Printers

Market Survey 15-Nov-17 EN Encapsulation Materials

Report 5-Dec-17 Intersolar Mumbai EN & CN Solar Glass & Coatings

TaiyangNews will be publishing 10 market surveys and reports in H2/2017.

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