Ultrashort‐Pulse Laser Structuring of Thin‐Film Solar Modules: Quicker and more precise manufacturing for higher module power

A thin‐film photovoltaic module is made up of individual solar cells, which are monolithically connected in series via micro scribing. Depending on the semiconductor material used for electric energy production, the connection today can be made by lasers or mechanical tools. Of all thin‐film technologies, it just happens to be CIGS technology with its high potential in terms of efficiency which is nowadays wasting power. This is because two of three structures are scribed with a mechanical tool thus loosing valuable module surface. This article presents first results of a completely laser‐connected CIGS module from the BMBF‐funded joint research program T4nPV as well as fundamental investigations of laser‐based scribing processes.