Method of fabricating a solar cell array
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
InventorsAngelo G. Lazzery, Marvin S. Crouthamel, Peter J. Coyle
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Abstract
A first set of pre-tabbed solar cells are assembled in a predetermined array with at least part of each tab facing upward, each tab being fixed to a bonding pad on one cell and abutting a bonding pad on an adjacent cell. The cells are held in place with a first vacuum support. The array is then inverted onto a second vacuum support which holds the tabs firmly against the cell pads they abut. The cells are exposed to radiation to melt and reflow the solder pads for bonding the tab portions not already fixed to bonding pads to these pads.
Claims8
A method of fabricating a solar cell array in which each cell is pretabbed comprising:
- assembling the tabbed cells in a predetermined array with at least part of each tab facing upward, each tab being fixed to a bonding pad on one cell and abutting a bonding pad on an adjacent cell;
- holding the cells in place with a first vacuum support means;
- inverting the array onto a second vacuum support means which holds the tabs firmly against the pads they abut;
- and
- applying heat to the array for bonding the tab portions not already fixed to bonding pads to these pads.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.