Interconnect structure for solar cells and method of making same
AssigneeSunPower Corporation
InventorsRichard A. Crane, Matthew B. Piper, Shandor G. Daroczi
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Abstract
An interconnect structure for use with solar cells and like devices which are subject to compressive and/or expansive forces through packaging or in application comprises a flattened spiral of a metal strip. The interconnect is fabricated by first providing a length of metal strip, wrapping the metal strip around a cylindrical or flat mandrel or otherwise folded in a helical pattern, removing the mandrel, and then flattening the metal strip to reduce thickness of the interconnect.
Claims13
A solar cell module comprising
- (a) a plurality of silicon substrates with each substrate including solar cells and electrical contacts,
- (b) a plurality of first interconnects connecting contacts of adjacent silicon substrates, and
- (c) a flexible peripheral interconnect connected to at least one silicon substrate and comprising a flattened spiral of a metal strip which allows for contraction and expansion of the interconnect without significant buckling.
A method of fabricating an electrical interconnect for use in an application which subjects the interconnect to contraction comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a metal strip,
- (b) wrapping the metal strip around a cylindrical mandrel in a helical spiral pattern,
- (c) removing the mandrel, and
- (d) flattening the metal spiral to reduce thickness of the interconnect.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.