Evaluation of Flexographic Printing Technology for Multi-Busbar Solar Cells

Rotational flexographic printing is a promising high-throughput technology for the front side metallization of silicon solar cells. Very low silver consumption and the possibility to realize narrow contact fingers make this technology particularly interesting for multi-busbar solar cells. Within this work, fundamental printing tests have been carried out on a flexographic roll-to-flat machine using an experimental anilox roll and elastomeric laser-engraved printing plates. A double printing process with intermediate drying step has been applied. Contact fingers down to 33 mu m in width and up to 8 mu m in height have been realized using this technology. Lateral resistances in the range 500 to 1500 Omega/m have been determined by four point measurement method. These results underline the capability of flexographic printing for fine line metallization of multi-busbar solar cells. (C) 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.