Overlap modules: A unique cell layup using smart wire connection technology

Smart Wire Connection Technology (SWCT) is an efficient cell interconnection technology that combines many advantages: reduced cell metallization cost, improved module aesthetics, lead-free module…. In addition to the many advantages of this technology, we recently discovered a new opportunity to further boost efficiency of this module technology by overlapping cells. An overlap module is formed by cells overlapped in the string direction. This feature allows to reduce module dimensions and fabrication cost without reducing module power output. An optimal cell overlap of 1mm was determined and large 60 cells bifacial modules were built to compare this concept to regular modules with a cell spacing of few millimetres. Ageing of the module was evaluated and outdoor data presents high performances of overlapped modules in real conditions. So far, a 327Wp bifacial module was build based on this module concept. This module based on 60 heterojunction solar cells measures less than 1.6m2 and has an efficiency of 20.6% with a black back reflector.