Engineering FAQ Guide
PV Ribbon: Geometry, Coating and Ordering FAQ
What is PV Ribbon?
PV interconnect conductors carry current between cells and strings. Tabbing or interconnect conductors join cell contacts; busbar ribbon collects current between strings or at the module connection. Their positions and dimensions differ.
Use the cell and module design to define interconnect function, conductor geometry, coating and process requirements before requesting a sample or quote.
Primary Applications
- PERC modules
- TOPCon modules
- HJT modules
- BC modules
- SMBB modules
Critical RFQ Specifications
- interconnect function and cell layout
- diameter or width and thickness
- coating alloy and thickness
- mechanical requirements
- spool and feeding conditions
Selection
Does the cell technology determine the solder coating?
Cell metallization, contact layout and the approved joining process determine the coating requirement together. State coating alloy and thickness separately from equipment temperature, dwell time, pressure and cooling. MBB and SMBB describe interconnect layouts, rather than a coating alloy.
Specifications
How do I specify round and flat interconnect dimensions?
For round wire, state metal diameter and finished coated diameter with tolerances. For flat ribbon, state width, thickness, corners and coating build. Add straightness or camber, spool dimensions, winding pattern and feeding tension.
Procurement
What should a PV Ribbon inquiry include?
Include width, thickness, coating, yield strength, camber, spool format, drawing revision, intended use, requested sample or production quantity, packaging and destination. Confirm the required inspection records and schedule for that specification.
Testing
What should a ribbon trial measure?
Record the cell and ribbon lots, geometry, coating and stringer settings. Check feeding, wetting, peel behavior, cell damage by EL inspection and resistance. Agree any module reliability tests for the changed bill of materials, with methods and acceptance limits.