The performance indicators of PV RIBBON all have their importance. The type of copper and its purity determine the conductivity of the material and the maximum degree of flexibility that can be achieved by the solder tape. Flux composition, its cover thickness and overlay composition influence the quality of the solder joint and thus the durability of the solar panel.
The high elongation of PV RIBBON is important to prevent solder joint failures between the busbar and the interconnection tape, which can be attributed to the elongation/tension generated by oscillating temperature changes during solar panel operation. The continuous and sometimes particularly strong daily temperature oscillations put solder joints through their paces over the lifetime of the solar panel (25 years on average).
Two parameters that are critical for most PV RIBBON manufacturers are bending and yield strength. Many PV RIBBON manufacturers find it difficult to obtain a high level of tape flexibility while maintaining straightness. Achieving sufficient softness and low curvature can mean the difference between winning and losing a supply contract. As a result, manufacturers must work to improve their rolling, annealing, tinning and material handling techniques to meet increasing product performance specifications.
The impact of PV RIBBON on the power generated by the component is therefore not only the design material of the solder tape itself, but also the selection of the tape, the process of lamination and the quality control of the production of the tape.
