PV Ribbon – Applications and Selection

PV stands for ‘photovoltaic’ and the ribbon is essential to solar panel manufacturing and assembly. PV ribbon is used to ensure connection to a junction box and to make solar cells interconnect with one another. It is also known as tabbing ribbon or interconnect ribbon which is a hot-dipped, tinned copper conductor that is installed in solar or photovoltaic panels. It is directly soldered onto a silicon crystal to interconnect the solar cells in the solar panel. The ribbon acts as a bridge for the generated current to reach the PV bus bar from the solar cells. The bus bar is the tinned, hot-dipped copper conductor in solar panels that carries the electric current from the PV ribbon to the junction box.

The selection of PV ribbon ranges in terms of size, spool type, conductor material, solder, and application. The size of interconnect ribbons has not yet been standardized, but they are typically 1mm to 3mm wide and 0.8mm to 0.2mm thick, and PV bus bars are usually 3mm to 6mm wide and 0.2mm to 0.5mm thick. Spools are usually 50kg to 600kg depending on the rolling mill takeup and the tinning line payoff. PV ribbons can be made in different conductor materials, with or without lead, or with silver. They can be manufactured to suit low-temperature soldering, too.

Solar panels are high-performance products that must be designed to meet the photovoltaic industry’s demands and requirements. Hence, it is essential for the PV ribbon to be manufactured using a process that can minimize the chances of the alloy from drossing during the coating stage. Various types of alloys can be engineered to reduce copper erosion. For lead-free soldering, some manufacturers can supply Pb-free alloys that can perform just as well as Tin-Lead alloys.

Leading assembly solutions providers can help identify the right PV ribbon to use on any application. A reputable provider of high-quality soldering materials for PV ribbon manufacturing can provide a complete analysis of any unique requirements and help choose the right solder alloys, fluxes, and the type of PV ribbon for PV assembly process.

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Alpha Assembly Solutions Inc. is a premier company engaged in the development and manufacture of high quality electronics assembly materials. Since the year of its inception, way back in 1872, the company has played its role on the frontline of innovation, bringing many first-to-market products to the fore thereby, creating a premier niche for itself in the market.

Alpha Assembly Solutions Inc. is the global leader in the development, manufacturing and sales of innovative specialty materials used in a wide range of industry segments, including electronics assembly, power electronics, die attach, LED lighting.