Summary The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) in Germany, in collaboration with Comax, has developed a groundbreaking technology for connecting high-efficiency MWT (Multi-Wire Tied) cells. This innovative approach offers significant cost advantages and minimal energy losses, making it a promising solution for the next generation of solar modules. Preface In today’s highly competitive solar energy market, PV module manufacturers are constantly seeking ways to differentiate their products. The main goal is to achieve the highest possible module efficiency at the lowest cost. Despite numerous technical claims and marketing campaigns, many so-called mature solutions fail to deliver real-world performance. Too often, improvements in one area—such as cell cost or cell efficiency—do not translate into corresponding benefits in the final module. For instance, reducing cell costs may not lead to lower module costs, and improving cell efficiency might not result in a proportional increase in module efficiency. The Difference Between Front-Contact and Back-Contact Cells When examining various technologies that involve cell interconnection, it becomes clear that front-contact cell designs face inherent limitations. One major challenge is balancing the trade-off between minimizing current loss (CTM) and reducing the shadow effect caused by the interconnecting ribbons on the front side of the cell. Increasing the cross-sectional area of the ribbon reduces CTM loss, but this also increases shading. Using multi-strand wires instead of traditional ribbons helps reduce shading, but doesn't fully solve the problem. This dilemma affects all front-contact cell technologies, such as BSF, PERC, and HIT. Back-contact cell technologies, like IBC, EWT, and MWT, overcome this issue by allowing large cross-sectional interconnects without causing any shadow on the front surface. This makes them more efficient and more attractive for high-performance applications. Although conductive backplanes enable these large interconnects, the industry has been searching for a low-cost method to achieve similar results with minimal CTM loss. A New Connection Technology Comax, in partnership with the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems, has introduced a new interconnection method known as HIP (High-Efficiency Interconnection) technology. This method uses ribbons combined with an innovative cell interconnection technique. Independent certification bodies have verified the low CTM losses and high power output achieved by this technology. One of the key advantages of HIP technology is its cost-effectiveness. It can achieve CTM losses below 1%, using affordable materials and equipment. At SNEC 2013 in Shanghai, Comax will showcase standard 60-cell modules produced using this new connection method. During the exhibition, Comax and the Fraunhofer Institute will demonstrate the clear cost-per-watt advantage of this technology. Another benefit is that the production of high-performance MWT cells and HIP modules can be done on both existing and new production lines. The technology, equipment, and raw materials are all readily available. Compared to other emerging technologies, Comax’s solution requires minimal changes to current production processes and incurs little additional cost. This allows module manufacturers to quickly transition to producing more efficient products, which is essential for staying ahead in the competitive solar industry. Clamped Pneumatic Angle Seat Valve WENZHOU FOREVER CLASSIC TECHNOLOGY CO.,LTD , https://www.fosicvalve.com