Round and Flat PV Interconnects

Choose the cross-section to match the cell metallization, module layout and stringing process. Compare resistance, contact geometry, shading and mechanical stress using the actual conductor material and solder coating.

Cell contactsCell interconnectString busbarModule connection

Functional positions only. Shape, joining area and connection hierarchy follow the actual assembly drawing.

On this page

Define the cell interface

Identify cell technology and metallization, contact layout, ribbon count and current path. Specify the round diameter or flat width and thickness together with coating build.
Separate metal dimensions from coated dimensions and agree tolerances. Compare contact geometry and resistance for the intended arrangement, rather than equal diameter or width alone.

Review joining and handling

Record equipment guidance, thermal profile, contact pressure, cooling, ribbon tension and alignment. Evaluate coating flow and contact area on the actual cell surface.
Check peel behavior, ribbon springback, forming and handling damage. The required mechanical condition follows the cell and stringing process.

Validate the module comparison

State the electrical and geometric comparison basis. Evaluate series resistance, inspection results and module behavior with a controlled reference bill of materials.
Agree module reliability testing for the changed interconnect and process. Evaluate optical and shading effects in the actual module design.

Confirm the sample route

Provide drawings, cell information, coating requirements, sample quantity and test plan. Ask which geometry and coating combinations are currently available.
Keep round-wire material standards within their stated scope. A round CCA reference cannot be used as qualification of a finished coated interconnect or flat ribbon.

Round and flat interconnect comparison inputs

Add your project inputs, then download the worksheet or send it with an inquiry. The fields start blank; entries are your requirements and observations.

Scroll horizontally to read all columns. Keep the conditions and units with each value.

Item	Information / units	Your input
Cell interface	Cell technology, metallization, contact layout and current path	Cell interface — your input
Round candidate	Metal diameter/tolerance, finished coated diameter, material and coating	Round candidate — your input
Flat candidate	Metal width/thickness and tolerances, finished envelope, corners, material and coating	Flat candidate — your input
Electrical basis	Reference length, temperature, permitted resistance and measurement method	Electrical basis — your input
Optical basis	Ribbon count, contact/covered area, cell layout and agreed optical assessment	Optical basis — your input
Joining trial	Equipment, flux, profile, pressure, dwell, wetting/peel method and acceptance	Joining trial — your input
Handling and stress	Feeding, positioning, tension, forming, before/after EL images and cell/ribbon lots	Handling and stress — your input
Module release	Matched trial design, module tests, results, open issues and approval owner	Module release — your input

Drafts are stored only in this browser when you choose Save. Clear inputs also removes the saved draft. Worksheet version: RT-RFQ-WORKSHEET-1.

Question and answer

Is round ribbon always better than flat ribbon?

No. Cell contact layout, current path, coating, joining equipment, mechanical condition and module validation determine the choice. Compare the complete interconnection using agreed criteria.

Review the interconnect geometry