400W in Shingle SHJ configuration: promising optimization path for high power modules

Shingle integration is gaining more and more interest in recent module integration schemes as it combines several advantages, such as improved efficiencies, better aesthetics and even lower costs thanks to the simplified interconnection pattern. Heterojunction (SHJ) cells may not appear at first sight as the most adapted technology for shingling, as performance losses can be quite significant with the unpassivated edges generated during the cut step. But on the other hand, SHJ technology already benefits naturally from the strong knowledge acquired when combining ECA with TCO and low-temperature metal pastes. Furthermore, the cell-to-cell overlap significantly decreases the cut-edge defectivity impact, minimizing the efficiency losses. Latest SHJ shingle cell and module results obtained are thus described in this paper, with in particular solar panels close to 400W featuring high reliability.