Interconnect member

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a metallic interconnect member for connecting a first solar cell to a second solar cell. The interconnect member includes one or more serpentine paths having substantially perpendicular loops. The interconnect member may include two connection pads for connecting to the first solar cell. A further connection pad for connecting to a bypass diode may be included. The disclosure further relates to a string of solar cells including a first and a second solar cell connected by an interconnect member.

1 . A metallic interconnect member having a first side for connecting to a first solar cell, and a second side for connecting to a second solar cell, the first and second solar cells being spaced apart along a first axis;
 one or more serpentine paths extending from the first side to the second side; wherein   each of the serpentine paths has at least one longitudinal loop, and at least one transverse loop;   the longitudinal loop of a first serpentine path comprising two parallel longitudinal portions extending along the first axis, and a curved portion extending between the two parallel longitudinal portions;   the transverse loop of the first serpentine path comprising two parallel transverse portions extending along a second axis, the second axis being substantially perpendicular to the first axis, and including a curved portion extending between the two parallel transverse portions.   
     
     
         2 . The metallic interconnect member according to  claim 1 , wherein the first side comprises two electrical connection pads for connecting to and making electrical contact with an upper side of the first solar cell. 
     
     
         3 . The metallic interconnect according to  claim 2 , wherein the second side comprises two connection portions for connecting to and making electrical contact with a lower side of the second solar cell. 
     
     
         4 . The metallic interconnect according to  claim 1 , wherein the first side comprises two connection pads for connecting to a cathode of the first solar cell, and a third pad for connecting to a cathode of a bypass diode. 
     
     
         5 . The metallic interconnect according to  claim 3 , further comprising a longitudinal loop extending between the two connection portions of the second side of the interconnect member. 
     
     
         6 . The metallic interconnect according to  claim 1 , wherein an inner wall of a curved portion extending between two parallel portions forms a substantially circular segment. 
     
     
         7 . The metallic interconnect according to  claim 1 , wherein a curved portion of at least one of the loops has a width that is smaller than a width of the parallel portions of the at least one loop. 
     
     
         8 . The metal interconnect according to  claim 1 , wherein the interconnect member comprises a silver-plated metal. 
     
     
         9 . The metal interconnect according to  claim 1 , further comprising a bypass diode that is arranged in a cropped corner of the first solar cell. 
     
     
         10 . The metal interconnect according to  claim 1 , further comprising a metallic layer on a bottom side of the second solar cell. 
     
     
         11 . The metal interconnect according to  claim 1 , wherein the first and the second solar cells are III-V compound semiconductor multijunction solar cells.