WO2018077423A1

WO2018077423A1 - Apparatus for testing solar cells, system for production of solar cells, and method for controlling an irradiation device for simulating a spectrum of solar radiation

Info

Publication number: WO2018077423A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/076091
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marco Martire
Original assignee: Applied Materials Italia S.R.L.
Priority date: 2016-10-28
Filing date: 2016-10-28
Publication date: 2018-05-03

Abstract

An apparatus (100) for testing solar cells (10) is provided. The apparatus (100) includes a transport arrangement (110) configured for transportation of solar cells (10), and a testing station (120) at the transport arrangement (110). The testing station (120) includes a first testing location and a second testing location for testing of the solar cells (10), a reference detection element (125) positioned between the first testing location and the second testing location, an irradiation device (130) configured to irradiate the reference detection element (125), the first testing location and the second testing location, and a controller (140) configured to adjust one or more radiation emission parameters of the irradiation device (130) based on measurement results obtained from the reference detection element (125).

Description

APPARATUS FOR TESTING SOLAR CELLS, SYSTEM FOR PRODUCTION OF SOLAR CELLS, AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN IRRADIATION DEVICE FOR SIMULATING A SPECTRUM OF SOLAR RADIATION

FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus for testing solar cells, a system for production of solar cells, and a method for controlling an irradiation device for simulating a spectrum of solar radiation. Embodiments of the present disclosure particularly relate to a solar simulator for simulating a spectrum of solar radiation and a testing station using the solar simulator.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Irradiation devices capable of generating light that simulates the solar spectrum can be used to perform inspection and testing of solar cells to check for instance conversion efficiency and to verify operating reliability. Irradiation devices with a good spectral match, homogeneity, and stability are beneficial. The irradiation device can be calibrated to eliminate, for example, simulator related artifacts.

[0003] An apparatus for processing of solar cells may have a plurality of process stations provided along a transport line. At least one of the process stations can be a testing station having the irradiation device for irradiating solar cells with light. Such an apparatus can have a complex configuration with numerous individual devices used for processing of the solar cells. Costs are generated, e.g., in regard to operation and maintenance.

[0004] In view of the above, new apparatuses for testing solar cells, systems for production of solar cells, and methods for controlling an irradiation device for simulating a spectrum of solar radiation, that overcome at least some of the problems in the art are beneficial. The present disclosure particularly aims at providing an apparatus, system and method having a simplified configuration while providing full functionality. SUMMARY

[0005] In light of the above, an apparatus for testing solar cells, a system for production of solar cells, and a method for controlling an irradiation device for simulating a spectrum of solar radiation are provided. Further aspects, benefits, and features of the present disclosure are apparent from the claims, the description, and the accompanying drawings.

[0006] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus for testing solar cells is provided. The apparatus includes a transport arrangement configured for transportation of solar cells, and a testing station at the transport arrangement. The testing station includes a first testing location and a second testing location at the transport arrangement, a reference detection element positioned between the first testing location and the second testing location, an irradiation device configured to irradiate the reference detection element, the first testing location and the second testing location, and a controller configured to adjust one or more radiation emission parameters of the irradiation device based on measurement results obtained from the reference detection element.

[0007] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, a system for production of solar cells is provided. The system includes an apparatus for manufacture of the solar cells, and the apparatus for testing the solar cells according to the present disclosure.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for controlling an irradiation device for simulating a spectrum of solar radiation is provided. The method includes operating the irradiation device to emit radiation towards a reference detection element positioned between a first testing location and a second testing location provided at a transport arrangement for transportation of solar cells through a testing station, detecting light emitted from the irradiation device by use of the reference detection element, and adjusting one or more radiation emission parameters of the irradiation device based on the detected light.

[0009] Embodiments are also directed at apparatuses for carrying out the disclosed method and include apparatus parts for performing each described method aspect. These method aspects may be performed by way of hardware components, a computer programmed by appropriate software, by any combination of the two or in any other manner. Furthermore, embodiments according to the disclosure are also directed at methods for operating the described apparatus. The methods for operating the described apparatus include method aspects for carrying out every function of the apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments. The accompanying drawings relate to embodiments of the disclosure and are described in the following:

FIG. 1A shows a schematic view of an apparatus for testing solar cells according to embodiments described herein;

FIG. IB shows a schematic view of an apparatus for testing solar cells according to further embodiments described herein; FIG. 2A shows a testing station for solar cells according to embodiments described herein;

FIG. 2B shows an exemplary I-V (current vs voltage) curve of a solar cell;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of an apparatus for testing solar cells according to further embodiments described herein;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of a system for production of solar cells according to embodiments described herein; and

FIG. 5 shows a flow chart of a method for controlling an irradiation device for simulating a spectrum of solar radiation according to embodiments described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Reference will now be made in detail to the various embodiments of the disclosure, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the figures. Within the following description of the drawings, the same reference numbers refer to same components. Generally, only the differences with respect to individual embodiments are described. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the disclosure and is not meant as a limitation of the disclosure. Further, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used on or in conjunction with other embodiments to yield yet a further embodiment. It is intended that the description includes such modifications and variations.

[0012] An apparatus for processing of solar cells may have a plurality of process stations provided along transport lines. At least one of the process stations can be a testing station having an irradiation device for irradiating solar cells with light during a testing procedure. Such an apparatus can have a complex configuration with numerous individual devices used for processing of the solar cells. Costs are generated, e.g., in regard to operation and maintenance.

[0013] The present disclosure uses one single reference detection element for two separate testing locations provided at a transport arrangement for the solar cells. In particular, the reference detection element is positioned between a first testing location, which can be provided at a first transport line of the transport arrangement, and a second testing location, which can be provided at a second transport line of the transport arrangement. The irradiation device, which can be a solar simulator, irradiates the reference detection element, the first testing location, and the second testing location. The testing locations can correspond to locations or positions where solar cells are positioned during testing. The single reference detection element can be used for monitoring and/or calibrating the irradiation device. As an example, a total amount of irradiation or intensity emitted by the irradiation device can be monitored and optionally adjusted. Additionally or alternatively, the irradiation device can be controlled or calibrated to emit an output spectrum essentially matching the spectrum of solar radiation. The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a simplified configuration and full functionality. [0014] FIG. 1A shows a schematic view of an apparatus 100 for testing solar cells 10 according to embodiments described herein.

[0015] The apparatus 100 includes a transport arrangement, such as a dual-line transport arrangement 110 having a first transport line 112 and a second transport line 114, configured for transportation of solar cells 10, and a testing station 120. The testing station 120 is provided at or near the transport arrangement, e.g., at or near the first transport line 112 and the second transport line 114. According to some embodiments, the transport arrangement, such as the first transport line 112 and/or the second transport line 114, extends at least partially, e.g., entirely, through the testing station 120. The transport arrangement such as the first transport line 112 and/or the second transport line 114 can include, for example, conveyors, such as belt conveyors. The first transport line 112 and the second transport line 114 can extend next to each other and/or substantially parallel to each other. As an example, a transport direction for the solar cells 10 provided by the first transport line 112 and the second transport line 114 can be substantially parallel. The first transport line 112 and second transport line 114 can be linear transport lines.

[0016] In some implementations, the transport arrangement includes one or more guide rails and shuttles movable along the one or more guide rails. The shuttles are configured for supporting and transporting the solar cells 10 along the guide rails. As an example, the first transport line 112 and the second transport line 114 are at least partially provided by respective guide rails.

[0017] The testing station 120 includes a reference detection element 125 positioned between a first testing location and a second testing location provided at, or by, the transport arrangement. As an example, the reference detection element 125 can be positioned between the first transport line 112 and the second transport line 114. The first testing location and the second testing location can be provided in parallel. In particular, the first testing location and the second testing location can be configured for a simultaneous testing of a plurality of solar cells. As an example, a first solar cell at the first testing location and a second solar cell at the second testing location can be tested in parallel and/or simultaneously. According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the reference detection element 125 can be selected from the group consisting of a photovoltaic device, a photodiode, a pyranomiter, and any combination thereof.

[0018] The testing station 120 further includes an irradiation device 130, e.g., a solar simulator, configured to irradiate the reference detection element 125, the first testing location and the second testing location. As an example, the irradiation device 130 is configured to irradiate the reference detection element 125, portions of the first transport line 112 and portions of the second transport line 114. The portions of the first transport line 112 and the portions of the second transport line 114 can correspond to the first testing location and the second testing location, respectively. The testing station 120 further includes a controller 140 configured to adjust one or more radiation emission parameters of the irradiation device 130 based on measurement results obtained from the reference detection element 125.

[0019] The apparatus 100 of the present disclosure is configured for testing solar cells 10. "Testing" of solar cells 10 in this context shall be understood as irradiating the solar cells 10 that are to be tested with a standardized light incidence in order to gain information about the quality and/or performance of the solar cells 10. The testing of the solar cells 10 can be done with each solar cell after the production of the solar cell. Testing may be one of the final aspects in the solar cell production. An exemplary testing setup for testing electrical characteristics of the solar cells 10 is shown in FIG. 2A. [0020] The reference detection element 125 can be a photovoltaic device and can have, for example, substantially the same spectral response as the solar cells 10 to be tested. The reference detection element 125 can have known characteristics, such as electrical characteristics (I/V), quantum efficiency characteristics, and/or optical characteristics, when irradiated with light e.g. corresponding to the solar spectrum. The output spectrum and/or a total amount of irradiation of the irradiation device 130 can be determined from measurement results obtained upon irradiation of the reference detection element 125 with light from the irradiation device 130. A deviation of total amount of irradiation and/or the output spectrum from the solar spectrum can be determined based on, for example, the measured electrical characteristics (e.g., voltage and/or current) and/or optical characteristics (e.g., reflectance). [0021] In some implementations, the reference detection element 125 can include one or more micro cells or MWT (Metal Wrap Through) cells. The term "micro cell" refers to a solar cell with dimensions of between 10 x 10 mm and 30 x 30 mm, and specifically a solar cell with dimensions of 20 x 20 mm. In a MWT cell not only the back side contacts are printed on the back side of the cell but also the contacts (in particular the busbars) for the n-doped regions of the front side are positioned on the back surface. The collection junctions or fingers, however, may still be positioned on the front side of the solar cell. MWT allow a small shadowing as compared to conventional solar cells.

[0022] According to embodiments, the reference detection element 125 can have spatial resolution capabilities for detecting a spatial uniformity of the radiation emitted from the irradiation device 130. As an example, the reference detection element 125 includes more than one sub-device, such as more than one photovoltaic sub-device. The apparatus 100 can be further configured to evaluate said spatial uniformity and to instruct the controller 140 to adjust the one or more radiation emission parameters of the irradiation device 130 so as to achieve an optimal spatial uniformity.

[0023] The reference detection element 125 can be used for monitoring, controlling and optionally calibrating the irradiation device 130, such as a sunlight or solar simulator, for the above-mentioned testing of the solar cells 10. According to some embodiments, the reference detection element 125 is used for controlling the irradiation device 130 to monitor the total amount of irradiation (i.e., an intensity e.g., at a location of the reference detection element 125) and/or to optimize a spectral match to solar radiation and/or a spatial uniformity of the irradiation device 130 by adjusting the one or more radiation emission parameters. "Controlling" of the irradiation device 130 shall be understood in the sense that the emission characteristics of the irradiation device 130 are adjusted based on the effect that the irradiation device 130 has on the reference detection element 125. Monitoring and/or controlling of the irradiation device 130 as understood herein may be done, for instance, before, during and/or after the testing of the solar cells 10. Furthermore, the monitoring and/or controlling and optionally the calibration may be done in selectable time intervals, such as after a selectable time (e.g., after a day or more often) or a selectable number of tested solar cells (e.g., after testing 5,000 solar cells or more). [0024] According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the irradiation device 130 includes a radiation plate divided into a plurality of modules, wherein each of the modules includes a plurality of light- emitting elements. The plurality of light-emitting elements can be LEDs. One or more of the plurality of light-emitting elements can be configured to emit different wavelengths to provide, for example, an output spectrum simulating the spectrum of solar radiation. The irradiation dev ice 1 0 may further include a cooling system (not shown) to dissipate heat generated for instance by the light-emitting elements.

[0025] The irradiation device 130 may be arranged at a predetermined distance from the transport arrangement, such as from the first transport line 112 and the second transport line 114, and specifically from the solar cells 10 to be tested. According to some embodiments, the distance between the irradiation device 130 and the transport arrangement, such as the first transport line 112 and the second transport line 114, and specifically the solar cells 10 to be tested, can vary between 50 mm and 800 mm and more, e.g. depending on the number of light-emitting elements that are used to ensure a spatial uniformity of the radiation emitted over essentially the whole surface of the solar cells 10 to be tested and/or the first testing location and the second testing location to be illuminated.

[0026] The controller 140 can be configured to adjust the total amount of irradiation and/or an output spectrum of the irradiation device 130 emitted towards the first testing location and the second testing location based on the measurement results obtained from the reference detection element 125. The first testing location and the second testing location, such as the portions of the first transport line 112 and the portions of the second transport line 114, can be areas or regions of the transport arrangement, such as first transport line 112 and the second transport line 114, at which the solar cells 10 are located during testing thereof. As an example, the irradiation device 130 extends above the transport arrangement, e.g., above the first transport line 112 and the second transport line 114. The first testing location and the second testing location, and particularly the transport arrangement, can be arranged below the irradiation device 130. [0027] According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the controller 140 is configured to adjust the one or more radiation emission parameters to adjust the total amount of irradiance and/or the output spectrum of the irradiation device 130 e.g. to essentially match the spectrum of solar radiation. The one or more radiation emission parameters of the irradiation device 130 can be adjusted to optimize the total amount of irradiance, the spectral match and/or a spatial uniformity of the irradiation device 130.

[0028] The one or more radiation emission parameters may include at least one of an intensity of the irradiation device 130, and specifically of individual light-emitting elements of the irradiation device 130, and wavelengths emitted by the irradiation device 130. For instance, a driving current of the individual light-emitting elements may be altered to change the intensity or total amount of irradiance, of the emitted light. According to some embodiments, adjusting the one or more radiation emission parameters may include activating or de-activating individual light emitting elements of the irradiation device 130. In some implementations, the wavelengths or wavelength ranges emitted by the irradiation device 130 can be altered to change a wavelength distribution of the emitted light, for example, by activating or de-activ ating individual light emitting elements.

[0029] In order to render the output spectrum as homogeneous as possible to enhance the overall irradiance efficiency, one or more optical lenses (not shown) may be optionally provided in an intermediate position between the irradiation device 130 and the solar cells 10 (e.g., the first transport line 112 and the second transport line 114) such that the radiation passing through the one or more lenses is homogenized and reaches the entire surface of the solar cells 10 with maximized light distribution performance. The optical lenses may be made of plastic materials, such as acrylic, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polycarbonate (PC) or high-density polyethylene (HOPE). The optical lenses may also be made of vitreous materials such as quartz. [0030] According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the apparatus 100, and particularly the testing station 120, includes one or more measurement devices configured to measure one or more parameters of the solar cells 10 at the first testing location and the second testing location, e.g., on the first transport line 112 and/or the second transport line 114. The one or more parameters are selected from the group consisting of a voltage (e.g., an open circuit voltage), a current (e.g., a short circuit current), a reflectance, a quantum efficiency, a temperature, and any combination thereof.

[0031] The one or more measurement devices can be selected from the group consisting of a voltage measurement device, a current measurement device, a light sensor, an infrared sensor, and any combination thereof. The apparatus 100 can include at least one electrical measurement unit, such a first electrical measurement unit 152 provided for the first testing location, e.g., the first transport line 112, and a second electrical measurement unit 154 for the second testing location, e.g., the second transport line 114. The first electrical measurement unit 152 and the second electrical measurement unit 154 can be configured for electronic load measurements and/or I/V measurement of the solar cells 10, as it is for example described with respect to FIGs. 2A and B.

[0032] FIG. IB shows an apparatus 100' for testing solar cells according to further embodiments described herein. In the example of FIG. IB, the testing locations are arranged in series along the transport arrangement. The apparatus 100' of FIG. IB is configured similar to the apparatus of FIG 1A, and a description of similar or identical aspects is not repeated.

[0033] The apparatus 100' includes the transport arrangement, such as a single-line transport arrangement 110' having a transport line 112', configured for transportation of solar cells 10, and a testing station 120'. The testing station 120' includes the reference detection element 125 positioned between the first testing location 122 and the second testing location 124 provided at, or by, the transport arrangement. The first testing location can be at a first contact station and the second testing location 124 can be at a second contact station. The contact stations can be configured for electrically contacting the solar cells 10 to be tested. [0034] The reference detection element 125 can be positioned between the first testing location 122 and the second testing location 124. The reference detection element 125, the first testing location 122 and the second testing location 124 can be arranged in series or sequentially along the transport line, e.g., along or parallel to a transport direction provided by the transport line. The testing station further includes the irradiation device 130' configured to irradiate the reference detection element 125, the first testing location 122 and the second testing location 124. The testing station 120' further includes the controller 140 configured to adjust one or more radiation emission parameters of the irradiation device 130' based on measurement results obtained from the reference detection element 125, as it is described with respect to FIG. 1 A. [0035] FIG. 2A shows a testing station 200 according to the embodiments described herein. The testing station 200 can include the at least one electrical measurement unit, such as the first electrical measurement unit 152 for the first testing location and the second electrical measurement unit 154 for the second testing location. The irradiation device 130 of the testing station 200 is configured to emit an electromagnetic radiation 132 towards the solar cell 10 to be tested.

[0036] The testing station 200 can be used to perform tests and inspections on solar cells 10. According to some embodiments, the one or more parameters of the solar cells 10 to be tested at the testing station 200 can include at least one of an open circuit voltage (Voc), short circuit current (Isc), maximum power (Pmax), efficiency, and fill factor. [0037] According to some embodiments, the at least one electrical measurement units includes contact elements 250 for providing electrical connections to the solar cell 10. For instance, two pairs of contact elements 250 can be provided, wherein each pair may include a front contact and a back contact for contacting a front surface and a back surface of the solar cell 10, respectively. The first pair may be configured to measure a voltage or voltage drop, and the second pair may be configured to measure a current, so as to enable, for instance, electronic load I-V measurements.

[0038] The contact elements 250 are configured to mechanically contact the solar cells 10 to establish an electrical connection. The at least one electrical measurement unit, and particularly the contact elements 250, can be provided at the transport arrangement, such as the first transport line and/or the second transport line of the dual-line transport arrangement or the transport line of the single-line transport arrangement. In some embodiments, the contact elements 250 can be integrated in the transport arrangement, such as the first transport line and/or the second transport line of the dual-line transport arrangement or the transport line of the single-line transport arrangement. As an example, the contact elements 250 can be moveable for establishing and releasing a mechanical connection with the solar cell 10 to be tested.

[0039] The at least one electrical measurement unit can include an electrical measuring device 240 connected to the contact elements 250. A processor device 260 can be connected to the electrical measuring device 240 and may be adapted to evaluate measurement data obtained by said electrical measuring device 240. The processor device 260 can be included in the at least one electrical measurement unit or can be provided as a separate entity. In some implementations, the processor device 260 can receive voltage and current data (either analog or digital) from the electrical measuring device 240 and derive the one or more parameters of the solar cell 10. The one or more parameters can include, but are not limited to, open circuit voltage (Voc), short circuit current (Isc), maximum power (Pmax), efficiency, quantum efficiency characteristics, and/or fill factor. The processor device 260 may further be configured as a user interface to allow a user to control testing procedures (e.g., measurement setting, test parameters, etc.) and to provide the user with measurement results, e.g., in regard to the above mentioned specific parameters. Although shown as separate entities, it is to be understood that the electrical measuring device 240 and the processor device 260 and optionally the controller 140 can be included in one single entity.

[0040] FIG. 2B shows an exemplary I-V (current vs voltage) curve of a solar cell taken using the testing station 200 of FIG. 2A.

[0041] The horizontal axis (x-axis) shows a voltage, and the vertical axis (y-axis) shows a current measured using, for instance, the configuration provided by contact elements 250 shown in FIG. 2A. From the measured curve, at least one parameter of the one or more parameters of the solar cell 10 can be extracted. As it is indicated in FIG. 2B, an open circuit voltage (Voc), a short circuit current (Isc) and a maximum power (Pmax) can be directly obtained from the measured curve.

[0042] FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of an apparatus 300 for testing solar cells 10 according to further embodiments described herein. A loading device or loader 301 can be provided for loading the solar cells 10 into the apparatus 300 or the testing station. A sorting device or sorter 303 can be provided for sorting the tested solar cells, e.g., according to a quality determined from the measured electrical and/or optical characteristics.

[0043] According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the apparatus 300, and particularly the testing station 320, includes the one or more measurement devices configured to measure one or more parameters of the solar cells 10 on the transport arrangement, such as the first transport line 112 and the second transport line 114. The one or more parameters can be selected from the group consisting of an open circuit voltage, a short circuit current, a reflectance, a quantum efficiency, a temperature, and any combination thereof. The one or more measurement devices can be selected from the group consisting of a voltage measurement device, a current measurement device, a light sensor, an infrared sensor, and any combination thereof.

[0044] In some implementations, the apparatus 300 can include the electrical measurement unit including the voltage measurement device and the current measurement device. The electrical measurement unit can be configured to perform the electrical measurements as described with respect to FIGs. 2A and B.

[0045] According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the apparatus 300 can further include at least one optical measurement unit such as a first optical measurement unit provided at the first testing location, e.g., the first transport line 112, and a second optical measurement unit provided at the second testing location, e.g., the second transport line 114. The first optical measurement unit and the second optical measurement unit can be configured for optical measurements of the solar cells 10.

[0046] The at least one optical measurement unit can include, or be connected to, at least one of a light sensor (irradiance sensor) and an infrared sensor. As an example, the infrared sensor can be a temperature sensor. FIG. 3 exemplarily illustrates a first infrared sensor 312 at the first transport line 112 and a second infrared sensor 314 at the second transport line 114. The sensors of the optical measurement unit can be front end sensors. [0047] The at least one optical measurement unit can include at least one optical measuring device, such as a first optical measuring device 313 at the first testing location, e.g., the first transport line 112, and a second optical measuring device 315 at the second testing location, e.g., the second transport line 114. The at least one optical measuring device is connected to the sensors, such as the light sensor(s) and the infrared sensor(s). A processor device can be connected to the least one optical measuring device and may be adapted to evaluate measurement data obtained by the at least one optical measuring device. The processor device can be included in the at least one optical measurement unit or can be provided as a separate entity. In some implementations, and as illustrated in the example of FIG. 3, the processor device for the at least one optical measurement unit and the controller 140 for the irradiation device are integrated in a single entity. The single entity can also include the processor device for the at least one electrical measurement unit.

[0048] FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of a system 400 for production of solar cells according to embodiments described herein. [0049] The system 400 includes an apparatus 410 for manufacture of the solar cells, and the apparatus 430 for testing solar cells according to the present disclosure. The transport arrangement, such as the first transport line and the second transport line of the dual-line transport arrangement 420, can extend from the apparatus 410 for manufacture of the solar cells to the apparatus 430 for testing solar cells to transfer the solar cells to the testing station. The apparatus 410 for manufacture of the solar cells and the apparatus 430 for testing solar cells can be part of a larger solar cell production line having a plurality of process stations.

[0050] As an example, the process stations are selected from the group consisting of a printing station, a drying station, a buffer station, the testing station, a sorting station, and any combination thereof. As an example, solar cells having conductive lines printed thereon can be introduced into the apparatus 430 for testing and/or inspection. After testing and/or inspection, the solar cells can then be provided to a sorting station (not shown) for sorting the solar cells based on results obtained during the testing and/or inspection.

[0051] FIG. 5 shows a flow chart of a method 500 for controlling an irradiation device for simulating a spectrum of solar radiation according to embodiments described herein. The method can be implemented using the apparatus 430 for testing solar cells according to the present disclosure.

[0052] The method 500 includes in block 510 an operating of the irradiation device to emit radiation towards a reference detection element positioned between a first testing location and a second testing location of a transport arrangement for transportation of solar cells through a testing station and in block 520 a detecting of light emitted from the irradiation device by use of the reference detection element. The reference detection element can be a photovoltaic device, photodiode, or a pyranomiter. The method 500 further includes in block 530 an adjusting of one or more radiation emission parameters of the irradiation device based on the detected light e.g. to change an output spectrum of the irradiation device. As an example, the total amount of irradiance can be changed and/or an output spectrum can be changed to match spectrum of solar radiation.

[0053] The method 500 can further include a testing of solar cells transported by the transport arrangement, e.g., on the first transport line and the second transport line, using the irradiation device having the adjusted one or more radiation emission parameters. The testing can include the determining of one or more parameters of the solar cells. The one or more parameters can be selected from the group consisting of a voltage (e.g., an open circuit voltage), a current (e.g., a short circuit current), a reflectance, a quantum efficiency, a temperature, and any combination thereof. [0054] According to embodiments described herein, the method for controlling an irradiation device for simulating a spectrum of solar radiation can be conducted using computer programs, software, computer software products and the interrelated controllers, which can have a CPU, a memory, a user interface, and input and output devices being in communication with the corresponding components of the apparatus for testing solar cells. [0055] The present disclosure uses one single reference detection element for two separate testing locations provided at a transport arrangement for the solar cells. In particular, the reference detection element is positioned between a first testing location, which can be provided at a first transport line of the transport arrangement, and a second testing location, which can be provided at a second transport line of the transport arrangement. The irradiation device, which can be a solar simulator, irradiates the reference detection element, the first testing location, and the second testing location. The testing locations can correspond to locations or positions where solar cells are positioned during testing. The single reference detection element can be used for monitoring and/or calibrating the irradiation device. As an example, a total amount of irradiation or intensity emitted by the irradiation device can be monitored and optionally adjusted. Additionally or alternatively, the irradiation device can be controlled or calibrated to emit an output spectrum essentially matching the spectrum of solar radiation. The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a simplified configuration and full functionality.

[0056] While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the disclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.

Claims

1. An apparatus for testing solar cells, comprising: a transport arrangement configured for transportation of solar cells; and a testing station at the transport arrangement, wherein the testing station includes: a first testing location and a second testing location for testing of the solar cells; a reference detection element positioned between the first testing location and the second testing location; an irradiation device configured to irradiate the reference detection element, the first testing location and the second testing location; and a controller configured to adjust one or more radiation emission parameters of the irradiation device based on measurement results obtained from the reference detection element.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the transport arrangement is a dual-line transport arrangement having a first transport line and a second transport line configured for transportation of the solar cells, wherein the first testing location is provided at the first transport line and the second testing location is provided at the second transport line, and wherein the reference detection element is positioned between the first transport line and the second transport line.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the transport arrangement has a transport line configured for transportation of the solar cells, wherein the first testing location and the second testing location are provided at the transport line.

4. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the controller is configured to adjust at least one of a total amount of irradiance and an output spectrum of the irradiation device emitted towards the first testing location and the second testing location based on measurement results obtained from the reference detection element.

5. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the controller is configured to adjust at least one of the total amount of irradiance and the one or more radiation emission parameters to adjust the output spectrum to essentially match a spectrum of solar radiation.

6. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the irradiation device includes a radiation plate divided into a plurality of modules, wherein each of the modules includes a plurality of light-emitting elements, and wherein one or more of the plurality of light- emitting elements are configured to emit different wavelengths.

7. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the transport arrangement extends through the testing station.

8. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 7, further including one or more measurement devices configured to measure one or more parameters of the solar cells on the transport arrangement.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the one or more parameters are selected from the group consisting of a voltage, an open circuit voltage, a current, a short circuit current, a reflectance, a quantum efficiency, and a temperature.

10. The apparatus of claim 8 or 9, wherein the one or more measurement devices are selected from the group consisting of a voltage measurement device, a current

measurement device, a light sensor, an infrared sensor, and any combination thereof.

11. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the reference detection element includes more than one photovoltaic sub-device.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the reference detection element or the photovoltaic sub-devices of the reference detection element are micro cells or MWT micro cells.

13. A system for production of solar cells, comprising: an apparatus for manufacture of the solar cells; and the apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A method for controlling an irradiation device for simulating a spectrum of solar radiation, comprising: operating the irradiation device to emit radiation towards a reference detection element positioned between a first testing location and a second testing location provided at a transport arrangement for transportation of solar cells through a testing station; detecting light emitted from the irradiation device by use of the reference detection element; and adjusting one or more radiation emission parameters of the irradiation device based on detected light.

15. The method of one of claim 14, further including: testing the solar cells transported by the transport arrangement using the irradiation device having the adjusted one or more radiation emission parameters.