EP2347447A1

EP2347447A1 - Method for connecting thin-film solar cells and thin-film solar module

Info

Publication number: EP2347447A1
Application number: EP09783021A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Alexander Pfeuffer
Original assignee: Malibu GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Malibu GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2008-10-13
Filing date: 2009-09-15
Publication date: 2011-07-27
Also published as: AU2009304207A1; CA2739012A1; DE102008051469A1; WO2010043461A1; JP5589221B2; JP2012505534A; US20110197953A1

Abstract

A method for forming at least one electrically conducting contact area on at least one, or preferably a plurality of solar cell-containing thin-film solar modules that exhibit a plurality of applied layers (11, 12, 13) on a base material such as a substrate or a superstrate, characterized in that the at least one electrically conducting connecting area is formed or fixed on the thin-film solar module by means of a cold gas spraying process.

Description

Method for contacting thin-film solar cells and thin-film solar module

The invention relates to a method for contacting thin-film solar cells according to the preamble of claim 1 and a solar module.

For the purposes of this application, a thin-film solar module has a plurality of solar cells arranged on a carrier material, such as a substrate or a superstrate, in particular a glass pane, which generate current according to the principle of a photodiode, wherein electron-hole pairs are generated by incident light which are separated by suitable semiconductor layers. This separation can be caused by an electric field, which can be generated by a doping of the semiconductor layers.

In order to use solar cells as part of a circuit, a reliable electrical contacting of the semiconductor layers is required in order to derive the photocurrent from the semiconductor layers can.

In the case of thin-film solar cells, the series connection of the individual cells takes place by means of a suitable sequence of deposition steps and subsequent structuring, e.g. with a laser ablation or with the help of a mechanical scoring of the deposited layers. The resulting monolithic interconnection is manifested on the finished module, e.g. by a characteristic pinstripe pattern.

Furthermore, conductor tracks or metal strips (hereinafter referred to as current-collecting tracks) are formed to dissipate the photocurrent at the outermost two individual cells, which in turn are preferably connected via further current-conducting tracks, referred to below as current paths, to a connection box for connecting external conductors. The current collecting tracks and the optional current paths are usually made of tinned copper strips. It is known to glue these tapes to the semiconductor layers by means of an electrically conductive adhesive. However, the known adhesives used for this purpose have several disadvantages, such as unsatisfactory resistance of the adhesives to moisture and higher temperatures. Just as critical is the contamination of individual cells by components of the adhesive. In addition, the relatively complex mechanical and thermal process management increases the assembly effort when applying the adhesive.

Alternatively, the current collecting tracks and / or the current paths can be electrically conductively connected to the solar cells by a thermal soldering process. This is problematic in that not all materials are conventional solderable (such as ceramic, TCO - transparent conductive oxides, such as ZnO, SnO ₂ , ITO or aluminum). In addition, since not all metals (such as aluminum) are solderable, it is necessary to apply in the realization of the back contact over a large area further intermediate layers of nickel / vanadium. Disadvantages are also caused by a selective soldering local mechanical stresses.

Also known is the application of the current collecting tracks and the current paths through a

Ultrasonic soldering, which can also be used in cases where a conventional soldering process fails. The disadvantage here, however, is that a very expensive special lot is necessary for the ultrasonic soldering of metal strips on TCO. The relatively complex mechanical process control and the difficult process control also have a negative effect.

It should be noted that DE 30 01 24 OS discloses a method for applying electrically conductive contacts on the surface of a conventional solar cell, not formed as a thin film solar cell, in which by thermal spraying particles of metallic material of a temperature above the alloying temperature of this Material and are formed of silicon, and in which the particles are sprayed from a distance to the surface that they reach the surface at a temperature at which they alloy with the silicon and thereby adhere to the silicon surface. A comparable method is known from US 6,620, 645 B2. Due to the high temperatures (See eg Sp. 4, Z. 6 and 7 of this document), the methods for applying printed conductors to thin-film solar cells are not suitable because, for example, the strongly heated particles oxidize on contact with oxygen, which severely limits the electrical conductivity. Also, the thermal stress on a glass slide can lead to its breakage.

Against this background, it is the object of the invention to provide an optimized method for applying electrically conductive contacts on thin-film solar modules with one or more thin-film solar cells.

The invention solves this problem by the subject matter of claim 1. It also provides the solar module of claims 26 and 27.

According to claim 1, a method is proposed for forming at least one electrically conductive contact region on a thin-film solar module having at least one or preferably a plurality of solar cells, which has a plurality of cell material layers applied to a carrier material such as a substrate or a superstrate, wherein the at least one electrically conductive contact area is formed or fixed by means of a cold gas spraying process on the Solaπnodul. The cold gas sprayed contacts adhere particularly well to glass if they consist of aluminum.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

It is conceivable to design the contacts-preferably current-collecting tracks and / or current paths-solely by the cold gas spraying. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to use the cold gas spraying, for example, to apply metallic contacts such as copper contacts - in particular copper conductors - on the substrate such as a substrate or a superstrate or to attach to this.

Cold gas spraying - also called cold gas spraying - differs from thermal spraying methods such as e.g. a flame spraying, photojetting or plasma spraying method in that the sprayed fine metal particles are not processed in a molten state. As a result, the cold gas spraying has the advantage that the metallic properties remain largely unchanged and that the workpiece to be sprayed is not affected by high temperatures or even destroyed. Due to the comparatively moderate temperatures, oxidation of the metal particles is prevented. Preferably, the application of the current traces and the current paths is direct, i. without intermediate layer on the carrier material.

In the method of cold gas spraying, metal particles are indeed heated, but not melted (in contrast to thermal spraying, see above) and sprayed through a nozzle (Laval nozzle) at supersonic speed. The carrier gas heated to several hundred degrees relaxes in the nozzle and causes the necessary high velocities of the particles. The metal particles separate in a morphologically dense oxide-poor layer on the substrate base e.g. a substrate or superstrate.

By cold gas spraying according to the invention preferably fine aluminum particles

(e.g., 35 microns) sprayed having a temperature of at most 300 °, preferably 150 ° C when hitting the substrates or superstrate.

By cold gas spraying, metallic current collecting paths or current paths are applied to solar cells using special contacting patterns. The Contacting of the solar cells and the application of the current paths can be done with only one component, ie a metal powder. However, this can also be designed as a combination of different metals or metal alloys.

A special feature of the process is the high process flexibility in the

Contacting the cells when the spray nozzle is moved by a robot system.

As a result, very complex contacting patterns can be produced on a solar module. Also, it can be quickly adapted to different substrate sizes, without lengthy set-up times are necessary or even the production line must be interrupted.

In the method, mechanical and electrical properties similar to those of the starting material can be achieved in the sprayed layer.

Usually, 20-90% of the electrical conductivity is achieved depending on the metal and the process parameters.

An additional increase in electrical conductivity can be achieved by a subsequent, thermal process step. The temperature should preferably be more than 50%, in particular 2/3 of the melting temperature of the sprayed metal. Advantageously, the heating can locally be limited to the metal web (laser, flame or induction).

The electrical resistance does not change within the measuring accuracy when the

Sample of an atmosphere with increased humidity and temperature (eg 85%, 85 ⁰ C, 1000 hours) is exposed.

The method of cold gas spraying is characterized by a high deposition rate and a high degree of automation that can be achieved. The carrier material learns here only a very low thermal and mechanical load. The metals (eg aluminum or tin) can be sprayed directly onto glass or ceramic (deposited).

For improved adhesion to glass or ceramic, it is also possible to spray mixtures of different pure metals (alloys) or / and with different particle sizes (powder sizes). Multi-layer webs made of various pure metals / alloys are also easy to implement.

Through a suitable spray nozzle beam widths of a few millimeters wide (preferably <4 mm) can be achieved. As a result, it is possible to work without a mask during application, which further minimizes the spray losses despite the existing high degree of adhesion.

In addition, the method has the advantage that the applied printed conductor generally does not form an exact rectangle in cross-section. The cross-sectional area of the sprayed-on conductor tracks rather corresponds to a Gaussian distribution (see also FIG. 8). This has the advantage that when later produced a glass-glass composite trapped air can be pushed out much easier than as with rectangular tracks of metal bands. This allows thinner PVB films to be used for a successful bond. Also, the height of the sprayed tracks can be varied very easily by the choice of process parameters.

The method for forming current-collecting tracks on thin-film solar modules which are embodied as a so-called glass-glass module which has two glass panes can be used particularly advantageously.

According to a further advantageous variant of the method, the metal webs of relatively coarse powder (eg with particle sizes> 35 microns), which optimizes the process in particular safety technology, since the risk of dust explosions during manufacture is so negligible. With coarser powders, a later carrier material cleaning may even be omitted.

A further advantage of the cold gas spraying method is that, in various combinations, conductor tracks according to the state of the art are provided with conductor tracks formed by a

Cold gas spraying were produced, can be combined.

Thus, the cold gas spraying is used according to an advantageous variant of the invention to apply copper strips, which serve as the actual current collecting tracks.

The electrical contacting of the copper strips with the solar cells is done here no longer with conductive adhesive or solder but by sprayed metal in the cold gas injection process.

The metal is e.g. applied selectively or in the form of a continuous line. This has several advantages. Thus, copper strips have a higher current carrying capacity than aluminum strips with the same cross section. If, in addition, a continuous metal web is sprayed on, then optionally the tinning of the copper strip can be dispensed with, since corrosion protection over the sprayed-on metal layer is already realized. In addition, contacting directly on sputtered aluminum back contacts / reflectors is also possible in this way. A nickel / vanadium finish is not necessary.

According to a variant of the method, it is also possible, the current collecting tracks in

Apply cold spraying method, while the current paths are made of conventional metal bands or vice versa.

According to relevant standardization - eg DIN EN 61646 Insulation test / creepage current test under wetting for the testing of thin-film solar cells, the outer ones must Ranges, preferably the outer 1-2 cm on the coated with cell layers substrate or superstrates, are again freed from these layers, so that there is a sufficient mechanical and electrical safety margin to the module edge. In addition, TCO corrosion, which often starts at the module edge and progresses into the interior of the module, is stopped. The glass substrate or superstrate is thus free on the edge so that this surface can be used for transporting electricity. The current collecting traces are sprayed directly onto the active cell layers or overlapping the glass substrate or superstrate.

Experiments show that when using aluminum for cold gas spraying the

Contacting of the active cell layers is particularly good when the sprayed aluminum both in one area of these cell layers and in another area of the substrate or superstrate - in particular of glass - contacted, since this particularly adheres to glass or enters into a chemical bond to the glass. It also speaks in favor of aluminum that it is cost-effective and has an excellent density

Conductivity ratio has.

In the module variant whose structure corresponds to the prior art, an insulating film is necessary, which electrically separates the current paths locally from the active layers of the cells. At crossing points to the current-collecting tracks, a nickel layer can then optionally be locally sprayed onto it.

In a third embodiment variant, both the current collecting tracks and the current paths are formed in the stripped edge area of the solar module.

The current collecting tracks are applied (sprayed) as in the first example, while the current paths without touching the active layers of the solar cell are guided only over the edge-layered zone. The advantage here is that it is possible to dispense with an insulating foil for the current paths and that the connections at the motor vehicle dulrand sitting, which is advantageous for so-called semitransparent - so partially translucent - modules.

Short metal straps or wires may form the loose ends of the current collecting tracks or current paths when directly fixed to the substrate by cold gas sprayed metal. The loose ends or wires can be led out through holes or slots in the back glass or over the edge of the module.

Furthermore, the electrical contacting of the conductor tracks through a bore of the carrier material or the rear glass can be effected directly by cold gas-sprayed metal.

When using aluminum, the borehole is weather-proofed by the resulting chemical bond with the glass. In this contacting scheme can be dispensed with an insulating film, which reduces the manufacturing cost and simplifies the manufacturing process.

According to another variant, the current paths without insulation film are not formed on the edge of the carrier material but on towards the module center. In this case, it is necessary that the individual solar cells or the entire module by an insulation structure, which extends to the glass substrate or superstrate (eg by laser ablation or mechanical scribing) separates the region of the active cells of the current path to a short circuit veπneiden. To improve the metal adhesion on the substrate or superstrate, the fields for the current paths can be provided with additional insulation structures (cracks of the deposited layer). In addition, further insulation structures can be applied for better adhesion of the current collecting tracks.

While in the previous examples, both the current collection paths and the current paths were applied to the front glass with active cell layers, this is solved differently in a further variant for glass-glass modules. In this variant, preferably only the current collecting track on the front glass overlapping to sprayed on edge-coated zone. On the other hand, the current paths are sprayed on the back glass before the module is mounted. A film, in particular a PVB film, which glues the front glass and the back glass, has two punched-out holes or slits which lie in the later point of intersection of the current collecting path and the current path. The electrical contact between the webs could be through conductive adhesive or low melting alloys for metals.

The curing process of the conductive adhesive or the melting of the alloys or metals may e.g. during the lamination process.

In this method of contacting, no active cell surface is lost through isolation structures. The PVB film also acts as an insulating film. This is advantageous in that no additional insulation film must be used and that the position of the junction box is arbitrary.

According to a further variant, the contacting of the current-collecting tracks is guided by bores to the side facing away from the cell layers. On this page, the current paths can now be led to the junction box.

In superstrate construction, sunlight first passes through the transparent substrate - e.g. Glass - and then the functional layers, which are deposited on the carrier.

When substrate approach can be dispensed with an optical transparency of the substrate, since the carrier is in the beam path behind the functional layers.

Next there is also the possibility to use instead of only one junction box two such doses. Then no current paths are required. Hereinafter, the invention with reference to embodiments with reference to the

Drawing explained in more detail. Show it:

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a known thin-film solar module;

FIGS. 2a and 2b show another known thin-film solar cell which is cut and enlarged in the edge area;

FIG. 3A shows a further schematic sectional view of a thin-film solar module provided with cold gas-sprayed current collecting paths; FIG.

3B is a sectional view of a thin-film solar module;

3C is a sectional view of a peripheral portion of a thin-film solar module provided with a cold gas-injected current collecting path;

4, 5 are plan views of further thin-film solar modules;

Fig. 6A is an exploded view of a thin-film solar module;

Fig. 6B is a sectional view through a portion of the thin-film solar module

Fig. 6A; Fig. 7a, b are sectional views of further thin-film solar modules; and

Fig. 8 is a diagrammatic section through a cold gas-sprayed current collecting track.

FIG. 1 shows a thin-film solar module 1, which here builds up on a carrier or support material 2 as a base, which is used as a superstrate, e.g. can be designed as a glass sheet. Embodiments with an optically transparent or non-transparent substrate as carrier material are also conceivable.

The thin-film solar module 1 has a plurality of solar cells 3, which are formed in a monolithic interconnection on the carrier, which is indicated in the figure by the dividing lines between the solar cells. The monolithic interconnection makes it possible to divert the current of one solar cell to the other.

At the first and the last thin-film solar cell 3 of the solar cells connected in series with each other, current-collecting tracks 4, 5 are arranged, which in turn contact current paths 6 and 7, which are preferably connected to a junction box 9 for connection to external terminals. ner electrical conductor are merged. It is also possible to save the current paths, if ever a junction box is positioned directly on the current collecting tracks.

The preferably equally long current paths 6 and 7 usually extend approximately centrally to the entire thin-film solar module directly above the individual thin-film solar cells.

In order to avoid a short circuit, it is necessary to provide, between the thin-film solar cells 3 and the current paths 6 and 7, an insulating layer realized e.g. by an insulating film 8, to arrange or train.

Overall, the power-generating thin-film solar cells 3 occupy a slightly smaller area than the carrier material or the carrier 2, so that a peripherally free edge zone 10 is formed on the carrier, which serves to realize a perfect insulation.

This edge zone 10 is produced after the application of the various solar cell material layers by ablating a corresponding edge region of these material layers and is referred to as edge-removed zone.

FIG. 2a shows a side view of an edge section of the carrier 2 after the application of different layers 11, 12, 13 and before the removal of these layers to form the edge-delaminated zone 10. The cell layers to be removed here comprise a back contact layer (electrically conductive layer A) 11 absorber layer

12, for example of silicon (eg, amorphous or microcrystalline) and a so-called TCO layer (transparent conductive oxide, electrical conductive layer B)) 13, which is adjacent to the substrate 2 here. The same naturally also applies to super-substrates in which the solar radiation comes from the other side, that is to say from the side receiving the cell layers. Accordingly, the layers are arranged and designated.

After removal of an edge region of these layers is formed according to the type of FIG.

2B, the edge-detackified zone 10 in which the substrate 2 is exposed, which is necessary for the safe functioning of the entire thin-film module.

FIG. 3a shows a highly schematic sectional view of a thin-film solar module 1 which is subdivided into individual thin-film solar cells 3, which are interconnected by a monolithic interconnection.

According to the invention, at least one electrically conductive contact, in particular at least one or more of the current-collecting tracks 16, 17 and / or the current paths (not shown here) of the solar module by means of an injection of a metal in

Cold gas spraying method formed or fixed on the solar module. The illustrated current collecting tracks 16 and 17 are clearly oversubscribed and shown substantially larger than in practice. The real dimensions of an exemplary current-collecting track are illustrated by the measurement diagram of FIG. 8.

FIG. 3B shows a thin-film solar module according to the prior art with a monolithic interconnection.

FIG. 3C shows the edge region of a thin-film solar module 1 with a rim-coated zone 10 and with a current-collecting track, which contacts this zone 10 in sections and the active cell layers in sections.

The aluminum powder with the glass, here for example a glass substrate 2, a well-adhering compound. The order of the current collecting track on the thin-film cell causes a partial destruction of the cell as well as during soldering. The listed injected aluminum powder penetrates all or part of the cell layers. However, what is essential here is that there is a perfect contact with the current-conducting layers and a secure adhesion to the substrate.

FIG. 4 shows a thin-film solar module 15 according to the invention, in which the current collecting paths and the current paths have been applied by cold gas spraying. By using the method, these can also be formed at other positions of the solar module.

The current collecting tracks 16 and 17 are preferably located partially on the edge-coated zone 10 and partly on the outer material layers or cell layers of the solar cells.

According to FIG. 4, current paths 18 and 19 likewise run on the edge 10. However, the current paths are not in contact with the individual solar cells, so that no additional insulation is required as in the prior art (see FIG. 1). As a result, the assembly costs can be reduced and the production costs can be reduced. In addition, it is possible in a simple manner to also form connections for external conductors (junction box 20) in the edge region of the solar module, which is particularly advantageous in the case of semi-transparent modules, since this results in less shading by the junction box.

FIG. 5 shows a further variant of a thin-film solar module, whereby an additional insulating film between the solar cells and the current paths is likewise dispensed with, as in FIG. This is possible because the individual solar cells get a so-called insulation structure 21 in order to maintain functional reliability. Here, for example, the cell is separated by lasers, so that it can not come to a short circuit. However, the effective cell area becomes slightly smaller as a result. According to the invention, it is then possible to spray the current paths in the cold gas spraying process, whereby a secure attachment to the glass substrate takes place, since the sprayed aluminum powder or the sprayed current path in direct contact with the glass substrate and keeps it safe. The functional layers are penetrated in this delimited area and largely destroyed. Additional isolation structures in the area of the current paths promote adhesion to the substrate.

FIG. 6a shows a thin-film solar module (glass-glass version) in an exploded, isometric view. In this case, the front glass 22 has the usual thin-film solar cells 23 which, as already described, are provided on the first and last cell with current collecting paths 24 and 25 according to this invention.

One or more foils 26 (e.g., a PVB sheeting and, optionally, a supplemental insulating foil 26) for isolating and bonding the wafers are disposed between the panes of glass in accordance with the prior art. For power conduction, this film has 26 holes or slots in the crossing region or contacting region of the current collecting paths 24 and 25 and the current paths 28 and 29. These current paths 28 and

29 are sprayed below the rear glass and run from the crossing points or contact points to holes in the glass center, which serves for connection to a junction box.

As FIG. 6b shows, the holes 30 in the back glass can be particularly advantageous

31 are also filled by the cold gas spraying process. As a result, a very simple contact on the back of the entire glass-glass module is possible. The holes are also filled "tight".

FIG. 7 a shows a thin-film solar cell with a carrier 42, on which solar cells 43 are applied, which in turn are formed in a monolithic interconnection on the carrier 42. At the first and the last thin-film solar cell 43 of the interconnected solar cells are current collecting tracks 44, 45 are arranged, preferably through cold spray filled with conductive material (contact filling 51) filled holes 50 through the support 42 through current paths 46 and 47, the preferably arranged on a side facing away from the sun and the cell layers side junction box 49 are merged to connect external electrical conductors.

According to FIG. 7b, no current paths are provided, since in each case one of the junction boxes 49 is applied directly to the contact fillings 51 on the side facing away from the cell layers.

It is also possible to save the current paths, if ever a junction box is positioned directly on the current collecting tracks.

The preferably equally long current paths 6 and 7 usually extend approximately centrally to the entire thin-film solar module directly above the individual thin-film solar cells. About the contacts, especially the current collecting tracks and current paths can a

Encapsulation layer, eg made of plastic, as weather protection, depending on the design transparent or non-transparent, applied.

References:

1) thin-film solar module 2) carrier

3) thin-film solar cell

4) Current collecting track

5) current collector

6) current path 7) current path

8) insulation film

9) junction box

10) Edge zone (edge-removed zone)

11) El. Conductive layer (A)

12) Silicon (amorphous / microcrystalline) absorber

13) El. Conductive layer (B)

14) contacting area

15) thin-film solar module 16) current collector

17) Electricity collector

18) current path

19) current path

20) connection box

21) Insulation structure 22) Front glass

23) thin-film solar cells 24) current collecting path 25) current collecting path 26) foil (dielectric)

27) hole

28) current path

29) current path

30) bore 31) back glass

42) carrier 43) solar cells

44, 45) current collecting paths 46, 47) current paths

49) Connection box

50) bores 51) contact filling

Claims

claims

A method of forming at least one electrically conductive contact region on a thin film solar module comprising at least one or preferably a plurality of solar cells, comprising a plurality of thin film solar cells of cell material layers (11, 12, 13) applied to a substrate such as a substrate or superstrate in that the at least one electrically conductive contact region is formed or fastened on the Dünschicht solar module by means of a cold gas spraying process.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one contact area as at least one current collecting track (4, 5, 16, 17, 24, 25) is in particular formed on a first and a last solar cell of the interconnected solar cells of a solar module and that the current collecting path (4, 5, 16, 17, 24, 25) is formed or fixed on the solar module by means of the cold gas spraying method.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one contact region as at least one current path (6, 7, 18, 19, 28, 29) is formed, which the current collecting path (4, 5, 16, 17, 24 , 25) conductively connects to a connection device for external electrical conductors and that the flow path with the cold gas spraying process on the solar module is formed or attached.

4. The method of claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the current collecting path (4, 5, 16, 17, 24, 25) and / or the current path (6, 7, 18, 19, 28, 29) exclusively from Cold gas spraying on the solar module applied material.

5. The method of claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the KaIt- gas spraying method, a conductive strip material is mounted on the solar module.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that with the cold gas injection method, a metal is applied to the solar module, which has a temperature below its melting point under the prevailing at the place of impact process conditions at least when hitting the solar module.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cold gas spraying method, a metal is sprayed onto the solar module such that it has a temperature of less than 300 ⁰ C, preferably less than 150 ⁰ C when hitting the solar module.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sprayed metal after application to the solar module in any case partially heated to a temperature of more than 50%, preferably more than 2/3 of the melting temperature of the sprayed metal.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that with the Kaltgasspritzv experienced aluminum, copper, nickel or tin is applied to the solar module.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that with the cold gas spraying method zinc is applied to the solar module.

11.Verfahren according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sprayed metal consists of a mixture of different pure metals.

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the metal is sprayed with a Laval nozzle.

13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cold gas injection takes place by means of a metal powder having a particle size of more than 35 microns.

14. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cross-sectional area of the sprayed in the cold gas method Strommusibibahn o- the current path is not rectangular.

15. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cross section of the cold gas method sprayed current bus or current path is less than 2 mm ² and preferably less than 1 mm ² .

16. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cross section of the cold gas method sprayed current collecting track or current path is less than 0.7 mm, and preferably less than 0, 3 mm.

17. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the current-collecting tracks (4, 5, 16, 17, 24, 25) of the solar module are applied in the cold gas spraying and that are applied to the solar module current paths of conventional metal strips.

18. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the current paths (18, 19) in one or more edge-detackified zone (s) (10) of the solar modules is formed.

19. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the current-collecting tracks (4, 5, 16, 17, 24, 25) in sections on a randent- layered zone (10) and partially overlap one or more of the cell material layers (11, 12, 13) of the solar cell material in an edge region.

20. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one current path through an insulating layer / structure, which on the

Cell material layers is applied, is separated from the solar cells.

21. Method according to one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that the back glass (31) has at least one bore (30), which is penetrated by an electrically conductive contact region, which overlaps with the thin film Solar cell (23) provided side of the substrate (22) with the side facing away from the layers side of the rear glass (22) conductively connects.

22. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact in the bore (30, 50) is generated by cold gas spraying.

23. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the current collecting track and / or at least one of the current paths is not formed in the edge region (10) of the carrier material but further centrally on the carrier material.

24. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the case of a solar module designed as a glass-glass module, the current collecting paths are sprayed onto the substrate (22) overlapping the edge-delaminated zone and the current paths are applied to the back glass (31) before the module is mounted. be sprayed on.

25. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the substrate (42) has at least one bore (50), which from an elec- electrically conductive contact filling (51) is interspersed, which conductively connects the side of the substrate (42) provided with the thin-film solar cells (43) with the side of the substrate (42) facing away from the cells.

26. Solar module, in particular thin-film solar module, which has a plurality of cell material layers (11, 12, 13) applied to a carrier material, such as a substrate or a superstrate, and at least one electrically conductive contact region, characterized in that the at least one electrically conductive contact region by means of a cold gas injection method is formed or fixed on the solar module.

27. According to one of the methods of claims 1 to 22 produced solar module.