Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing solar cell strings by connecting at least two solar cells by a least one conductor ribbon of a first length, wherein the solar cells are respectively spaced from one another at a string cell spacing(s), until a desired number of solar cells for producing a first solar cell string is connected together, connecting a further solar cell with a last solar cell of the first solar string by at least another conductor ribbon which is longer than the at least one conductor ribbon, wherein the second solar cell is spaced from the last solar cell at a greater spacing than the string cell spacing(s) and wherein the second solar cell forms the first solar cell for a second solar string, and separating the at least another conductor ribbon for decoupling the first solar cell string.

Abstract: A soldering apparatus for connecting solar cells includes an induction heat source to connect cell conducting tracks, provided with soldering medium, with electric conductors. The heat source has a high-frequency generator and an inductor loop in which the flow of a high-frequency current causes a high-frequency magnetic field to induce in the conducting track and in the electric conductor arranged along the conducting track eddy currents that generate the heat that is necessary for the soldering operation. The U-shaped inductor loop has narrowings and widenings that serve to optimize the heat development in the soldering zone and thus also save energy. Each widening affords access to the soldering point for a magnetic-field-neutral pressure foot that presses the conductor onto the conducting track. The inductor loop extends the entire length of the conducting track of the cell upper and lower sides to solder to the conductor in one soldering operation.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing solar cell strings by connecting at least two solar cells by a least one conductor ribbon of a first length, wherein the solar cells are respectively spaced from one another at a string cell spacing(s), until a desired number of solar cells for producing a first solar cell string is connected together, connecting a further solar cell with a last solar cell of the first solar string by at least another conductor ribbon which is longer than the at least one conductor ribbon, wherein the second solar cell is spaced from the last solar cell at a greater spacing than the string cell spacing(s) and wherein the second solar cell forms the first solar cell for a second solar string, and separating the at least another conductor ribbon for decoupling the first solar cell string.

Abstract: A system for layup of a solar cell string on a substrate includes a robotic arm having a pickbar attached to a free end thereof. The pickbar has an elongated body with a plurality of vacuum grippers spaced along the body each for gripping an individual solar cell of the solar cell string. A vacuum source applies a vacuum through the vacuum grippers to grip the solar cells and a controller connected to the robotic arm positioned the solar cell string gripped by the pickbar on a substrate. A pair of sensor assemblies mounted on the pickbar generates signals representing positions of portions of the solar cell string and features of the substrate. The controller responds to the signals for positioning the gripped solar cell string relative to the substrate.

Abstract: A soldering apparatus for connecting solar cells includes an induction heat source to connect cell conducting tracks, provided with soldering medium, with electric conductors. The heat source has a high-frequency generator and an inductor loop in which the flow of a high-frequency current causes a high-frequency magnetic field to induce in the conducting track and in the electric conductor arranged along the conducting track eddy currents that generate the heat that is necessary for the soldering operation. The inductor loop includes a U-shaped loop element that has narrowings and widening in one arm that is positioned closer to the conductor. Ferrite beads and ferrite tubes at the widening concentrate the magnetic field to optimize the heat development in the soldering zone and thus also save energy.

Abstract: A soldering apparatus for connecting solar cells includes an induction heat source to connect cell conducting tracks, provided with soldering medium, with electric conductors. The heat source has a high-frequency generator and an inductor loop in which the flow of a high-frequency current causes a high-frequency magnetic field to induce in the conducting track and in the electric conductor arranged along the conducting track eddy currents that generate the heat that is necessary for the soldering operation. The U-shaped inductor loop has narrowings and widenings that serve to optimize the heat development in the soldering zone and thus also save energy. Each widening affords access to the soldering point for a magnetic-field-neutral pressure foot that presses the conductor onto the conducting track. The inductor loop extends the entire length of the conducting track of the cell upper and lower sides to solder to the conductor in one soldering operation.

Abstract: A vacuum assisted multiple position walking beam apparatus (10), which has products (20) placed thereon.