Abstract: Apparatus (1) for manufacturing solar cell matrices includes several stringers (2) for forming strings from solar cells, a lay-up and interconnection station (5) for arranging and interconnecting the strings to form a solar cell matrix, and a transportation system (3) for transferring the strings from the stringers (2) to the lay-up and interconnection station (5), wherein the stringers (2) are arranged perpendicular to the direction of flow of the transportation system (3), or in an acute angle to an axis perpendicular to the direction of flow of the transportation system (3). Furthermore, a process for operating such apparatus (1), wherein the several stringers (2) are controlled such that collision between different strings is avoided in the transportation system (3).

Abstract: A process for operating a stringer (10) for connecting solar cells in series by solder ribbon cut-offs cut from continuous solder ribbon strip, includes monitoring depletion of the momentarily-employed continuous solder ribbon strip (13a) by a monitoring unit (16) detecting when the end (17) of this strip (13a) approaches, entering a new roll (2) with a new continuous solder ribbon strip (13b), connecting the end (17) of the momentarily-employed strip (13a) to this new strip (13b) thereby forming a composite continuous solder ribbon strip that includes a connection, moving this composite strip to a cutting station (14), cutting this composite strip into solder ribbon cut-offs in cutting station (14), and removing the ribbon cut-off that includes this connection. Also, stringer apparatus for performing such process.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for manufacturing solar cell matrices includes several stringers (2) for forming strings from solar cells, a lay-up and interconnection station (5) for arranging and interconnecting the strings to form a solar cell matrix, and a transportation system (3) for transferring the strings from the stringers (2) to the lay-up and interconnection station (5), wherein the stringers (2) are arranged perpendicular to the direction of flow of the transportation system (3), or in an acute angle to an axis perpendicular to the direction of flow of the transportation system (3). Furthermore, a process for operating such apparatus (1), wherein the several stringers (2) are controlled such that collision between different strings is avoided in the transportation system (3).