Ulbrich Introduces Light Capturing Ribbon to PV Module Makers


NORTH HAVEN, CT: Ulbrich is pleased to announce that it has begun manufacturing its revolutionary Light Capturing Ribbon (LCR) in production volumes. This patented product, which was invented by Dr. Ely Sachs of MIT is being produced and sold under license from 1366 Technologies. It enables crystalline pv module makers to harness much of the potential energy that is normally lost when light is reflected off the ribbon and back through the glass. Ribbon normally covers around 3% of a standard cell's surface.

LCR can be adapted for use on standard solar cells with relative ease, harvesting additional energy while avoiding more complex solutions to this problem, such as back contact cells.

It also allows for optimization of interconnections in a number of ways by allowing a thinner and wider ribbon to be used:

  • Larger ribbon cross-section can reduce resistive losses

  • Thinner ribbon minimizes stresses during soldering

  • Most of the light striking the ribbon is re-captured, so shading by the ribbon is not a major consideration

    For more information, contact Ulbrich at (864)647-6087 or solar@ulbrich.com
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