The selection of shingle matrix cell interconnection technology for vehicle-integrated photovoltaic (VIPV), building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV), and space PV modules is primarily driven by their unique ability to combine aesthetics, efficiency, and mechanical adaptability.

M10 Solar Equipment GmbH, a well-known European shingle matrix technology-based cell interconnection tool maker, exhibited its latest offerings, along with finished products, during Intersolar Europe 2025. During a booth visit by the TaiyangNews team, Philipp Zahn, Managing Director of the company, highlighted a sample space application PV module from Source Energy Company, which was built using M10’s interconnection tool.

What is Shingle Matrix Technology?

Unlike conventional PV module layouts that include cell-to-cell and string-to-string gaps, shingle matrix technology maximizes the module’s active surface area by arranging cell strips with slight overlaps and lateral offsets, resembling a masonry or shingle pattern. This innovative configuration uses low-resistance electrically conductive adhesive (ECA) for interconnection, enabling shorter current paths and significantly reducing resistive losses within the module, thereby improving overall efficiency.

By combining both series and parallel electrical connections, shingled modules minimize the impact of partial shading to only the affected local area. In contrast, conventional half-cut modules may experience performance loss across entire substrings. Moreover, this ECA-based interconnection method is entirely lead-free, supporting global sustainability goals.

Exhibit Showcase

At Intersolar Europe 2025, Zahn highlighted Source Energy Company’s mini-sized space-grade PV module, assembled using its ECA-based interconnection tool, SURFACE. According to the company’s technical datasheet, the module offers a beginning-of-life (BOL) power of up to 15.6 W, with a Voc of 12.9 V and Isc of 1.6 A.

Thanks to the shingled matrix layout, the module provides fault tolerance to localized micrometeoroid impacts and includes shading bypass current paths within the module architecture. Designed to withstand the harsh environmental conditions of space, it resists UV radiation and atomic oxygen exposure. The compact module measures 321 × 208 × 1.17 mm and weighs only 98 grams.

SURFACE Tool

M10 Solar’s SURFACE interconnection tool replaces traditional ribbon and flux with ECA as a consumable. It offers a high throughput of up to 12,000 cell strips per hour and supports cell sizes up to M12+. The tool is compatible with various advanced cell technologies, including HJT, TOPCon, Perovskite, and Tandem. It can manufacture modules with dimensions of up to 2,300 × 1,300 mm, making it well-suited for next-generation applications such as VIPV, BIPV, and aerospace.