Although a conventional PV module is a source of clean energy, it relies on critical raw materials, including silver (Ag), lead (Pb), and bismuth (Bi), which are expensive, toxic, or difficult to scale. Notably, a PV module’s cell and busbar interconnect ribbon, featuring a copper (Cu) based metal core, is covered with Sn62Pb36Ag2 and Sn60Pb40 solder alloy, respectively. However, concerning the toxic nature of Pb, recently, the use of tin-bismuth (SnBi) based low-temperature solder alloy is being employed by multiple Pb-free PV module makers. Although a solder joint containing Bi, suspected of causing long-term product degradation, and a byproduct of Pb mining, does not offer a sustainable, environmentally friendly solution.  

SOLYCO Solar AG, a German innovative and aesthetic solar module producer, has developed its proprietary TECC-Connect PV interconnection technology that reduces silver (Ag) content, while overcoming the limitations mentioned above. During a quick stop by the TaiyangNews team at the company’s booth in Intersolar Europe 2025, Lars Podlowski, a Board Member at SOLYCO AG and Managing Director and CTO of SOLYCO Technology GmbH, gave a brief overview of the company’s SOLYCO Pro R-TG 96h-T.5 /450 series HJT module, incorporating its TECC-Connect technology. He said this was the first time the module was publicly exhibited.  

What is TECC-Connect Technology? 

According to the company’s datasheet, the TECC wire, having a Cu core of 280 µm in diameter, which is coated with a thin Ag layer to prevent oxidation of the core, is subsequently covered with a layer of electrically conductive thermoplastic material. Replacing the conventional solder alloy with a functional plastic, which eventually eliminates soldering processes, enables an Ag, Pb, and Bi-free PV module production. Its low melting point between 130°C and 180°C, vis-à-vis conventional solder wire, makes it suitable for next-generation solar cells, like back contact (BC) and perovskite tandem cell technology.  

Product Description 

The SOLYCO Pro R-TG 96h-T.5 /450 series HJT module, combined with 96 pieces of G12R size HJT half-cells, boasts a power output and efficiency not exceeding 450 W and 22.5%, respectively. Leveraging Ecoprogetti’s stringer with zero busbar (0BB) technology, these cells were interconnected with an Ag-free and solder-free gluing solution using SOLYCO’s thermoplastic electrically conductive coating ribbon or TECC wire, stated Ecoprogetti on its official LinkedIn page. Laminated with 2 mm-thick front and rear glass, this 1,762 × 1,134 mm size module with a black anodized 30 mm aluminum frame, weighs 24.8 kg. According to the datasheet, this module offers a bifaciality of up to 90%. On top of that, it has a lower temperature coefficient of power (Pmax) of -0.24%/°C compared to its TOPCon counterpart.  

According to Podlowski, these modules are expected to be available on the market starting in 2026. The company offers both product and performance warranties of up to 30 years for this displayed module.