As the solar industry continues to scale, one question becomes ever more pressing: how do we build a more sustainable, resilient, and future-ready photovoltaic supply chain?

At AIKO, the answer begins not just with record-breaking efficiency — but with reinventing what lies beneath the surface.

While many manufacturers remain focused on pushing cell performance through incremental gains, AIKO has taken a bolder path: pioneering copper interconnection, a breakthrough that quietly underpins the performance and durability of AIKO’s ABC (All Back Contact) modules.

Why Move Beyond Silver?

Silver has long been the default in PV cell metallization — but it’s not without challenges. With solar already consuming nearly 20% of global silver supply, growing dependence on this rare and costly resource poses real risks for the industry. Price volatility, supply constraints, and sustainability concerns are already reshaping how forward-thinking manufacturers approach design and materials.

A Performance Upgrade, Not a Trade-Off

AIKO’s copper interconnection delivers superior conductivity:

The resistivity of pure copper is just 1.7 μΩ·cm, far lower than the ~5 μΩ·cm typical of silver pastes (which also contain glass and binders).

Lower resistance enables higher current collection and improved energy performance, particularly under high irradiance or heat.

Unlike silver paste, copper electroplating does not require high-temperature firing, eliminating thermal stress and impurity diffusion into the silicon wafer. This results in a cleaner, more robust cell — with higher initial efficiency and longer operational life.

Tougher by Design: The Mechanical Advantage of Copper

Durability is increasingly in the spotlight, especially for installations exposed to environmental extremes — from alpine rooftops to floating PV arrays.

AIKO’s copper interconnection offers exceptional micro-crack resistance:

No sintering means less wafer damage during manufacturing.

Copper fingers and copper ribbons (made from the same material) form stronger solder joints, with tensile strengths over 5N — outperforming silver-copper interfaces.

This means better performance in the face of mechanical stress, impacts, and — crucially — invisible microcracks, a leading cause of long-term energy loss.

In fact, recent testing shows that AIKO’s ABC modules with copper interconnection suffer significantly less power loss than TOPCon modules under identical impact conditions.

The Stellar ABC module — AIKO’s flagship solution for floating PV applications — is currently the world’s only commercially available double-glass module featuring copper interconnection, high tensile strength, and proven micro-crack resistance.

Delivering Value Where It Matters Most

In the real world, this matters. For EPCs and asset owners, copper-based ABC modules mean:

Greater long-term energy yield

Lower maintenance costs thanks to improved shading tolerance

Reduced fire risk through superior temperature behavior

Stronger ROI, driven by higher uptime and energy stability

All of this, while using a more sustainable, cost-stable material that aligns with long-term supply chain goals.

A Differentiator in a Crowded Market

As Europe’s solar market becomes more competitive and quality-driven, technologies that combine efficiency, reliability, and sustainability will set leading brands apart.

AIKO’s copper interconnection is not just a manufacturing innovation — it’s a clear signal of long-term strategic thinking. It reinforces the company’s position as a pioneer in BC technology and as a trusted partner to solar professionals seeking the next generation of performance.

By addressing both environmental concerns and engineering challenges, this proprietary advancement represents a smarter path forward — for solar, and for the zero-carbon future it powers.