When photons strike a PV cell, they may be reflected or absorbed, or they may pass right through. Only the absorbed photons generate electricity. When this happens, the energy of the photon is transferred to an electron in an atom of the cell (which is actually a semiconductor).

With its newfound energy, the electron is able to escape from its normal position associated with that atom to become part of the current in an electrical circuit. By leaving this position, the electron causes the formation of a "hole". Special electrical properties of the PV cell—a built-in electric field—provide the voltage needed to drive the current through an external load.

Solarwire is Strip Tinning’s brand of photovoltaic ribbon, as used in many types of thin film and crystalline solar modules.

The process includes x-ray analysis, hot nitrogen coating thickness control and continuous in-line measurement. And unlike many suppliers who will hot dip tin the master coil and slit it down to finish width, SolarWire ensures that the copper busbar is fully coated, including edges, to avoid the risk of copper corrosion. Our in-house X-Ray coating thickness measurement system enable us to perform continuous coating thickness analysis and to make sure the customer is receiving production within the agreed specification.