RESPECT TO A SUBSTRATE USED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF A SOLAR CELL, SYSTEM FOR DEPOSITION OF A MATERIAL ON A SUBSTRATE USED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF A SOLAR CELL, AND METHOD FOR ALIGNING A SCREEN DEVICE WITH RESPECT TO A SUBSTRATE USED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF A SOLAR CELL

FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus configured for alignment of a screen device with respect to a substrate used in the manufacture of a solar cell, a system for deposition of a material on a substrate used in the manufacture of a solar cell, and a method for aligning a screen device with respect to a substrate used in the manufacture of a solar cell. Embodiments of the present disclosure particularly relate to an apparatus configured for screen printing on a substrate used in the manufacture of solar cells.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Solar cells are photovoltaic devices that convert sunlight directly into electrical power. Within this field, it is known to produce solar cells on a substrate such as a crystalline silicon base using printing techniques, such as screen printing, providing on one or more surfaces of the solar cells structures of conductive line patterns, such as selective emitters.

[0003] In the production of solar cells, the substrate and a printing head can be centered or aligned with respect to each other using an alignment device. As an example, the printing head or components of the printing head, such as a screen device, can be moved with respect to the substrate. The conductive line patterns can then be printed being aligned with respect to the substrate. Alignment devices can use a mechanical contact between an alignment device and the screen device to move and align the screen device. Over time, the alignment device can wear out, and the alignment can become inaccurate. The alignment devices should be serviced in short time intervals in order to provide an accurate alignment, and costs for maintenance of the alignment devices are high. A downtime of a solar cell production apparatus can be increased and a substrate throughput can be reduced.

[0004] In view of the above, new apparatuses configured for alignment of a screen device with respect to a substrate used in the manufacture of a solar cell, new systems for deposition of a material on a substrate used in the manufacture of a solar cell, and new methods for aligning the screen device, that overcome at least some of the problems in the art are beneficial. Specifically, there is a need to provide an apparatus, a system, and a method that allow for an accurate alignment over a long period of time. More specifically, there is a need for an apparatus, a system and a method that allow for a reduction of the effects of wear of mechanical components used in the alignment of the screen device.

SUMMARY

[0005] In light of the above, an apparatus configured for alignment of a screen device with respect to a substrate used in the manufacture of a solar cell, a system for deposition of a material on a substrate used in the manufacture of a solar cell, and a method for aligning a screen device with respect to a substrate used in the manufacture of a solar cell are provided. Further aspects, benefits, and features of the present disclosure are apparent from the claims, the description, and the accompanying drawings. [0006] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus configured for alignment of a screen device with respect to a substrate used in the manufacture of a solar cell is provided. The apparatus includes a base device and one or more rotatable devices configured for contacting the screen device, wherein at least one first rotatable device of the one or more rotatable devices is connected to the base device via one or more elastic elements.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a system for deposition of a material on a substrate used in the manufacture of a solar cell is provided. The system includes a screen device and the apparatus configured for alignment of a screen device with respect to a substrate used in the manufacture of a solar cell according to the embodiments described therein.

[0008] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for aligning a screen device with respect to a substrate used in the manufacture of a solar cell is provided. The method includes contacting the screen device with one or more rotatable devices of an alignment apparatus, wherein at least one first rotatable device of the one or more rotatable devices is connected to a base device of the alignment apparatus via one or more elastic elements, and rotating at least one rotatable device of the one or more rotatable devices to align the screen device with respect to the substrate. [0009] Embodiments are also directed at apparatuses for carrying out the disclosed methods and include apparatus parts for performing each described method aspect. These method aspects may be performed by way of hardware components, a computer programmed by appropriate software, by any combination of the two or in any other manner. Furthermore, embodiments according to the disclosure are also directed at methods for operating the described apparatus. The methods for operating the described apparatus include method aspects for carrying out every function of the apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments. The accompanying drawings relate to embodiments of the disclosure and are described in the following:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a theta- alignment of a

device according to embodiments described herein;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of an apparatus configured for alignment of a screen device with respect to a substrate used in the manufacture of a solar cell according to embodiments described herein; shows a schematic view of an apparatus configured for alignment of a screen device with respect to a substrate used in the manufacture of a solar cell according to further embodiments described herein; shows a schematic view of a system for deposition of a material on a substrate used in the manufacture of a solar cell according to embodiments described herein; shows a schematic view of a section of an apparatus configured for alignment of a screen device with respect to a substrate used in the manufacture of a solar cell according to embodiments described herein; shows a schematic view of an apparatus configured for alignment of a screen device with respect to a substrate used in the manufacture of a solar cell according to embodiments described herein; shows a schematic view of a detail of the apparatus shown in FIG. 6; shows a schematic view of a mounting device of the apparatus according to embodiments described herein; and shows a flow chart of a method for aligning a screen device with respect to a substrate used in the manufacture of a solar cell according to embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Reference will now be made in detail to the various embodiments of the disclosure, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the figures. Within the following description of the drawings, the same reference numbers refer to same components. Generally, only the differences with respect to individual embodiments are described. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the disclosure and is not meant as a limitation of the disclosure. Further, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used on or in conjunction with other embodiments to yield yet a further embodiment. It is intended that the description includes such modifications and variations.

[0012] An apparatus configured for alignment of a screen device (in the following also referred to as "alignment apparatus") can use a mechanical contact between the alignment device and the screen device to align the screen device. Specifically, the alignment device Scan be used to move the screen device with respect to the substrate in order to perform an alignment. Over time, the alignment device can wear out and the alignment can become inaccurate. The alignment apparatus should be serviced in short time intervals in order to provide an accurate alignment, and costs for maintaining the alignment apparatuses are high. Further, a downtime of a solar cell production apparatus can be increased, and a throughput of the solar cell production apparatus can be reduced.

[0013] The present disclosure provides an apparatus configured for alignment of the screen device using one or more rotatable devices contacting the screen device to align the screen device with respect to the substrate. The one or more rotatable devices can rotate around a respective rotational axis, wherein the screen device is moved and aligned by the rotation of the one or more rotatable devices. At least one first rotatable device of the one or more rotatable devices is connected to a base device via one or more elastic elements. The one or more elastic elements push the at least one first rotatable device against the screen device. Even if deformations or irregularities are present, for example, at the screen device or the rotatable device(s), such deformations or irregularities can be compensated by the pushing force provided by the one or more elastic elements. Further, once the apparatus is assembled or set, a user needs not to change or operate the wear compensation device provided by the apparatus. The wear of the components is automatically compensated by the pushing force provided by the one or more elastic elements. The solar cell production apparatus has a reduced downtime and provides for an increased efficiency. [0014] The apparatus, system and method of the present disclosure allow for an accurate alignment over a long period of time. Specifically, effects caused by wear of mechanical components, such as the screen device and/or rotatable devices, on the alignment accuracy can be minimized or even avoided. Intervals between servicing can be extended, and maintenance costs can be reduced. A downtime of a solar cell production apparatus can be reduced, and a throughput and efficiency of the solar cell production apparatus can be increased. The one or more rotatable devices allow for an improved planar alignment (or an improved planarity condition) of the screen or screen device.

[0015] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a theta-alignment of a screen device 110 according to embodiments described herein.

[0016] A system for deposition of material on a substrate used in the manufacture of a solar cell can include a printing head (not shown) and a screen device 110 configured for forming one or more conductive line patterns on a substrate 10. In some implementations, the screen device 110 can be included in the printing head. The one or more conductive line patterns can be selected from the group consisting of fingers and busbars of a solar cell. The substrate 10 can be aligned with respect to the screen device 110 before the printing of the one or more conductive line patterns and/or between two successive printing processes for printing of two conductive line patterns on the substrate 10.

[0017] The alignment can be performed by moving the screen device 110 and optionally by moving the substrate 10. In some implementations, the alignment can include at least one of a translational movement of the screen device 110 along an X-axis 1 and/or a Y-axis 2. The alignment further includes a rotational alignment around a theta-axis (indicated with reference numeral "4"). The theta-axis can define a movement plane in which the screen device 110 is moved and aligned. The movement plane can also be referred to as "alignment plane". The movement plane can be spanned by the X-axis 1 and the Y-axis 2. According to some embodiments, the movement plane is substantially parallel to the surface of the substrate 10 on which material is to be deposited, for example, printed. Substantially parallel is understood particularly when referring to the relative orientation of the movement plane or alignment plane with respect to the substrate 10 or the surface of the substrate, to allow for a deviation from an exact parallel orientation of, for example, 10° or below. [0018] In some implementations, the axes, such as the X-axis 1, the Y-axis, and the theta-axis can be used for aligning the screen device 110 with respect to the substrate 10 such that the printing pattern, e.g., the one or more conductive line patterns, are substantially centered on the surface of the substrate 10. [0019] FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of an apparatus 100 configured for alignment of a screen device 110 with respect to a substrate 10 used in the manufacture of a solar cell according to embodiments described herein.

[0020] The apparatus 100 includes a base device 120 and one or more rotatable devices configured for contacting the screen device 110. At least one first rotatable device 130 of the one or more rotatable devices is connected to the base device 120 via one or more elastic elements 140. The one or more elastic elements 140 provide a force pushing the at least one first rotatable device 130 against the screen device 110 (indicated with reference numeral "5"). Deformations and/or irregularities caused, for example, by wear can be compensated and an accurate alignment can be ensured even over a long period of time. [0021] According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the one or more rotatable devices are configured to align the screen device 110 with respect to the substrate 10 by a rotation of at least one rotatable device of the one or more rotatable devices around a rotational axis. As an example, the at least one first rotatable device 130 can be rotatable around a first rotational axis 132. The rotation of the one or more rotatable devices, such as the at least one first rotatable device 130, is mechanically transferred to the screen device 110 to move the screen device 110, for example, in the movement plane or alignment plane explained with reference to FIG. 1. Specifically, the theta- alignment in the movement plane or alignment plane can be performed using a rotation of the one or more rotatable devices. [0022] The term "base device" as used throughout the present disclosure is to be understood as an element to which the one or more elastic elements can be connected such that the at least one first rotatable device 130 is moveable with respect to the base device 120. According to some implementations, the base device 120 is stationary or fixed in position. The at least one first rotatable device 130 is moveable with respect to the base device 120 so that the one or more elastic elements 140 can push the at least one first rotatable device 130 against the screen device 110. According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the at least one first rotatable device 130 is connected to the base device 120 via the one or more elastic elements 140 to be moveable in a direction perpendicular to the first rotational axis 132 of the at least one first rotatable device 130. As an example, the at least one first rotatable device 130 can be moveable in a direction substantially parallel to the movement plane.

[0023] In some implementations, which can be combined with other implementations described herein, the one or more rotatable devices can be rollers or wheels. As an example, the one or more rotatable devices can have a cylindrical shape, wherein a cylinder axis of the cylindrical shape can correspond to the rotational axis of the respective rotatable device. In other examples, the one or more rotatable devices can be spherical or ball- shaped.

[0024] According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the apparatus includes one or more actuators, such as motors, configured to rotate at least one rotatable device of the one or more rotatable devices. As an example, each rotatable device of the one or more rotatable devices can be connected to a respective actuator or motor to rotate the rotatable device to move and align the screen device 110. In some implementations, the apparatus 100 can include one or more further actuators configured for a translational movement of the screen device 110, for example, along the X-axis and/or the Y-axis described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0025] According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the one or more rotatable devices are configured to align the screen device 110 with respect to the substrate in a two-dimensional plane substantially parallel to a surface of the substrate 10. As an example, the two-dimensional plane can be, or correspond to, the movement plane or alignment plane. The surface of the substrate 10 can be a surface on which a material is to be deposited, for example, printed. Specifically, the surface of the substrate 10 can be a surface on which the one or more conductive line patterns forming, for example, fingers and/or busbars of the solar cell are to be deposited or printed. [0026] In some implementations, the one or more rotatable devices can be rotatable around a respective rotational axis substantially perpendicular to the movement plane and/or the surface of the substrate 10 on which a material is to be deposited. The term "substantially perpendicular" relates to a substantially perpendicular orientation e.g. of the rotational axes and the movement plane or surface of the substrate 10, wherein a deviation of a few degrees, e.g. up to 10° or even up to 15°, from an exact perpendicular orientation is still considered as "substantially perpendicular".

[0027] According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described therein, the one or more rotatable devices can include four or less rotatable devices, specifically three or less rotatable devices, and can more specifically be three rotatable devices. In other implementations, the one or more rotatable devices can be one single rotatable device, as it is shown in the example of FIG. 2. Specifically, the screen device 110 can be rotatably mounted on an axis 115 provided at a first side or first edge portion of the screen device 110. The single rotatable device can contact the screen device at a second side or second edge portion of the screen device 110 to rotate the screen device 110 around the axis 115. The first side or first edge portion and the second side or second edge portion can be opposing sides or side portions of the screen device 110.

[0028] In some implementations, the one or more rotatable devices are configured for contacting a lateral side surface of the screen device 110. The lateral side surface can also be referred to as "sliding surface" or "contact surface". The lateral side surface of the screen device 110 can extend substantially perpendicular to the movement plane. According to some embodiments, the screen device 110 can have two extended surfaces, wherein one surface of the two extended surfaces is configured to face the substrate 10, and the other surface of the two extended surfaces is configured face away from the substrate 10, for example, towards a printing head or a squeegee thereof. The lateral side surface of the screen device 110 can connect the two extended surfaces. In some embodiments, the two extended surfaces can be substantially parallel to the movement plane and/or the surface of the substrate 10 on which the material is to be deposited.

[0029] In some implementations, the apparatus 100 further includes a mounting device 150 configured to support the at least one first rotatable device 130 rotatable around the first rotational axis 132. Specifically, the at least one first rotatable device 130 can be mounted to the mounting device 150. In some implementations, the mounting device 150 can be a flexible joint. The mounting device 150 can be connected to the base device 120 via the one or more elastic elements 140. Specifically, the at least one first rotatable device 130 can be connected to the base device 120 via the mounting device 150. [0030] According to some embodiments, the mounting device 150 can be connected to the base device 120 exclusively via the one or more elastic elements 140. In another example, the apparatus 100 can include a guiding device (not shown) connecting the mounting device 150 to the base device 120. The guiding device can allow a guided movement of the mounting device 150, for example, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first rotational axis 132, to push the at least one first rotatable device 130 against the screen device 110.

[0031] According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the one or more elastic elements 140 are springs. As an example, the one or more elastic elements 140 are selected from the group consisting of coil springs, plat springs, leaf springs, and any combinations thereof. In some implementations, the one or more elastic elements 140 can be provided as a flexible bulk material, such as rubber. However, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the one or more elastic elements can be another element configured to provide a force to push the at least one first rotatable device 130 against the screen device 110.

[0032] FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of an apparatus 300 configured for alignment of a screen device 110 with respect to a substrate 10 used in the manufacture of a solar cell according to further embodiments described herein.

[0033] According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the one or more rotatable devices can include four or less rotatable devices, specifically three or less rotatable devices, and can more specifically be three rotatable devices. As an example, the one or more rotatable devices include the at least one first rotatable device 330 and at least one further rotatable devices, such as a second rotatable device 360 and a third rotatable device 370. The at least one first rotatable device 330 and the second rotatable device 360 and the third rotatable device 370 provide a three-point contact with the screen device 110. Specifically, the three-point contact can provide for an improved alignment of the screen device 110 in the movement plane, specifically since a finding of the correct screen planarity is facilitated.

[0034] The at least one first rotatable device 330 is supported by the mounting device 350 to be rotatable around the first rotational axis 332. The at least one first rotatable device 330 is pushed against the screen device 110 using a force provided by the one or more elastic elements, such as a first elastic element 140 and a second elastic element 142. The at least one further rotatable device can be rotatably mounted on the base device 320. As an example, the second rotatable device 360 can be rotatable around a second rotational axis 362. The third rotatable device 370 can be rotatable around a third rotational axis 372. Specifically, the at least one further rotatable device is rotatably supported by the base device 320, but cannot be displaced or translated with respect to the base device 320.

[0035] In some implementations, the rotational axes of the one or more rotatable devices can be substantially parallel to each other. Specifically, the first rotational axis 332, the second rotational axis 362, and the third rotational axis 372 can be substantially parallel to each other. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and the rotational axes can be inclined with respect to each other.

[0036] According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described therein, the base device 320 can be a frame. The frame can have a first portion 322 and a second portion 324 extending substantially parallel to each other, wherein the screen device 110 can be positioned between the first portion 322 and the second portion 324. The first portion 322 and the second portion 324 can be connected by a third portion 326. The first portion 322, the second portion 324 and the third portion 326 can define an aperture or reception space configured for accommodating the screen device 110. In some implementations, the frame can have a U-shape or a rectangular shape, such as a closed rectangular shape.

[0037] According to some embodiments, the at least one first rotatable device 330 can be mounted to the third portion 326 using the one or more elastic elements and optionally the mounting device 350. The at least one further rotatable device can be rotatably mounted on the first portion 322 and/or the second portion 324. As an example, the second rotatable device 360 can be rotatably mounted to the first portion 322 and the third rotatable device 370 can be mounted to the second portion 324.

[0038] According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the one or more elastic elements include the first elastic element 140 and the second elastic element 142 connecting the mounting device 350 to the base device 320. The at least one first rotatable device 330 can be supported at a position of the mounting device 350 between the first elastic element 140 and the second elastic element 142. As an example, the mounting device 350 can be bar-shaped. The first elastic element 140 can be connected to a first end portion of the mounting device 350 and the second elastic element 142 can be connected to a second end portion of the mounting device 350. The first end portion and the second end portion can be opposing end portions of the mounting device 350. The at least one first rotatable device 330 can be provided between the first elastic element 140 and the second elastic element 142, for example, at a middle portion of the mounting device 150. [0039] According to some embodiments, the mounting device 350 can include a mounting frame having an opening. The at least one first rotatable device 330 can be rotatably mounted in the opening. As an example, a first end portion of the first rotational axis 332 of the at least one first rotatable device 330 can be rotatably connected to a first frame portion of the mounting frame. A second end portion of the first rotational axis 332 can be rotatably connected to a second frame portion of the mounting frame. The first frame portion and the second frame portion can be substantially parallel to each other. The at least one first rotatable device 330 can be positioned between the first frame portion and the second frame portion.

[0040] FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of a system 400 for deposition of a material on a substrate 10 used in the manufacture of a solar cell according to embodiments described herein. The system 400 includes the screen device 110 and the apparatus configured for alignment of the screen device 110 according to the embodiments described therein. In some implementations, the system 400 can be a screen printing system.

[0041] The substrate 10 can be positioned on a substrate support 20, such as a printing nest. The substrate support 20 can be configured to support the substrate 10 during a printing process, such as a screen printing process. Optionally, the substrate support 20 can be configured for transportation of the substrate 10 between two or more process stations, such as a printing station and an inspection station.

[0042] In some implementations, the screen device 110 includes a screen frame 112 and a screen 114. The screen 114 defines a screen pattern or features corresponding to a structure (for example one or more conductive line patterns, such as fingers and/or busbars of a solar cell) to be printed on the substrate 10. The screen pattern or features may include at least one of holes, slots, incisions or other apertures.

[0043] According to some embodiments, the system 400 includes at least one printing head 480 configured for screen printing on the substrate 10. In some implementations, the screen device 110 can be included in the at least one printing head 480. In other implementations, the screen device 110 can be provided as a separate entity. The at least one printing head 480 can include a printing device such as a squeegee 482 configured for contacting the screen 114. The squeegee 482 moves along a printing direction 6 and urges material to be printed (referred to as "printing material") onto the substrate 10 through the screen 114, and particularly through the screen pattern defining the one or more conductive line patterns.

[0044] According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the printing material can be selected from the group consisting of silver, aluminum, copper, tin, nickel, silicon based pastes, and any combination thereof.

[0045] As indicated in FIG. 4, the rotational axes of the one or more rotatable devices, such as the first rotational axis 132 of the at least one first rotatable device can be substantially perpendicular to the printing direction 6. The printing direction 6 and/or the rotational axes can be substantially parallel to a vertical direction 3. The vertical direction 3 can be parallel to the force of gravity.

[0046] FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of a section of an apparatus configured for alignment of a screen device with respect to a substrate used in the manufacture of a solar cell according to embodiments described herein. [0047] According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described therein, the mounting device 150 can be an elastic joint. The one or more elastic elements 140, such as springs, can push the mounting device 150 in order to compensate a deformation 116 of the sliding surface 113 provided by the lateral side surface of the screen device 110. In some implementations, the deformations 116 can be generated due to continuous and/or repeated theta-movements and the alignment of the screen device 110.

[0048] FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of an apparatus 600 configured for alignment of a screen device 610 with respect to a substrate (not shown) used in the manufacture of a solar cell according to embodiments described herein. FIG. 7 A shows a schematic view of a detail of the apparatus 600 shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 7B shows a schematic view of a mounting device of the apparatus 600.

[0049] The apparatus 600 includes the screen device 610 and one or more rotatable devices. The one or more rotatable devices include the at least one first rotatable device 630 rotatably supported by the mounting device 650. The one or more rotatable devices can include at least one further rotatable device, such as the second rotatable device 660 and the third rotatable device 670 rotatably mounted to the base device 620. The mounting device 650 is mounted to the base device 620 using one or more elastic elements, such as a first elastic element 640 and the second elastic element 642. [0050] According to some embodiments, which can be combined other embodiments described therein, the base device 620 has an opening 625 configured to accommodate the screen device 610 and/or the substrate 10. In some implementations, the screen device 610 is mounted on a top surface of the base device 620. The one or more rotatable devices can protrude from the top surface of the base device 620 to contact the lateral side surface of the screen device 610.

[0051] According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the mounting device 650 includes a fixed portion 652 and a moveable portion 654. The mounting device 650 having the fixed portion 652 and the moveable portion 654 can be configured as an elastic joint. The fixed portion 652 can be connected to the base device 620. Specifically, the fixed portion 652 can be stationary with respect to the base device 620. In some embodiments, the moveable portion 654 can be moveable with respect to the fixed portion 652 and/or the base device 620. As an example, the moveable portion 654 can be mounted to the fixed portion 652 so as to be moveable with respect to the fixed portion 652. [0052] According to some embodiments, the moveable portion 654 can include a first end portion, a second end portion and a middle portion provided between the first end portion and the second end portion. The first end portion and the second end portion can be connected to the fixed portion 652. At least the middle portion of the moveable portion 654 can be moveable with respect to the fixed portion 652. In some implementations, the moveable portion 654 is at least partially disposed in a reception space provided by the fixed portion 652.

[0053] In some embodiments, the fixed portion 652 and the moveable portion 654 are provided by a body of the mounting device 650. Specifically, the body of the mounting device 650 can have one or more cuts or silts 655 configured to separate the moveable portion 654 from the fixed portion 652. As an example, the body of the mounting device 650 can be a single piece of a material, such as a metal, e.g., steel or aluminum, or a polymer material such as plastic. The one or more cuts or silts 655 can be provided in the body such that the moveable portion 654 is moveable with respect to the fixed portion 652.

[0054] In some implementations, the at least one first rotatable device 630 is rotatably supported by, or mounted to, the moveable portion 654, for example, the middle portion. As an example, the one or more elastic elements, such as the first elastic element 640 and the second elastic element 642, can be configured to provide a force acting on the moveable portion 654 so as to push the at least one first rotatable device 630 against the screen device 610. As an example, a first end or end portion of the one or more elastic elements can be connected to the base device 620 and/or the fixed portion 652. A second end or end portion of the one or more elastic elements can be configured to contact the moveable portion 654 to push the moveable portion 654 in a direction towards the screen device 610. In some implementations, the second end or end portion of the one or more elastic elements can be connected to the moveable portion 654. [0055] Once the apparatus is assembled or set, a user needs not to change or operate the wear compensation device provided by the apparatus. The wear of the components is automatically compensated for by the force provided by the one or more elastic elements. The solar cell production apparatus has a reduced downtime and provides for an increased efficiency.

[0056] FIG. 8 shows a flow chart of a method 800 for aligning a screen device with respect to a substrate used in the manufacture of a solar cell according to embodiments described herein.

[0057] The method 800 includes, in block 810, contacting the screen device with one or more rotatable devices of an alignment apparatus, wherein at least one first rotatable device of the one or more rotatable devices is connected to a base device of the alignment apparatus via one or more elastic elements. In block 820, the method includes rotating at least one rotatable device of the one or more rotatable devices to align the screen device with respect to the substrate. [0058] In some implementations, the method 800 includes pushing the at least one first rotatable device against the screen device using a force provided by the one or more elastic elements. As an example, the at least one first rotatable device is pushed against the screen device during the rotating of the at least one rotatable device, for example, in the alignment process. [0059] According to some embodiments the method further includes a first printing process for printing of one or more first conductive line patterns on the substrate 10 after the alignment of the screen device with respect to the substrate 10. In some implementations, the substrate 10 having the one or more first conductive line patterns printed thereon can be dried. As an example, the substrate 10 can be moved to a drying station for drying of the one or more first conductive line patterns. In another example, the one or more first conductive line patterns can be dried in the printing station without moving the substrate 10.

[0060] According to some embodiments, the method includes a second printing process for printing of one or more second conductive line patterns on the substrate 10, for example, on or over the one or more first conductive line patterns. A screen device used in the second printing process can be aligned with respect to the substrate 10 using the embodiments described therein. The screen device can be the same screen device used in the first printing process, or can be a different screen device, for example, provided in another printing station. In some implementations, the substrate 10 having the one or more second conductive line patterns printed thereon can be dried.

[0061] According to some embodiments, the alignment apparatus used in the method 800 is configured according to the embodiments described therein. Specifically, the method 800 can utilize the apparatuses, structures and systems described therein. [0062] According to embodiments described herein, the method for aligning a screen device with respect to a substrate used in the manufacture of a solar cell can be conducted using computer programs, software, computer software products and the interrelated controllers, which can have a CPU, a memory, a user interface, and input and output devices being in communication with the corresponding components of the apparatus for processing a large area substrate.

[0063] The embodiments of the present disclosure allow for an accurate alignment over a long period of time. Specifically, effects caused by wear of mechanical components, such as the screen device and/or rotatable devices, on the alignment accuracy can be minimized or even avoided. Intervals between servicing can be extended, and maintenance costs can be reduced. A downtime of a solar cell production apparatus can be reduced, and a throughput and efficiency of the solar cell production apparatus can be increased. The one or more rotatable devices allow for an improved planar alignment (or an improved planarity condition) of the screen or screen device. Further, once the apparatus is assembled or set, a user needs not to change or operate the wear compensation device provided by the apparatus. The wear of the components is automatically compensated for by the force provided by the one or more elastic elements. The solar cell production apparatus has a reduced downtime and provides for an increased efficiency.

[0064] While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the disclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.