Patent ID: 8049521

Claim:
A solar parametric testing module, comprising: an automation system having a conveyor configured to receive a solar cell substrate having one or more test structures formed thereon into the solar parametric testing module and transfer the solar cell substrate out of the solar parametric testing module, wherein the automation system further comprises: a plurality of frictionless support elements positioned adjacent the conveyor; a leading edge rough stop configured to position the leading edge of the solar cell substrate as it is advanced within the solar parametric testing module; a trailing edge rough stop configured to position the trailing edge of the solar cell substrate as it is advanced within the solar parametric testing module; a datum element configured to position a side edge of the solar cell substrate: a pusher element configured to urge the solar cell substrate against the datum element; and a gripping member configured to grasp and retain the solar cell substrate; a vision system having one or more cameras, wherein the vision system is configured to scan the solar cell substrate and send signals regarding the position of one or more features on the solar cell substrate to a system controller, and wherein the automation system is further configured to receive commands from the system controller and position the solar cell substrate based on the signals sent by the vision system; and a measurement module configured to supply a voltage to a plurality of points on the one or more test structures and measure the resistance between the points.