A method for interconnecting two conductors includes creating a first nickel layer on a first conductor of an electrical component, producing a first non-gold protective layer on the first nickel layer, the first non-gold protective layer being configured to prevent the first nickel layer from oxidizing, creating a second nickel layer on a second conductor, producing a second non-gold protective layer on the second nickel layer, the second non-gold protective layer being configured to prevent the second nickel layer from oxidizing, and interconnecting the first and second nickel layers using a solder layer that interfaces with the first and second nickel layers between the first and second conductors.