Indentation approaches for foil-based metallization of solar cells

US10396235B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• SUNPOWER CORPORATION · US
• TOTAL MARKETING SERVICES · FR

Inventors

• Richard Hamilton Sewell · Los Altos, US
• Nils-Peter Harder · San Jose, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 16, 2015
• Grant date: Aug 27, 2019
• Expiry date: Sep 19, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02E10/50

Abstract

Indentation approaches for foil-based metallization of solar cells, and the resulting solar cells, are described. For example, a method of fabricating a solar cell includes forming a plurality of alternating N-type and P-type semiconductor regions in or above a substrate. The method also includes locating a metal foil above the alternating N-type and P-type semiconductor regions. The method also includes forming a plurality of indentations through only a portion of the metal foil, the plurality of indentations formed at regions corresponding to locations between the alternating N-type and P-type semiconductor regions. The method also includes, subsequent to forming the plurality of indentations, isolating regions of the remaining metal foil corresponding to the alternating N-type and P-type semiconductor regions.