Metallization of conductive wires for solar cells

US11004987B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• SUNPOWER CORPORATION · US
• Total Marketing Services and Total Energies Nouvelles Activites USA · FR

Inventors

• Richard Hamilton Sewell · Los Altos, US
• David Aaron Randolph Barkhouse · Oakland, US
• Nils-Peter Harder · San Jose, US
• Douglas Rose · Austin, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 13, 2020
• Grant date: May 11, 2021
• Expiry date: Mar 13, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02E10/50
• WIPO field: Semiconductors
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

Methods of fabricating a solar cell, and system for electrically coupling solar cells, are described. In an example, the methods for fabricating a solar cell can include placing conductive wires in a wire guide, where conductive wires are placed over a first semiconductor substrate having first doped regions and second doped regions. The method can include aligning the conductive wires over the first and second doped regions, where the wire guide aligns the conductive wires substantially parallel to the first and second doped regions. The method can include bonding the conductive wires to the first and second doped regions. The bonding can include applying a mechanical force to the semiconductor substrate via a roller or bonding head of the wire guide, where the wire guide inhibits lateral movement of the conductive wires during the bonding.