Forming front metal contact on solar cell with enhanced resistance to stress

US11257965B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Utica Leaseco, LLC · US

Inventors

• Linlin Yang · Sunnyvale, US
• Liguang LAN · Sunnyvale, US
• Chris FRANCE · Sunnyvale, US
• Gang He · Magnolia Trace, CA
• Erhong Li · Sunnyvale, US
• Jose CORBACHO · San Jose, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 30, 2019
• Grant date: Feb 22, 2022
• Expiry date: May 30, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02P70/50

Abstract

System and method of providing a photovoltaic (PV) cell having a cushion layer to alleviate stress impact between a front metal contact and a thin film PV layer. A cushion layer is disposed between an extraction electrode and a photovoltaic (PV) surface. The cushion layer is made of a nonconductive material and has a plurality of vias filled with a conductive material to provide electrical continuity between the bus bar and the PV layer. The cushion layer may be made of a flexible material preferably with rigidity that matches the substrate. Thus, the cushion layer can effectively protect the PV layer from physical damage due to tactile contact with the front metal contact.