Thin-film photovoltaic cell

US11424378B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Garmin Switzerland GmbH · CH

Inventors

• Philippe CARDI · Gréasque, FR
• Sylvain De Vecchi · Gap, FR

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 10, 2020
• Grant date: Aug 23, 2022
• Expiry date: Jan 1, 2041

Classification

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

Abstract

A photovoltaic device is provided that comprises a photovoltaic active zone being formed of a stack of thin films comprising a first electrode, an absorber film and a metallic electrode. A collection gate is arranged in contact with the first electrode to reduce its electrical resistance and avoid direct physical or electrical contact with the metallic electrode. The photovoltaic active zone includes a plurality of channels, made in the metallic electrode and the absorber film. The collection gate is separated from the metallic electrode and from the absorber film by a dielectric material.