Solar cell having a plurality of sub-cells coupled by cell level interconnection

US11502213B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• SUNPOWER CORPORATION · US

Inventors

• Seung Bum Rim · Pleasanton, US
• Hung-Ming Wang · Taipei, TW
• David Okawa · San Bruno, US
• Lewis Abra · San Francisco, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 30, 2016
• Grant date: Nov 15, 2022
• Expiry date: Dec 30, 2036

Classification

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

Abstract

Methods of fabricating solar cells having a plurality of sub-cells coupled by cell level interconnection, and the resulting solar cells, are described herein. In an example, a solar cell includes a plurality of sub-cells. Each of the plurality of sub-cells includes a singulated and physically separated semiconductor substrate portion. Each of the plurality of sub-cells includes an on-sub-cell metallization structure interconnecting emitter regions of the sub-cell. An inter-sub-cell metallization structure couples adjacent ones of the plurality of sub-cells. The inter-sub-cell metallization structure is different in composition from the on-sub-cell metallization structure.