Photovoltaic solar arrays using silicon microparticles

US4614835A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED · US

Inventors

• Kent R. Carson · McKinney, US
• Joseph D. Luttmer · Richardson, US
• Charles E. Williams · Dallas, US
• William R. McKee · Plano, US
• Stephen T. Tso · Dallas, US
• Elwin L. Johnson · Dallas, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 15, 1983
• Grant date: Sep 30, 1986
• Expiry date: Dec 15, 2003

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02E10/547

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a photovoltaic solar array which is provided with a matrix having spherical photovoltaic diode particles embedded therein in an ordered array, the P-type region of each particle extending to one matrix surface and the N-type region of each particle extending to an opposed matrix surface. Backside metallization is disposed on the matrix backside surface to interconnect the particles extending thereto and frontside conductors are provided on the opposing matrix surface to interconnect the particles extending thereto. The matrix includes two portions, the first portion being a layer extending to the frontside formed of a clear glass. The second portion of the matrix is, in effect, two layers, one disposed at the P-N junctions of the particles being a lead base glass for junction passivation, this layer being overcoated with a reflective layer to provide additional reflectivity of light entering the matrix onto the particles. This increases the amount of light impinging on the particles. The frontside of the matrix includes a light transparent conductive material with electrically conductive whiskers embedded therein for improved conductivity.