Monolithic series-connected solar cells having improved cell isolation and method of making same
US5164019A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 31, 1991 |
| Grant date | Nov 17, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 31, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T225/12
Abstract
Series connected cells of a solar array formed in a monolithic semiconductor substrate are electrically isolated by forming grooves in a first major surface partially through the substrate between cells and then fracturing the substrate from the bottom of the grooves to an opposing major surface. Metallization interconnecting the cells provides physical integrity of the cell array after the fracturing of the substrate. The grooves can be formed prior to completion of fabrication of the cells or after fabrication of the cells. In an array embodiment where each cell extends from one major surface to the opposing major surface, the grooves can be formed in both major surfaces.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.