Thin solar cell

US5320685A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Telefunken Systemtechnik GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Just Hilgarth · Ilsfeld, DE
• Volker Frese · Heilbronn, DE
• Matthias Braun · Ludwigsburg, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 12, 1992
• Grant date: Jun 14, 1994
• Expiry date: Aug 12, 2012

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02E10/544
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method and apparatus for forming a thin solar cell having a substantially planar body comprising a first layer which includes at least one photoactive semiconductor layer. This first layer has a frontal light entrance face, a rear face, and side edge face. A second layer comprising an electrically conductive grid-shaped front contact and an anti-reflection layer is located on the frontal light entrance face. A third layer comprising a front cover glass is fastened substantially adjacent the anti-reflection layer and the front grid-shaped contact. A fourth layer, comprising an electrically conductive rear conductive contact, is located on the rear face of the first layer. Spaced apart from the first layer are two electrically interconnection pads. Each pad has a face suitable for an electrical interconnection. A first connection for electrically connecting one pad to the front grid shaped contact and a second connection for electrically connecting the other pad to the rear conductive contact are disposed on one side of the solar cell.