Solar cell and method for its manufacture

US5356488A · kind A · utility

Inventor

• Rudolf Hezel · Bocholt, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 15, 1992
• Grant date: Oct 18, 1994
• Expiry date: Dec 15, 2012

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02E10/50

Abstract

A solar cell (10) with at least one semiconductor substrate surface (12) is proposed, having elevated areas (24, 26, 28) on which are provided electrically conducting contacts (20) for conducting charge carriers, and which are covered at least between the electrically conducting contacts by a passivation material (16). In order to manufacture solar cells with high efficiency using simple technology, the semiconductor substrate surface is completely or largely completely covered by the passivation material after formation of the elevated areas. Passivation material and if necessary semiconductor material present on the elevated areas is then removed from them. The material forming the electrically conducting contacts is then disposed on areas of the elevations thereby exposed.