Front contact trenches for polycrystalline photovoltaic devices and semi-conductor devices with buried contacts

US6084175A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Amoco/Enron Solar · US

Inventors

• James M. Perry · Nashville, US
• Srinvasamohan Narayanan · Middletown, US
• John H. Wohlgemuth · Acton, US
• Steven P. Roncin · Middletown, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 14, 1995
• Grant date: Jul 4, 2000
• Expiry date: Nov 14, 2015

Classification

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

Abstract

Textured semi-conductor devices, such as macro textured buried-contact solar cells, are produced with special front contact trenches to increase efficiency and decrease costs. In order to produce the front contact trenches, front channels and narrower metallization grooves are cut in the semi-conductor body. The front contact trenches are plated to form attractive conductive buried contacts comprising flush metallization fingers and bus bars.