Interconnect structure for solar cells and method of making same

US6313395A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• SUNPOWER CORPORATION · US

Inventors

• Richard A. Crane · Beaverdam, US
• Matthew Piper · San Jose, US
• Shandor G. Daroczi · Santa Clara, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 24, 2000
• Grant date: Nov 6, 2001
• Expiry date: Apr 24, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T29/49162

Abstract

An interconnect structure for use with solar cells and like devices which are subject to compressive and/or expansive forces through packaging or in application comprises a flattened spiral of a metal strip. The interconnect is fabricated by first providing a length of metal strip, wrapping the metal strip around a cylindrical or flat mandrel or otherwise folded in a helical pattern, removing the mandrel, and then flattening the metal strip to reduce thickness of the interconnect.