Substrate structures for integrated series connected photovoltaic arrays and process of manufacture of such arrays
US7732243B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 19, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jun 8, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 9, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/50
Abstract
This invention comprises manufacture of photovoltaic cells by deposition of thin film photovoltaic junctions on metal foil substrates. The photovoltaic junctions may be heat treated if appropriate following deposition in a continuous fashion without deterioration of the metal support structure. In a separate operation, an interconnection substrate structure is provided, optionally in a continuous fashion. Multiple photovoltaic cells are then laminated to the interconnection substrate structure and conductive joining methods are employed to complete the array. In this way the interconnection substrate structure can be uniquely formulated from polymer-based materials employing optimal processing unique to polymeric materials. Furthermore, the photovoltaic junction and its metal foil support can be produced in bulk without the need to use the expensive and intricate material removal operations currently taught in the art to achieve series interconnections.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.