Buried insulator isolation for solar cell contacts
US8367924B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 27, 2009 |
| Grant date | Feb 5, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 27, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P70/50
Abstract
The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for providing a buried insulator isolation for solar cell contacts. According to certain aspects, the invention places a buried oxide under the emitter of a polysilicon emitter solar cell. The oxide provides an excellent passivation layer over most of the surface. Holes in the oxide provide contact areas, increasing the current density to enhance efficiency. The oxide isolates the contacts from the substrate, achieving the advantage of a selective emitter structure without requiring deep diffusions. The oxide further enables use of screen printing on advanced shallow emitter cells. Positioning of the grid lines close to the openings also enables use of a very thin emitter to maximize blue response.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.