Thin film solar cell with ceramic handling layer
US8481357B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 23, 2010 |
| Grant date | Jul 9, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 19, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P70/50
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method for fabricating a photovoltaic (PV) cell panel wherein all PV cells are formed simultaneously on a two-dimensional array of monocrystalline silicon mother wafers affixed to a susceptor is disclosed. Porous silicon separation layers are anodized in the surfaces of the mother wafers. The porous film is then smoothed to form a suitable surface for epitaxial film growth. An epitaxial reactor is used to grow n- and p-type films forming the PV cell structures. A glass/ceramic handling layer is then formed on the PV cell structures. The PV cell structures with handling layers are then exfoliated from the mother wafer. The array of mother wafers may be reused multiple times, thereby reducing materials costs for the completed solar panels. The glass/ceramic handling layers provide structural integrity to the thin epitaxial solar cells during the separation process and subsequent handling.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.