Photovoltaic device

US8937244B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• ALTA DEVICES, INC. · US

Inventors

• Isik C. Kizilyalli · San Francisco, US
• Melissa Archer · Mountain View, US
• Harry A. Atwater · South Pasadena, US
• Thomas J. Gmitter · Lakewood, US
• Gang He · Magnolia Trace, CA
• Andreas Hegedus · Burlingame, US
• Gregg Higashi · San Jose, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 23, 2009
• Grant date: Jan 20, 2015
• Expiry date: Oct 23, 2029

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02E10/547

Abstract

Methods and apparatus are provided for converting electromagnetic radiation, such as solar energy, into electric energy with increased efficiency when compared to conventional solar cells. A photovoltaic (PV) unit, according to embodiments of the invention, may have a very thin absorber layer produced by epitaxial lift-off (ELO), all electrical contacts positioned on the back side of the PV device to avoid shadowing, and/or front side and back side light trapping employing a diffuser and a reflector to increase absorption of the photons impinging on the front side of the PV unit. Several PV units may be combined into PV banks, and an array of PV banks may be connected to form a PV module with thin strips of metal or conductive polymer applied at low temperature. Such innovations may allow for greater efficiency and flexibility in PV devices when compared to conventional solar cells.