Photovoltaic device with back side contacts

US9029687B2 · 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: May 12, 2015
• Expiry date: Aug 4, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02P70/50

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for converting electromagnetic radiation, such as solar energy, into electric energy with increased efficiency when compared to conventional solar cells are provided. A photovoltaic (PV) device generally includes a window layer; an absorber layer disposed below the window layer such that electrons are generated when photons travel through the window layer and are absorbed by the absorber layer; and a plurality of contacts for external connection coupled to the absorber layer, such that all of the contacts for external connection are disposed below the absorber layer and do not block any of the photons from reaching the absorber layer through the window layer. Locating all the contacts on the back side of the PV device avoids solar shadows caused by front side contacts, typically found in conventional solar cells. Therefore, PV devices described herein with back side contacts may allow for increased efficiency when compared to conventional solar cells.