Segmented thin film solar cells

US9455361B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• GlobalFoundries Inc. · KY

Inventors

• Hans-Juergen Eickelmann · Mainz, DE
• Ruediger Kellmann · Mainz, DE
• Markus Schmidt · Seibersbach, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 28, 2014
• Grant date: Sep 27, 2016
• Expiry date: Jul 3, 2034

Classification

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

Abstract

Use of chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) and/or pure mechanical polishing to separate sub-cells in a thin film solar cell. In one embodiment the CMP is only used to separate the active, thin film layer into sub-cells, with scribing still being used to achieve sub-cell separation in conductive layers above and below the active, thin film layer. Also, the active layer may be placed over a series of protrusions so that the CMP removes the active layer that is over the protrusion, while leaving intact the flat, planar portions of the active layer. In this way, the removed active layer, from over the protrusions then becomes the division between sub-cells in the active layer.