Solar cell contact structures formed from metal paste

US9525082B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• SUNPOWER CORPORATION · US

Inventors

• Richard Hamilton Sewell · Los Altos, US
• Michael Cudzinovic · Sunnyvale, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 27, 2013
• Grant date: Dec 20, 2016
• Expiry date: Jan 13, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02E10/546

Abstract

Solar cell contact structures formed from metal paste and methods of forming solar cell contact structures from metal paste are described. In a first example, a solar cell includes a substrate. A semiconductor region is disposed in or above the substrate. A contact structure is disposed on the semiconductor region and includes a conductive layer in contact with the semiconductor region. The conductive layer includes a matrix binder having aluminum/silicon (Al/Si) particles and an inert filler material dispersed therein. In a second example, a solar cell includes a substrate. A semiconductor region is disposed in or above the substrate. A contact structure is disposed on the semiconductor region and includes a conductive layer in contact with the semiconductor region. The conductive layer includes an agent for increasing a hydrophobic characteristic of the conductive layer.