Thin film photovoltaic cell with back contacts

US9634166B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• International Business Machines Corporation · US

Inventors

• Hans-Juergen Eickelmann · Mainz, DE
• Ruediger Kellmann · Mainz, DE
• Hartmut Kuehl · Gau-Bischofsheim, DE
• Markus Schmidt · Seibersbach, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 30, 2015
• Grant date: Apr 25, 2017
• Expiry date: Sep 30, 2035

Classification

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

Abstract

Photovoltaic cells, photovoltaic devices, and methods of fabrication are provided. The photovoltaic cells include a transparent substrate to allow light to enter the photovoltaic cell through the substrate, and a light absorption layer associated with the substrate. The light absorption layer has opposite first and second surfaces, with the first surface being closer to the transparent substrate than the second surface. A passivation layer is disposed over the second surface of the light absorption layer, and a plurality of first discrete contacts and a plurality of second discrete contacts are provided within the passivation layer to facilitate electrical coupling to the light absorption layer. A first electrode and a second electrode are disposed over the passivation layer to contact the plurality of first discrete contacts and the plurality of second discrete contacts, respectively. The first and second electrodes include a photon-reflective material.