Laser techniques for foil-based metallization of solar cells

US9882071B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• SUNPOWER CORPORATION · US
• TOTAL MARKETING SERVICES · FR

Inventors

• Matthieu Moors · Braine-le-Château, BE
• Markus Nicht · Höhenkirchen-Siegertsbrunn, DE
• Daniel Maria Weber · Augsburg, DE
• Rico Bohme · Rochlitz, DE
• Mario Gjukic · Munich, DE
• Gabriel Harley · Mountain View, US
• Mark Kleshock · Phoenix, US
• Mohamed A. Elbandrawy · Danville, US
• Taeseok Kim · Pleasanton, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 1, 2016
• Grant date: Jan 30, 2018
• Expiry date: Jul 1, 2036

Classification

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

Abstract

Methods of fabricating a solar cell including metallization techniques and resulting solar cells, are described. In an example, a semiconductor region can be formed in or above a substrate. A first metal layer can be formed over the semiconductor region. A laser can be applied over a first region of the metal layer to form a first metal weld between the metal layer and the semiconductor region, where applying a laser over the first region comprises applying the laser at a first scanning speed. Subsequent to applying the laser over the first region, the laser can be applied over a second region of the metal layer where applying the laser over the second region includes applying a laser at a second scanning speed. Subsequent to applying the laser over the second region, the laser can be applied over a third region of the metal layer to form a second metal weld, where applying the laser over the third region comprises applying the laser at a third scanning speed.