Wire-based metallization for solar cells

US9935213B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• SUNPOWER CORPORATION · US
• TOTAL MARKETING SERVICES · FR

Inventors

• Richard Hamilton Sewell · Los Altos, US
• Robert Woehl · San Jose, US
• Jens Dirk Moschner · Tarp, DE
• Nils-Peter Harder · San Jose, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 26, 2015
• Grant date: Apr 3, 2018
• Expiry date: Dec 22, 2035

Classification

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

Abstract

Approaches for fabricating wire-based metallization for solar cells, and the resulting solar cells, are described. In an example, a solar cell includes a substrate having a back surface and an opposing light-receiving surface. A plurality of alternating N-type and P-type semiconductor regions is disposed in or above the back surface of the substrate. A conductive contact structure is disposed on the plurality of alternating N-type and P-type semiconductor regions. The conductive contact structure includes a plurality of metal wires. Each metal wire of the plurality of metal wires is parallel along a first direction to form a one-dimensional layout of a metallization layer for the solar cell.