Metallization of solar cells

US9947812B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• SUNPOWER CORPORATION · US

Inventors

• Gabriel Harley · Mountain View, US
• Scott Harrington · San Jose, US
• David D. Smith · Dublin, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 28, 2014
• Grant date: Apr 17, 2018
• Expiry date: Jun 23, 2035

Classification

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

Abstract

Approaches for the metallization of solar cells and the resulting solar cells are described. In an example, a method of fabricating a solar cell involves forming a plurality of alternating N-type and P-type regions in or above a substrate. The method also involves forming a metal seed layer on the plurality of alternating N-type and P-type regions. The method also involves patterning at least a portion of the metal seed layer at regions in alignment with locations between the alternating N-type and P-type regions. The method also involves, subsequent to the patterning, etching to form trenches at the locations between the alternating N-type and P-type regions, isolating the alternating N-type and P-type regions from one another.