Novel Metal-Less Monolithic Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells (original) (raw)

2013

Abstract

Utilizing recent advances in the formation of thin crystalline silicon layers and also in laser technology, a monolithic cell structure can be formed simply and practically. By using a laser to melt and dope right through the thickness of the wafer, juxtaposed regions of opposite polarity can be formed to electrically isolate adjacent devices while simultaneously facilitating their series interconnection through the formation of a low impedance junction. By this means, a wafer can be divided up into many smaller series connected cells. Such a structure enables the active devices to be made without any metal contacts, which are usually required to carry larger electrical currents long distances, but in so doing, compromise the cells simplicity, durability, cost and performance such as through shading and recombination at the metal interfaces. Other recent developments well suited to such a structure include high quality surface passivation and hydrogenation methods that enable device voltages above 700 mV and semiconductor fingers, which allow low series resistance even without the use of metal.

Alison Ciesla née Wenham hasn't uploaded this paper.

Let Alison know you want this paper to be uploaded.

Ask for this paper to be uploaded.