Solar cell

Abstract

The utility model relates to a solar cell. The solar cell includes: a substrate; the grid lines are fixedly arranged on the substrate; and a plurality of attachment blocks, the plurality of attachment blocks are fixedly arranged on two sides of the grid line in a staggered manner along the length direction of the grid line, and the plurality of attachment blocks are fixedly arranged on the substrate. The adhesion blocks arranged on the two sides of the grid line of the solar cell in a staggered manner can enhance the fixing strength of the grid line on the substrate, so that the grid line is not easy to fall off from the substrate, the conductivity of the grid line is improved, and the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the solar cell is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of solar cell manufacturing technology, and more specifically to solar cells. Background Technology

[0002] A solar cell is a device that converts light energy into electrical energy using the photovoltaic effect. A solar cell includes a semiconductor cell, a backsheet for insulation and waterproofing, a substrate mounted on the backsheet, and a frame protecting the sides of the cell. The semiconductor cell has main grid lines and sub-grid lines fixed on the substrate to collect the electrons generated by the semiconductor cell and form an electric current.

[0003] Currently, the main and sub-grid lines on solar cells in existing technologies are typically made of copper alloys, which can reduce costs while maintaining high photoelectric conversion efficiency. However, these copper-made main and sub-grid lines are prone to separating from the substrate under heat due to stress, reducing current conduction efficiency and consequently lowering the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the solar cell.

[0004] Therefore, a new technical solution is needed in this field to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address or improve to some extent the technical problem of grid lines in existing solar cells easily detaching from the substrate, this invention provides a solar cell. The solar cell includes: a substrate; grid lines fixedly disposed on the substrate; and a plurality of attachment blocks, which are alternately fixedly disposed on both sides of the grid lines along their length direction, and the plurality of attachment blocks are fixedly disposed on the substrate.

[0006] Those skilled in the art will understand that the solar cell of this invention includes a substrate, grid lines, and attachment blocks. The substrate provides a suitable mounting area for the grid lines and attachment blocks. Attachment blocks are fixed to both sides of the grid lines, and these attachment blocks are also fixed to the substrate, increasing the strength of the grid lines' fixation on the substrate, improving current conduction efficiency, and thus improving the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the solar cell. Furthermore, while ensuring sufficient fixation strength of the grid lines on the substrate, the attachment blocks allow the grid lines to be manufactured into a thinner shape, saving on manufacturing materials and reducing costs. Additionally, the staggered arrangement of the attachment blocks on both sides of the grid lines, compared to a side-by-side arrangement, can counteract the deformation stress caused by differences in the direction and magnitude of force on the grid lines, improving the stability and strength of the connection between the grid lines and the substrate, further enhancing the photoelectric conversion efficiency.

[0007] In the preferred embodiment of the solar cell described above, the grid lines and the attachment blocks are fixedly disposed on the substrate by means of electroplating patterns.

[0008] With the above setup, the pattern of the gate lines and the attached blocks is electroplated onto the substrate. Compared with the mask opening method, the fabrication is more convenient and reduces the amount of material used, thus lowering the cost.

[0009] In the preferred embodiment of the solar cell described above, the grid lines include main grid lines and sub-grid lines, and the main grid lines and the sub-grid lines intersect each other. This arrangement, where the main grid lines and sub-grid lines intersect each other, effectively collects electrons moving within the electric field of the semiconductor cell, thereby improving photoelectric conversion efficiency.

[0010] In the preferred embodiment of the solar cell described above, the solar cell further includes a solder ribbon, which is fixedly connected to the main grid line. Through this arrangement, the solder ribbon transfers the electrons collected on the main grid line out of the semiconductor cell to form an effective output voltage and complete the power output.

[0011] In the preferred embodiment of the aforementioned solar cell, the diameter of the main grid line is larger than the diameter of the sub-grid line. This arrangement, with the main grid line diameter larger than the sub-grid line diameter, reduces the resistance of the main grid line, thereby reducing power loss. Furthermore, it reduces the amount of material needed to manufacture the sub-grid line, thus lowering costs.

[0012] In the preferred embodiment of the solar cell described above, the solar cell further includes a frame fixedly disposed on the substrate, the frame being connected to the grid lines. This configuration protects the delicate grid lines from damage by external objects and also securely fixes the grid lines to the substrate, thereby improving photoelectric conversion efficiency.

[0013] In the preferred embodiment of the aforementioned solar cell, the grid wire is made of pure copper or a copper alloy. Through this configuration, while maintaining conductivity, pure copper and copper alloys are cheaper than silver alloys, and the copper alloy grid wires have better toughness, allowing for finer grid wire shapes and reduced costs.

[0014] In the preferred embodiment of the solar cell described above, a protective layer is provided on the surface of the grid lines. This protective layer isolates the grid lines from oxygen, preventing oxidation and corrosion, extending their lifespan, and thereby improving the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the solar cell.

[0015] In the preferred embodiment of the aforementioned solar cell, the protective layer is made of a silver alloy, a tin alloy, or a nickel alloy. Through this configuration, the protective layer made of silver, tin, or nickel alloy not only isolates oxygen from the grid lines but also exhibits better conductivity, thereby improving the conductivity of the grid lines, reducing power loss, and increasing the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the solar cell. Furthermore, tin alloys are less expensive, reducing the manufacturing cost of the solar cell. Additionally, tin alloys have a low melting point and are easy to solder, making the fabrication of the protective layer easier and further reducing the manufacturing cost of the solar cell.

[0016] In the preferred embodiment of the solar cell described above, the shape of the attachment block is one of a circle, a polygon, or a line. With this configuration, the shape of the attachment block is not limited by the shape of the grid lines and can be selected according to the actual application scenario or manufacturing process of the solar cell, making manufacturing more convenient. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The preferred embodiments of this utility model are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the solar cell of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the attachment block of the solar cell of this utility model.

[0020] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0021] 100. Solar cell; 1. Sub-grid line; 11. Attachment block; 2. Main grid line; 3. Frame; 4. Substrate. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] It should be noted that in the description of this utility model, the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "rear", "inner", "outer", etc., indicating the direction or positional relationship are based on the direction or positional relationship shown in the drawings. This is only for the convenience of description and does not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0024] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "setting," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0025] To address or improve to some extent the technical problem that the grid lines of the solar cell 100 in the prior art are prone to detaching from the substrate 4, this utility model provides a solar cell 100. The solar cell 100 includes: a substrate 4; grid lines, the grid lines being fixedly disposed on the substrate 4; and a plurality of attachment blocks 11, the plurality of attachment blocks 11 being alternately fixedly disposed on both sides of the grid lines along the length direction of the grid lines, and the plurality of attachment blocks 11 being fixedly disposed on the substrate 4.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the solar cell of this utility model. Figure 2 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the attachment block for the solar cell of this utility model. See also... Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one or more embodiments, the solar cell 100 of this invention includes a substrate 4, grid lines, and multiple attachment blocks 11. The grid lines and the multiple attachment blocks 11 are all fixedly disposed on the substrate 4. The substrate 4 provides a suitable mounting area for the grid lines and attachment blocks 11. The substrate 4 is the base of the solar cell 100. The material of the substrate 4 can be glass, metal, or plastic according to actual needs, so that the substrate 4 can provide stable support for the cell, enabling the cell to withstand various stresses and pressures generated during operation, ensuring the integrity and stability of the solar cell 100 structure. The shape of the substrate 4 can be, but is not limited to, rectangular or circular. It should be noted that the solar cell 100 also includes semiconductor cells fixedly disposed on the substrate 4, a backplate for insulation and waterproofing, solder ribbons, junction boxes, and other components (not shown in the figures). The substrate 4 is fixedly disposed on the backplate, and will not be described further here. The solar cell 100 has multiple semiconductor cells. The multiple semiconductor cells are connected in series by solder ribbons of the solar cell 100 to collect the current generated by the multiple semiconductor cells on the solder ribbons. The solder strip is then connected in series with the junction box of the solar cell 100 to conduct the current of the solar cell 100 through the cable of the junction box.

[0027] See also Figure 1 In one or more embodiments, the gate lines and the attachment blocks 11 are fixedly disposed on the substrate 4 by electroplating patterns. The electroplating patterning process can adopt the following steps:

[0028] (1) Complete the graphics or patterns of the gate lines and attachment blocks 11 using graphic design software. These graphics or patterns are the specific areas for electroplating. (2) Apply a cover layer to the circuit board according to the designed graphics or patterns to protect the areas that do not need electroplating. The cover layer can be made by printing or spraying. (3) Electroplating is performed on the substrate 4 by chemical etching or laser exposure to deposit metal ions on the surface of the semiconductor cell into the gate lines and attachment blocks 11 of the designed pattern shape. (4) Remove the cover layer. The method of electroplating the pattern of the gate lines and attachment blocks 11 on the substrate 4 is more convenient than the mask opening method, and it reduces the materials used and lowers the cost. The number of gate lines can be multiple. The number of gate lines can be set to 2, 3 or other suitable numbers according to actual needs. The material of the gate lines can be pure copper or copper alloy. Compared with silver alloy, pure copper or copper alloy is cheaper while meeting the conductivity requirements, thus reducing costs. In addition, the gate lines of copper alloy are more flexible and can be thinner, further reducing costs. The grid line material can also be a silver alloy, depending on actual needs. A protective layer is provided on the surface of the grid line. The protective layer material can be a silver alloy, tin alloy, or nickel alloy. A protective layer made of silver alloy, tin alloy, or nickel alloy not only isolates oxygen from the grid line but also has better conductivity, improving the conductivity of the grid line, reducing power loss, and increasing the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the solar cell 100. Furthermore, tin alloy is cheaper, reducing the manufacturing cost of the solar cell 100. Tin alloy also has a low melting point and is easy to weld, making the protective layer easier to manufacture, further reducing the manufacturing cost of the solar cell 100. The grid line includes a main grid line 2 and a sub-grid line 1. The number of main grid lines 2 and sub-grid lines 1 can be set to 2, 3, or other suitable numbers according to actual needs. The main grid lines 2 and sub-grid lines 1 intersect each other and are fixedly connected. The fixed connection between the main grid lines 2 and sub-grid lines 1 can be, but is not limited to, welding or integral molding. The angle of intersection between the main grid lines 2 and sub-grid lines 1 can be, but is not limited to, 30°, 45°, 90°, or other suitable degrees. Figure 1As shown, multiple main gate lines 2 are arranged vertically. Adjacent main gate lines 2 are spaced at the same distance. The main gate lines 2 are parallel to each other. Multiple sub-gate lines 1 are arranged horizontally. Adjacent sub-gate lines 1 are spaced at the same distance. The sub-gate lines 1 are parallel to each other. The main gate lines 2 and sub-gate lines 1 are perpendicular to each other and intersect each other. The equal spacing between the main gate lines 2 and sub-gate lines 1 allows for a more uniform arrangement on the semiconductor cell, effectively collecting electrons moving within the electric field on the semiconductor cell and improving photoelectric conversion efficiency. During operation, the sub-gate lines 1 act as current branches that collect electrons from the semiconductor cell. The main gate lines 2 act as current trunks that gather electrons from the sub-gate lines 1. The diameter of the main gate lines 2 is larger than the diameter of the sub-gate lines 1. This reduces power loss on the main gate lines 2 with their larger current flow and also reduces the material required for the sub-gate lines 1, lowering costs.

[0029] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one or more embodiments, the attachment blocks 11 are fixed to both sides of the grid lines. The attachment blocks 11 are also fixed to the substrate 4, allowing the grid lines to be made into a thinner shape while ensuring sufficient fixing strength on the substrate 4, thereby saving grid line manufacturing materials and reducing costs. Furthermore, even if the grid lines deform due to heat, the attachment blocks 11 can still firmly fix the grid lines to the substrate 4. The attachment blocks 11 have conductive properties, enabling the conduction of moving electrons on the semiconductor cell to the grid lines. The material of the attachment blocks 11 is the same as that of the grid lines, allowing the moving electrons on the semiconductor cell to be more smoothly conducted to the grid lines through the attachment blocks 11, reducing the increase in resistance caused by material differences, and improving the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the solar cell 100. There can be multiple attachment blocks 11. The more attachment blocks 11 there are, the stronger the fixing strength between the grid lines and the substrate 4; however, the more attachment blocks 11 there are, the larger the light-blocked area of ​​the semiconductor cell. Therefore, the number of attachment blocks 11 can be set to two, three, or other suitable numbers depending on the fixing strength of the grid lines and the light-blocked area of ​​the semiconductor cell.

[0030] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2In one or more embodiments, multiple attachment blocks 11 are staggered and fixedly disposed on both sides of the grid line along its length. Compared to a structure arranged side-by-side on both sides of the grid line, this arrangement can counteract the deformation stress caused by differences in the direction and magnitude of force on the grid line, thereby improving the stability and strength of the connection between the grid line and the substrate 4. The attachment blocks 11 can be disposed on the main grid line 2, the sub-grid line 1, or both, as needed. It is understood that the attachment blocks 11 can be disposed on both the main grid line 2 and the sub-grid line 1, which can improve the overall fixing strength of the main grid line 2 and the sub-grid line 1 on the substrate 4, further improving the grid line conductivity and the photoelectric conversion capability of the solar cell 100. Figure 2 As shown, multiple attachment blocks 11 are fixed on both sides of the sub-gate line 1. Along the length of the sub-gate line 1, the distance between two adjacent attachment blocks 11 on the upper side of the sub-gate line 1 is the same. Along the length of the sub-gate line 1, the distance between two adjacent attachment blocks 11 on the lower side of the sub-gate line 1 is the same. Along the length of the sub-gate line 1, there is a gap between two adjacent attachment blocks 11, and the gap is the same. The shape of the attachment blocks 11 can be one of semi-circular, circular, polygonal, or linear. The shape of the attachment blocks 11 is not limited by the shape of the gate line and can be selected according to the actual application or manufacturing process of the semiconductor cell, making manufacturing more convenient.

[0031] See also Figure 1 In one or more embodiments, the solar cell 100 further includes a frame 3 fixedly disposed on the substrate 4. The frame 3 is connected to the grid lines. Figure 1 As shown, the frame 3 is fixedly positioned on the upper, lower, left, and right edges of the rectangular substrate 4. The upper end of the main gate line 2 is fixedly connected to the upper edge of the frame 3. The lower end of the main gate line 2 is fixedly connected to the lower edge of the frame 3. The left end of the sub-gate line 1 is fixedly connected to the left side of the frame 3. The right end of the sub-gate line 1 is fixedly connected to the right side of the frame 3. The frame 3 not only securely fixes the sub-gate line 1 and the main gate line 2 to the substrate 4, but also protects the delicate sub-gate line 1 and the main gate line 2 from damage by external objects, thereby improving photoelectric conversion efficiency.

[0032] See also Figure 1 In one or more embodiments, the solar cell 100 further includes a solder ribbon. The solder ribbon is fixedly connected to the main grid lines 2. The material of the solder ribbon can be, but is not limited to, a copper alloy or a silver alloy. The solder ribbon connects multiple main grid lines 2 in series, enabling the electrons on the multiple main grid lines 2 to be collected together and output to the outside of the semiconductor cell to form an effective output voltage and complete the power output.

[0033] Below, in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1 and attached Figure 2The working steps of the solar cell 100 of this utility model are described in detail.

[0034] When sunlight shines on the solar cell 100, a potential difference is formed in the PN junction of the semiconductor cell using the photovoltaic effect. This potential difference establishes an electric field on the semiconductor cell. Electrons then move along specific paths within this electric field.

[0035] Sub-gate line 1 gathers electrons, allowing them to form a current within the gate line, thus guiding the electrons along sub-gate line 1. In other words, sub-gate line 1 is the first-stage conductor carrying electrons.

[0036] The main gate line 2 combines the currents from multiple sub-gate lines 1, facilitating the transfer of current to the next stage. The main gate line 2 is the second-stage conductor that carries electrons.

[0037] The solder ribbon combines the current from multiple main grid lines 2, facilitating the transfer of current to the next stage. The solder ribbon is a third-stage conductor that carries electrons.

[0038] The junction box collects the current from multiple solder strips. The cables in the junction box conduct the electrons moving on the solar cell 100 to the next stage of the battery or electrical equipment, completing the process of the solar cell 100 converting light energy into electrical energy and transmitting the electrical energy.

[0039] The technical solution of this utility model has been described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the protection scope of this utility model is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principle of this utility model, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after these changes or substitutions will all fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A solar cell (100), characterized in that, The solar cell (100) includes: Substrate (4); Gate lines, the gate lines being fixedly disposed on the substrate (4); and Multiple attachment blocks (11) are fixedly disposed alternately on both sides of the gate line along the length direction of the gate line, and the multiple attachment blocks (11) are fixedly disposed on the substrate (4).

2. The solar cell (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The grid lines and the attachment block (11) are fixedly disposed on the substrate (4) by means of electroplating patterns.

3. The solar cell (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gate lines include a main gate line (2) and a sub-gate line (1), and the main gate line (2) and the sub-gate line (1) intersect each other.

4. The solar cell (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The solar cell (100) also includes a solder strip, which is fixedly connected to the main grid line (2).

5. The solar cell (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The diameter of the main gate line (2) is greater than the diameter of the sub-gate line (1).

6. The solar cell (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The solar cell (100) also includes a frame (3) fixedly disposed on the substrate (4), the frame (3) being connected to the grid lines.

7. The solar cell (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The grid lines are made of pure copper or a copper alloy.

8. The solar cell (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surface of the grid lines is provided with a protective layer.

9. The solar cell (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The protective layer is made of silver alloy, tin alloy or nickel alloy.

10. The solar cell (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shape of the attachment block (11) is one of a circle, a polygon, or a line.

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