Back-Electrode Solar Cell Migration Suppression

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing back electrode type solar cell modules face issues with potential differences between electrodes and wirings leading to ion migration, which deteriorates the insulation resistance and affects the performance of the solar cell module.

Innovation Solution

A solar cell with a migration suppressing layer covering the electrodes and an insulating member between the electrodes and wirings, preventing metal precipitation and ion migration by traversing the straight line connecting neighboring electrodes and wirings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a back electrode type solar cell is used with electrodes only on the back surface, then the light-receiving surface can be fully utilized for light absorption, but potential differences between electrodes and wirings cause ion migration that deteriorates insulation resistance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight absorption efficiencyVSAvoidinsulation resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a migration suppressing layer as an intermediary substance between the electrode and the external environment. This layer specifically prevents metal ions from migrating while maintaining electrical conductivity, thus resolving the contradiction between full light-receiving surface utilization and insulation resistance maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The migration suppressing layer acts as a sacrificial protective barrier that prevents ion migration during the operational lifetime of the solar cell. By providing this disposable protective function, the underlying electrode structure can maintain its integrity and insulation resistance throughout the device's service life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Ease of manufacture

If electrodes are formed only on the back surface of the solar cell, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the available electric energy output is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode formation processVSAvoidelectric energy output

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from conventional front-and-back electrode configuration to a back-electrode-only configuration, utilizing the third dimension (depth/thickness of the semiconductor substrate) to collect carriers. This dimensional change simplifies manufacturing while maintaining power output through optimized back electrode design and carrier transport pathways.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Area of stationary object

If the distance between neighboring electrodes of different conductive types is reduced, then the solar cell area is maximized, but metal precipitation increases due to ion migration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolar cell active areaVSAvoidmetal precipitation

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The migration suppressing layer serves as an intermediary barrier between neighboring electrodes of different conductive types. It allows electrical connectivity while preventing metal ion migration even when electrodes are positioned close together, thus enabling maximum area utilization without suffering from metal precipitation issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different properties to different regions: the migration suppressing layer is positioned specifically in areas where ion migration is most likely to occur between neighboring electrodes, while maintaining open structures in areas dedicated to light absorption. This localized quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between area maximization and metal precipitation prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration effectively prevents the deterioration of solar cell module characteristics by reducing metal precipitation and ion migration, enhancing the insulation resistance and overall performance.

Implementation Method 1

a surface of the electrode for first conductive type is covered with a migration suppressing layer for preventing a metal forming the electrode for first conductive type from precipitating

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon migration prevention:

Implementation Method 2

at least one of a surface of the migration suppressing layer covering the electrode for first conductive type and a surface of the electrode for second conductive type is covered with an insulating member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical insulation:

Implementation Method 3

solar cells that convert sunlight energy into electric energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9048360B2Solar cell, solar cell with interconnection sheet attached and solar cell module

Publication Date: 2015.06.02 SHARP KK

AI summary

Disclosed are a solar cell, a solar cell with interconnection sheet attached, and a solar cell module wherein a surface of an electrode for first conductive type is covered with a migration suppressing layer for preventing a metal forming electrode for first conductive type from precipitating, and at least one of a surface of migration suppressing layer covering electrode for first conductive type and a surface of electrode for second conductive type is covered with an insulating member.