Dual-Surface Solar Cell Passivation for Carrier Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar cells have low efficiency due to inadequate design of layers and electrodes, which hinders their commercialization.
Innovation Solution
A solar cell structure is developed with a semiconductor substrate having passivation films on both front and rear surfaces, along with conductivity-type specific electric field and emitter regions, and transparent and metal electrode layers to enhance efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional solar cell structures are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The solar cell structure is segmented into distinct functional regions: a first doped region (n-type) and a second doped region (p-type) formed on opposite surfaces of the semiconductor substrate. This segmentation allows each region to perform specialized functions (electron collection at front surface, hole collection at rear surface), thereby improving overall efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
Different doping types are applied locally to different surfaces of the semiconductor substrate. The front surface receives n-type doping to create electron collection, while the rear surface receives p-type doping for hole collection. This local differentiation optimizes carrier collection at each surface according to the dominant carrier type, improving efficiency without requiring complex global restructuring
2Productivity
If passivation films are added to improve passivation characteristics, then carrier collection improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The passivation function and electric field formation function are merged into a single integrated structure. The doped regions serve dual purposes: they provide surface passivation to reduce recombination losses and simultaneously create the electric field necessary for carrier collection. This merging eliminates the need for separate passivation layers, improving carrier collection efficiency while keeping the manufacturing process relatively simple
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
The structure improves passivation characteristics, reduces optical loss, and enhances carrier collection efficiency, leading to higher solar cell efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first passivation film located on the front surface of the semiconductor substrate, a second passivation film located on the rear surface of the semiconductor substrate
Implementation Method 2
a front electric field region located on the first passivation film on the front surface of the semiconductor substrate and being of the same conductivity-type as that of the semiconductor substrate, an emitter region located on the second passivation film on the rear surface of the semiconductor substrate and being of the conductivity-type opposite that of the semiconductor substrate
Implementation Method 3
solar cells are spotlighted as a next generation battery which converts solar energy into electric energy
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein are a solar cell and a method of manufacturing the same. The solar cell module includes a semiconductor substrate, a first passivation film located on the front surface of the semiconductor substrate, a second passivation film located on the rear surface of the semiconductor substrate, a front electric field region located on the first passivation film on the front surface of the semiconductor substrate and being of the same conductivity-type as that of the semiconductor substrate, an emitter region located on the second passivation film on the rear surface of the semiconductor substrate and being of the conductivity-type opposite that of the semiconductor substrate, first electrodes conductively connected to the front electric field region, and second electrode conductively connected to the emitter region.