Integrated Back and Connection Electrodes in Solar Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar cell manufacturing methods face challenges in achieving improved electrical characteristics and photo-electrical conversion efficiency due to high connection resistance between electrodes.
Innovation Solution
A solar cell apparatus with a substrate having a cell region and an outer peripheral region, featuring back electrodes and a connection electrode that extends from the back electrode, integrally formed with the same material as the back electrode, reducing connection resistance and improving electrical characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate connection electrodes are used and bonded to back electrodes, then electrical connection can be established, but connection resistance increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the connection electrode and back electrode into a single integrated electrode structure. The back electrode layer is patterned to form both the main back electrode and the connection electrode as one continuous conductive element, eliminating the need for separate bonding processes and reducing connection resistance between distinct components.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection electrode is formed simultaneously with the back electrode during the initial electrode formation process, before subsequent layer deposition. This preliminary integration ensures low-resistance electrical connection from the start and avoids additional bonding steps that would increase manufacturing complexity.
2Reliability
If additional bonding processes are used to connect electrodes, then electrical connection is achieved, but manufacturing time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the formation of back electrodes and connection electrodes into a single patterning step of the back electrode layer. This integration eliminates multiple bonding processes, directly reducing manufacturing time and increasing production throughput while maintaining reliable electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection electrodes are formed in advance during the back electrode layer patterning process, before cell assembly and module manufacturing. This preliminary formation of integrated electrodes streamlines subsequent manufacturing steps and improves overall production efficiency.
3Reliability
If multiple separate electrodes are used for connection, then electrical pathways are established, but connection resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple electrode functions into a single continuous back electrode layer that is patterned to provide both current collection and electrical connection functions. This unified structure reduces the number of interfaces and contact points, thereby minimizing connection resistance and simplifying the overall electrode architecture.
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 solution enhances the electrical characteristics and photo-electrical conversion efficiency of solar cells by reducing connection resistance and eliminating the need for additional processes, such as bonding bus bars, facilitating easier manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
a back electrode layer is formed on the substrate and patterned by a laser
Implementation Method 2
a light absorbing layer, a buffer layer, and a high-resistance buffer layer are sequentially formed on the back electrodes. The light absorbing layer may be formed through various schemes such as a scheme of forming a Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) based-light absorbing layer
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a solar cell apparatus and a method for manufacturing the same. The solar cell apparatus includes a substrate including a cell region and an outer peripheral region surrounding the cell region, a cell in the cell region, and a connection electrode connected to the cell and provided in the outer peripheral region. The cell includes a back electrode on the substrate, a light absorbing part on the back electrode, and a front electrode on the light absorbing part. The connection electrode extends from the back electrode.