Side-Electrode Solar Cell for Light Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional back contact-type solar cells have limited photoelectric conversion efficiency due to reduced sunlight incidence caused by electrodes on the light-receiving surface.
Innovation Solution
A photoelectric conversion element with a p-type amorphous semiconductor film and p-electrode on the side surface of the semiconductor substrate, extending beyond the p-electrode, and an n-type amorphous semiconductor film and n-electrode on the first surface, allowing for increased current collection and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrodes are placed on the light-receiving surface, then electrical contact is achieved, but the amount of incident sunlight is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the electrodes from the two-dimensional light-receiving surface to the side surfaces of the semiconductor substrate. This dimensional transition allows electrodes to contact carriers laterally rather than blocking incident light from above, thereby maintaining electrical contact functionality while eliminating the trade-off with light absorption area.
2Illumination intensity
If electrodes are placed only on the back surface, then light incidence is improved, but photoelectric conversion efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions electrodes on the side surfaces of the semiconductor substrate rather than solely on the back surface. This enables carriers generated throughout the substrate volume to be collected laterally through the side-surface electrodes, improving carrier collection efficiency and overall photoelectric conversion performance while maintaining full light incidence on the light-receiving surface.
3Ease of manufacture
If peripheral portion is left without electrode, then substrate fixing is enabled, but electrode area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates electrodes to the side surfaces of the substrate, utilizing the lateral dimension for electrode placement. This allows the entire back surface to be used for substrate fixing and handling, while electrode functionality is maintained through side-surface contact. The electrode area is effectively increased by wrapping around the side surfaces without compromising manufacturing ease.
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
Enhances photoelectric conversion efficiency by increasing the collected current and reducing the need for precise electrode patterning, thereby improving carrier collection efficiency and reducing electrode resistance.
Implementation Method 1
solar cells directly converting solar energy into electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
the amount of incident sunlight is reduced by an amount corresponding to the area of the electrode because sunlight is reflected and absorbed by the electrode
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~7
Figure 8~11
AI summary
A photoelectric conversion element includes an n-type semiconductor substrate (1), a p-type amorphous semiconductor film (3) on the side of a first surface (1a) and side surface (1c) of the semiconductor substrate (1), an n-type amorphous semiconductor film on the first surface side of the semiconductor substrate, a p-electrode (7) on the p-type amorphous semiconductor film (3), and an n-electrode (8) on the n-type amorphous semiconductor film (4). The p-electrode (7) is located on the p-type amorphous semiconductor film (3), which is placed on the first surface (1a) side and side surface (1c) of the semiconductor substrate (1).