Solar Cell Current Collector Positioning for Light Absorption
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar cells experience reduced efficiency due to the presence of current collectors on both the light incident and non-incident surfaces of the substrate, which obstruct light absorption and hinder electron-hole pair collection.
Innovation Solution
The solar cell design positions the first current collector on the back surface of the substrate and the second current collector on the emitter layer, with a connector connecting multiple second current collectors, while also incorporating a dummy electrode part to enhance light absorption and reduce recombination of electron-hole pairs, thereby improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current collectors are formed on both the incident surface and non-incident surface of the substrate, then electrode connectivity is improved, but light absorption area is reduced and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the second current collector from the incident surface to the non-incident surface (back surface) of the substrate, utilizing the third dimension (depth/positioning) to resolve the contradiction. This allows the incident surface to be fully available for light absorption while the back surface provides additional electrode connectivity, thus improving efficiency without compromising electrical connection reliability.
2Productivity
If current collectors are positioned on the incident surface, then carrier collection is enhanced, but incident light area is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the second current collector from the incident surface and relocates it to the non-incident surface. This separation removes the harmful obstruction on the light-receiving area while preserving the beneficial carrier collection function on the back surface, thus resolving the contradiction between carrier collection efficiency and light incident area.
3Productivity
If multiple second current collectors are used on the non-incident surface, then carrier collection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple second current collectors into a single integrated current collector structure on the non-incident surface. This consolidation maintains the enhanced carrier collection capability through increased collection area while simplifying the overall device structure by reducing the number of separate components, thus resolving the contradiction between carrier collection capability and device complexity.
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 enhances light absorption and reduces recombination, leading to improved solar cell efficiency by positioning current collectors on non-incident surfaces and utilizing a dummy electrode to facilitate efficient carrier collection and transfer.
Implementation Method 1
When light is incident on the solar cell, a plurality of electron-hole pairs are generated in the semiconductors. The electron-hole pairs are separated into electrons and holes by the photovoltaic effect.
Data Source
AI summary
A solar cell and a solar cell module including a plurality of solar cells are discussed. The solar cell according to an embodiment includes a substrate of a first conductive type, an emitter layer of a second conductive type opposite the first conductive type disposed on the substrate, a plurality of first electrodes electrically connected to the emitter layer, a second electrode electrically connected to the substrate, a first current collector electrically connected to the plurality of first electrodes, and a second current collector electrically connected to the second electrode. The second current collector includes a plurality of second electrode current collectors electrically connected to the second electrode, and a current collector connector for connecting the plurality of second electrode current collectors to one another.