Solar Cell Electrode Segmentation for Voltage and Cost Optimization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Solar cell manufacturing costs, efficiency, and output are variable due to design complexities and connection structures, necessitating a design that reduces costs and enhances performance.
Innovation Solution
A solar cell panel comprising multiple solar cells with a connecting member that includes finger electrodes and a connection electrode, where the connection electrode is non-contact and provides a bypass path, reducing the contact area with the conductive region and securing carrier movement, thereby improving open circuit voltage, current density, and overall efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the contact area between electrode and conductive region is increased, then electrical conductivity is improved, but carrier movement path is blocked and open circuit voltage decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is segmented into two distinct functional parts: finger electrodes that contact the conductive region for current collection, and connection electrodes that bridge adjacent solar cells without contacting the conductive region. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its function - finger electrodes maximize contact area for conductivity while connection electrodes maintain separation to preserve carrier movement paths and open circuit voltage.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the electrode structure are assigned different contact properties: the finger electrode regions have high contact area with the conductive region for optimal current collection, while the connection electrode regions have zero contact area with the conductive region to maintain electrical isolation and preserve voltage characteristics. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between conductivity and voltage.
2Ease of manufacture
If manufacturing cost is reduced, then economic viability is improved, but efficiency and output may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connection electrode serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical connection between adjacent solar cells, acts as a structural support element, and maintains the bypass path for carriers. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining efficiency and output performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection function is extracted from the traditional continuous electrode structure and implemented as a separate non-contacting connection electrode. This extraction allows the main conductive region to remain uninterrupted for optimal carrier movement, while the connection electrode provides inter-cell connectivity, achieving both cost reduction through simplified design and maintained efficiency.
3Device complexity
If connection structure is simplified, then device complexity is reduced, but electrical performance may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode system is segmented into finger electrodes and connection electrodes with distinct functions. This segmentation simplifies the overall connection structure by clearly defining roles - finger electrodes for local current collection and connection electrodes for inter-cell connectivity - while maintaining robust electrical performance through optimized current paths and carrier bypass mechanisms.
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 efficiency and output of the solar cell panel by reducing the contact area between electrodes and conductive regions, improving carrier movement and reducing material costs while maintaining electrical conductivity.
Implementation Method 1
solar cells are attracting attention as a next generation battery which converts solar energy into electric energy
Implementation Method 2
a connecting member that is located between the overlapped portion of the first solar cell and the overlapped portion of the second solar cell and that connects the first solar cell to the second solar cell
Data Source
AI summary
A solar cell that includes: a semiconductor substrate that has a length in a first direction and a width in a second direction, the second direction being different from the first direction; a first conductive region that is coupled to the semiconductor substrate; and a first electrode that is electrically connected to the first conductive region, wherein the first electrode comprises: a plurality of finger electrodes that extend in the first direction; and a connection electrode that extends in the second direction, that electrically connects two or more of the plurality of finger electrodes to each other, and that is separated from the first conductive region, and a solar cell panel including the solar cell are disclosed.