Double-Sided Solar Cell Electrodes with Anti-Reflection Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar cells have low current transformation efficiency due to light being incident on only one surface of the substrate, limiting their energy conversion capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A solar cell design featuring a substrate with both surfaces textured and equipped with anti-reflection layers, narrow-width electrodes with high aspect ratios, and different materials for the first and second electrodes, allowing light to be incident and reflected on both surfaces for enhanced energy absorption and conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If light is incident on only one surface of the substrate, then the structure is simple, but the current transformation efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-sided light reception to double-sided light reception by adding functional elements to the second surface of the substrate. This dimensional expansion allows light to enter from both surfaces, effectively doubling the light capture area and improving current transformation efficiency without fundamentally changing the core substrate structure
Solution Approach 2:
The solar cell structure is segmented into distinct functional regions: the first surface with emitter layer for light reception, the second surface with back surface field layer for light reception and charge collection, and the bulk substrate for charge transport. This segmentation allows each surface to be optimized independently for its specific function, enabling double-sided operation
2Productivity
If the electrode width is reduced to increase aspect ratio, then the light absorption area is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies precise parameter ranges for electrode dimensions: width of 20-60 μm and thickness of 20-50 μm, achieving an aspect ratio of 0.83-1.0. By defining and controlling these parameters within specific ranges rather than fixed values, the design balances light absorption optimization with manufacturability, allowing tolerance for normal manufacturing variations while maintaining high aspect ratio benefits
3Productivity
If anti-reflection layers are added to reduce reflection loss, then the energy conversion efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-reflection layers on both surfaces serve multiple functions simultaneously: they reduce light reflection to maximize light absorption, provide surface passivation to reduce recombination losses, and maintain structural integrity. This multi-functionality justifies the added layer complexity by delivering multiple performance benefits from the same structural elements
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 design increases solar cell efficiency by allowing light to be incident on both surfaces, reducing reflection loss, and improving contact between electrodes and the emitter layer, resulting in higher energy conversion rates compared to single-sided solar cells.
Implementation Method 1
Both surfaces of the substrate may be uniformly textured to form a first textured surface and a second textured surface, respectively... The first anti-reflection layer may include a silicon nitride layer and a silicon oxide layer or an aluminum oxide layer positioned between the emitter layer and the silicon nitride layer
Implementation Method 2
The solar power generation of converting light energy into electric energy using a photoelectric transformation effect has been widely used as a method for obtaining eco-friendly energy
Data Source
AI summary
A method for manufacturing a solar cell includes forming an emitter layer on a first surface of a substrate, forming a back surface field layer on a second surface opposite the first surface of the substrate, forming a first anti-reflection layer on the emitter layer, forming a second anti-reflection layer on the back surface field layer, and forming a plurality of first electrodes each including a first metal seed layer and a first conductive layer on a plurality of first contact regions of the first anti-reflection film and a plurality of second electrodes each including a second metal seed layer and a second conductive layer on a plurality of second contact regions of the second anti-reflection film, the plurality of first contact regions being partially formed at the first anti-reflection layer and each having a first width.