Solar Cell Module Electrode Layout for Glass Frit Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing solar cell modules face issues with increased resistance and damage to the extraction electrode layer when glass frit is used in regions where the electrode layer is heated by laser irradiation.

Innovation Solution

A solar cell module design that includes a first substrate with a photoelectric conversion layer, a second substrate covering the first substrate, and extraction electrode layers made of a laminate of a metal layer and a transparent conductive layer. The module uses a glass frit part between the second substrate and the extraction electrode layers, which enhances sealing performance and suppresses resistance increase.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If glass frit is used for sealing, then sealing performance is enhanced, but laser irradiation required for curing damages metal wiring and increases resistance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing performanceVSAvoidlaser-induced damage to wiring

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The resin layer serves as a thermal buffer and intermediary between the laser irradiation and the metal wiring. It absorbs the laser energy during the curing process, preventing direct heating and damage to the metal wiring while still allowing the glass frit to be cured effectively for enhanced sealing performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The potentially harmful laser irradiation is converted into a beneficial process by using the resin layer to absorb and distribute the thermal energy. The laser energy that would otherwise damage the wiring is instead used to cure the resin and glass frit, achieving the desired sealing while protecting the wiring through the controlled thermal conversion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 proposed design effectively suppresses the increase in resistance of the extraction electrode layers and enhances sealing performance, particularly when the glass frit is annularly provided around the photoelectric conversion layer.

Implementation Method 1

curing the glass frit requires, for example, heating by laser irradiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser irradiation: Laser

Implementation Method 2

heating by laser irradiation as described above

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20250072199A1Solar cell module and method for manufacturing solar cell module

Publication Date: 2025.02.27 PANASONIC HOLDINGS CORP

AI summary

A solar cell module of an embodiment comprises a first substrate, a second substrate, a photoelectric conversion layer, a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer, and an extraction electrode layer. The extraction electrode layer includes a metal layer and a transparent conductive layer that are stacked on each other, and is provided in a region on the first substrate that does not overlap the photoelectric conversion layer when the substrate is viewed in plan. The solar cell module further comprises a glass frit portion provided between the second substrate and the extraction electrode layer.