Solar Cell Silicon Substrate Texturing and Electrode Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar cells face challenges in reducing light reflectance and improving electrode adhesion to the substrate, leading to suboptimal electrical properties such as contact resistance, serial resistance, and conversion efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A solar cell design featuring a silicon substrate with at least 5 raised portions and an electrode composition comprising a conductive powder, glass frit with specific temperature ranges, and an organic vehicle, which enhances adhesion and reduces reflectance, thereby improving electrical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the surface of the substrate is textured and/or is formed with an anti-reflection film, then reflectance of light is reduced, but adhesion of the electrode to the substrate deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different surface treatments to different regions of the substrate. Specifically, a first surface treatment (texturing and/or anti-reflection film) is applied to a first region for optical performance, while a second surface treatment (different from the first) is applied to a second region for electrode adhesion. This allows each region to have optimized properties for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate surface is divided into multiple regions with different treatments. The first region receives a first surface treatment optimized for light management, while the second region receives a second surface treatment optimized for electrode contact. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by spatially separating the conflicting requirements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the surface of the substrate is textured, then anti-reflection properties are improved, but adhesion of the electrode to the substrate deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different surface treatments to different regions of the substrate. Specifically, a first surface treatment (texturing and/or anti-reflection film) is applied to a first region for optical performance, while a second surface treatment (different from the first) is applied to a second region for electrode adhesion. This allows each region to have optimized properties for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate surface is divided into multiple regions with different treatments. The first region receives a first surface treatment optimized for light management, while the second region receives a second surface treatment optimized for electrode contact. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by spatially separating the conflicting requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If a composition for solar cell electrodes is applied, patterning, and baking, then electrodes are formed, but conversion efficiency is insufficient due to poor adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different surface treatments to different regions of the substrate. Specifically, a first surface treatment (texturing and/or anti-reflection film) is applied to a first region for optical performance, while a second surface treatment (different from the first) is applied to a second region for electrode adhesion. This allows each region to have optimized properties for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate surface is divided into multiple regions with different treatments. The first region receives a first surface treatment optimized for light management, while the second region receives a second surface treatment optimized for electrode contact. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by spatially separating the conflicting requirements.
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 effectively reduces light reflectance and enhances electrode adhesion, resulting in improved conversion efficiency, contact resistance, and short-circuit current in solar cells.
Implementation Method 1
a glass frit having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 150°C to 450°C
Implementation Method 2
Solar cells generate electricity using the photovoltaic effect of a PN junction which converts photons of sunlight into electricity
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein is a solar cell. The solar cell includes: a silicon substrate; and an electrode formed on the silicon substrate, wherein the silicon substrate is formed with at least 5 raised portions having a cross-sectional height (h) of 50 nm or more per 5 µm length, and the electrode is formed of a composition for solar cell electrodes including a conductive powder, an organic vehicle, and a glass frit having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 150°C to 450°C.