Solar Cell Surface Structure for Light Absorption and Carrier Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar cells have limited photoelectric conversion efficiency due to a restricted wavelength range of light absorption and differences in conversion efficiency between the front and back surfaces, necessitating improvements in light absorption rates and photoelectric conversion efficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A solar cell design featuring a substrate with alternating electrode and non-electrode regions, where the electrode regions are covered by a doped conductive layer and dielectric layer, and non-electrode regions are partially covered, with distinct surface structures including pyramid and platform structures, enhancing light absorption and carrier collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional solar cell structure with uniform electrode distribution is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the light absorption rate and photoelectric conversion efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The solar cell surface is segmented into electrode regions and non-electrode regions with alternating arrangement. The doped conductive layer is also segmented into first conductive portions over electrode regions and second conductive portions over non-electrode regions, enabling differentiated functionality across different surface zones to improve both light absorption and carrier collection
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the solar cell surface are given different structures and properties: electrode regions have first pyramid structures with doped conductive layers for carrier collection, while non-electrode regions have platform structures with exposed dielectric layers for enhanced light absorption. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by optimizing each region for its specific function
2Reliability
If the doped conductive layer covers the entire first surface including all non-electrode regions, then carrier collection is improved, but light absorption in non-electrode regions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The doped conductive layer is segmented into first conductive portions positioned only over electrode regions and second conductive portions positioned over selected non-electrode regions. This segmentation allows non-electrode regions to remain partially exposed for light absorption while still providing carrier collection pathways where needed
Solution Approach 2:
The doped conductive layer is applied selectively rather than uniformly: first conductive portions cover electrode regions for carrier collection, while second conductive portions cover only certain non-electrode regions. This local application strategy balances carrier collection needs with light absorption requirements in different zones
3Reliability
If the contact area between electrodes and passivation contact structures is increased, then carrier collection efficiency is improved, but the area available for light absorption decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact structures are segmented and distributed across the surface in an alternating pattern of electrode regions and non-electrode regions. This segmentation allows carrier collection contacts to be positioned strategically without blocking large continuous areas from light absorption
Solution Approach 2:
The contact structures are arranged in a two-dimensional alternating pattern rather than covering the surface uniformly or in single large blocks. This spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions optimizes the balance between contact area for carrier collection and exposed area for light absorption
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 improves light absorption and photoelectric conversion efficiency by increasing the contact area for carrier collection, reducing carrier recombination, and allowing unobstructed light irradiation to non-electrode regions, thereby enhancing overall solar cell performance.
Implementation Method 1
reducing carrier recombination
Implementation Method 2
enhances light absorption
Implementation Method 3
improving the photoelectric conversion of the solar cell
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a solar cell, a tandem solar cell, and a photovoltaic module. The solar cell includes a substrate, a doped conductive layer, and a dielectric layer. The substrate has a first surface, where the first surface includes electrode regions and non-electrode regions that are alternatingly arranged along a first direction. The doped conductive layer is formed over the first surface of the substrate. The doped conductive layer includes first conductive portions and at least one second conductive portion. Each first conductive portion is formed over a respective electrode region of the electrode regions, and each respective second conductive portion is formed over a part of a non-electrode region of the non-electrode regions The dielectric layer is between the first surface and the doped conductive layer.