Solar Cell Through-Hole With Side Insulating Part
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar cells face challenges in improving photoelectric conversion efficiency and preventing short circuits, particularly due to dead zones and leakage currents caused by separate formation of through holes for separating and connecting electrode layers.
Innovation Solution
A solar cell design featuring a support substrate with a back electrode layer, light absorbing layer, buffer layer, front electrode layer, and a connecting member with a side insulating part that directly contacts the buffer, back electrode, and light absorbing layers, reducing dead zones and leakage currents by integrating through holes for both separation and connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate through holes are formed for separating back electrode layer and connecting front electrode layer to back electrode layer, then electrode connection is achieved, but dead zone area increases reducing photoelectric conversion efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the separation function and connection function into a single integrated through-hole structure. The through-hole serves dual purposes: separating the back electrode layer while simultaneously providing a pathway for the connecting member to electrically connect the front electrode layer to the back electrode layer, thereby eliminating dead zone areas and improving photoelectric conversion efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The through-hole structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a separation element for the back electrode layer and a connection pathway for electrical conductors. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed and minimizes non-active areas in the solar cell.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional through hole structure is used, then fabrication is simpler, but leakage current occurs between electrode layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a side insulating part as an intermediary element formed on the side surface of the through-hole. This insulating layer acts as a mediator that prevents direct electrical contact between adjacent electrode layers, thereby blocking leakage current paths while maintaining the structural simplicity of the through-hole design.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating property is applied locally only where needed - on the side surface of the through-hole where electrode layers are in close proximity. This localized insulation approach prevents leakage current without requiring complete insulation of the entire structure, maintaining fabrication simplicity while addressing the specific leakage problem.
3Reliability
If side insulating part is added to through hole, then leakage current is reduced, but fabrication process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The side insulating part is formed in advance during the through-hole fabrication process, before the connecting member is inserted. This preliminary insulation step prevents leakage current issues from the outset and integrates smoothly with existing fabrication sequences, minimizing additional process complexity.
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
This design simplifies the fabrication process, reduces costs, and enhances solar cell efficiency by minimizing dead zones and effectively reducing leakage currents through the side insulating part.
Implementation Method 1
A solar cell apparatus for converting sunlight into electrical energy includes a solar cell panel
Data Source
AI summary
A solar cell according to the embodiment includes a support substrate; a back electrode layer on the support substrate; a light absorbing layer on the back electrode layer; a buffer layer on the light absorbing layer; a front electrode layer on the buffer layer; a connecting member passing through the buffer layer to electrically connect the back electrode layer to the front electrode layer; and a side insulating part on one of side surfaces of the connecting member, wherein the side insulating part makes direct contact with a portion of the buffer layer, the back electrode layer and the light absorbing layer.