CN102160186A - 用于薄膜光伏电池的无凸台结构的图案化电极材料 - Google Patents

用于薄膜光伏电池的无凸台结构的图案化电极材料 Download PDF

Info

Publication number
CN102160186A
CN102160186A CN2009801362651A CN200980136265A CN102160186A CN 102160186 A CN102160186 A CN 102160186A CN 2009801362651 A CN2009801362651 A CN 2009801362651A CN 200980136265 A CN200980136265 A CN 200980136265A CN 102160186 A CN102160186 A CN 102160186A
Authority
CN
China
Prior art keywords
electrode layer
lower electrode
patterns
layer
film
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
CN2009801362651A
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
CN102160186B (zh
Inventor
罗伯特·D·维廷
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
CM manufacturing Co.
Development Specialist
Hetf Solar
CM Manufacturing Inc
Original Assignee
CM Manufacturing Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by CM Manufacturing Inc filed Critical CM Manufacturing Inc
Publication of CN102160186A publication Critical patent/CN102160186A/zh
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CN102160186B publication Critical patent/CN102160186B/zh
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01LSEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L31/00Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof
    • H01L31/0248Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof characterised by their semiconductor bodies
    • H01L31/0256Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof characterised by their semiconductor bodies characterised by the material
    • H01L31/0264Inorganic materials
    • H01L31/032Inorganic materials including, apart from doping materials or other impurities, only compounds not provided for in groups H01L31/0272 - H01L31/0312
    • H01L31/0322Inorganic materials including, apart from doping materials or other impurities, only compounds not provided for in groups H01L31/0272 - H01L31/0312 comprising only AIBIIICVI chalcopyrite compounds, e.g. Cu In Se2, Cu Ga Se2, Cu In Ga Se2
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01LSEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L31/00Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof
    • H01L31/02Details
    • H01L31/0224Electrodes
    • H01L31/022408Electrodes for devices characterised by at least one potential jump barrier or surface barrier
    • H01L31/022425Electrodes for devices characterised by at least one potential jump barrier or surface barrier for solar cells
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01LSEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L31/00Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof
    • H01L31/0248Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof characterised by their semiconductor bodies
    • H01L31/036Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof characterised by their semiconductor bodies characterised by their crystalline structure or particular orientation of the crystalline planes
    • H01L31/0392Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof characterised by their semiconductor bodies characterised by their crystalline structure or particular orientation of the crystalline planes including thin films deposited on metallic or insulating substrates ; characterised by specific substrate materials or substrate features or by the presence of intermediate layers, e.g. barrier layers, on the substrate
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01LSEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L31/00Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof
    • H01L31/0248Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof characterised by their semiconductor bodies
    • H01L31/036Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof characterised by their semiconductor bodies characterised by their crystalline structure or particular orientation of the crystalline planes
    • H01L31/0392Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof characterised by their semiconductor bodies characterised by their crystalline structure or particular orientation of the crystalline planes including thin films deposited on metallic or insulating substrates ; characterised by specific substrate materials or substrate features or by the presence of intermediate layers, e.g. barrier layers, on the substrate
    • H01L31/03923Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof characterised by their semiconductor bodies characterised by their crystalline structure or particular orientation of the crystalline planes including thin films deposited on metallic or insulating substrates ; characterised by specific substrate materials or substrate features or by the presence of intermediate layers, e.g. barrier layers, on the substrate including AIBIIICVI compound materials, e.g. CIS, CIGS
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01LSEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L31/00Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof
    • H01L31/04Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof adapted as photovoltaic [PV] conversion devices
    • H01L31/042PV modules or arrays of single PV cells
    • H01L31/0445PV modules or arrays of single PV cells including thin film solar cells, e.g. single thin film a-Si, CIS or CdTe solar cells
    • H01L31/046PV modules composed of a plurality of thin film solar cells deposited on the same substrate
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02EREDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/50Photovoltaic [PV] energy
    • Y02E10/541CuInSe2 material PV cells

Abstract

一种用于形成具有图案化电极膜的薄膜光伏装置的方法,包括提供具有包括钼材料的覆盖下电极层的钠钙玻璃基板。该方法还包括对下电极层施加来自激光源的一个或多个电磁辐射脉冲以从下电极层烧蚀一个或多个伴随有一个或多个凸台结构的图案。此外,该方法包括使用机械刷装置处理包括一个或多个图案的下电极层以去除一个或多个凸台结构,随后,处理包括去除掉一个或多个凸台结构的一个或多个图案的下电极层。该方法还包括形成覆盖下电极层的光伏材料层和形成覆盖光伏材料层的第一氧化锌层。

Description

用于薄膜光伏电池的无凸台结构的图案化电极材料
相关申请的引用
本申请要求发明人Robert D.Wieting于2008年9月30日提交的名为“PATTERNING ELECTRODE MATERIALS FREE FROM BERMSTRUCTURES FOR THIN FILM PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS”的美国临时专利申请第61/101,650的优先权,其被共同转让并出于所有目的结合于此供参考。
关于在联邦政府赞助的研究和开发下作出的发明的权利的声明
不适用
对“序列表”、表格,或在光盘上提交的计算机步骤列表附录的参考
不适用
背景技术
本发明总体上涉及光伏材料和制造方法。更具体地,本发明提供了用于制作薄膜太阳能电池的方法和结构。仅以举例方式,本发明方法包括图案化用于制造薄膜光伏电池的无凸台结构(突起结构,berm structures)的电极材料,但应认识到本发明可具有其它构造。
从一开始,人类就已经应对挑战来寻找利用能量的方式。能量来自于例如,以石化产品、水力发电、核能、风、生物质、太阳能的形式,以及更原始的形式,例如,木材和煤。在过去的一个世纪中,现代文明已依赖于作为重要能源的石化能量。石化能量包括天然气和石油。天然气包括更轻的形式,例如,丁烷和丙烷,通常用于加热住宅并用作用于烹饪的燃料。天然气还包括通常用于运输目的的汽油、柴油和喷气燃料。石化产品的更重的形式也可以用来加热某些地方的住宅。遗憾的是,基于在行星地球上可获得的量,石化燃料的供应是有限的并且基本上是固定的。另外,由于更多的人以增长的量使用石油产品,所以其迅速地变成稀缺资源,并随着时间最终被耗尽。
近年来,已经期望环境上清洁且可再生的能量来源。清洁能量来源的一个实例是水电力(水力发电)。水电力来自由水坝例如在内华达州的胡佛水坝(Hoover Dam)产生的水流驱动的发电机。所产生的电力用来对在加利福尼亚州洛杉矶市的大部分城市供电。清洁且可再生的能量来源还包括风能、波能、生物质能等。也就是说,风车将风能转化成更有用形式的能量,例如电能。清洁能源还有的其它类型包括太阳能。在整个本发明背景并且更具体地在以下内容中可以找到关于太阳能的具体细节。
太阳能技术通常将来自太阳的电磁辐射转化成其它有用形式的能量。这些其它形式的能量包括热能和电力。对于电力应用,经常使用太阳能电池。虽然太阳能在环境上是清洁的并且从某种角度上已经成功,但是,在将其广泛应用于全世界之前,仍有许多限制有待解决。作为一个实例,一种类型的太阳能电池使用来自半导体材料锭(ingots)的晶体材料。这些晶体材料可以用来制造包括将电磁辐射转化成电力的光伏和光电二极管装置的光电装置。然而,晶体材料经常是昂贵的并且难以大规模制造。另外,由这样的晶体材料制造的装置经常具有较低的能量转换效率。其它类型的太阳能电池使用“薄膜”技术来形成待用于将电磁辐射转化成电力的光敏材料的薄膜。在使用薄膜技术制造太阳能电池时,存在类似的限制。也就是说,效率经常较低。另外,薄膜的可靠性经常较差,并且在传统的环境应用中不能长时间使用。通常,薄膜难以彼此机械地结合。并且,薄膜经常难于以成本有效的、高效且可靠的方式制造。在整个本说明书并且更具体地在以下内容中,可以找到这些传统技术的这些和其它限制。
发明内容
本发明总体上涉及光伏材料和制造方法。更具体地,本发明提供了用于制作薄膜太阳能电池的方法和结构。仅以举例方式,本发明方法包括图案化用于制造薄膜光伏电池的无凸台结构(突起结构,berm structures)的电极材料,但应认识到本发明可具有其它构造。
在具体实施方式中,本发明提供一种用于形成具有图案化电极膜的薄膜光伏装置的方法。该方法包括提供包含表面区域的钠钙玻璃基板和形成覆盖表面区域的包含钼材料的下电极层。该方法还包括对下电极层施加来自激光源的一个或多个电磁辐射脉冲。该一个或多个电磁辐射脉冲能够从下电极层烧蚀一个或多个图案。该一个或多个图案包括一个或多个凸台结构(berm structures)。此外,该方法包括使用机械刷装置(mechanical brushdevice)处理包括一个或多个图案的下电极层,以去除该一个或多个凸台结构。该方法还包括处理包含一个或多个去除掉该一个或多个凸台结构的图案的下电极层。此外,该方法包括形成覆盖下电极层的光伏材料层。光伏材料层包括基于下电极层中一个或多个图案的互连结构。此外,该方法包括形成覆盖光伏材料层的第一氧化锌层。
在另一个具体实施方式中,本发明提供一种用于形成具有图案化电极膜的薄膜光伏装置的方法。该方法包括提供包含表面区域的钠钙玻璃基板和形成覆盖表面区域的包含钼材料的下电极层。该方法还包括对下电极层施加来自激光源的一个或多个电磁辐射脉冲用于从下电极层烧蚀一个或多个图案。该一个或多个图案包括一个或多个凸台结构(berm structures)。此外,该方法包括使用机械刷装置和清洁液处理包括一个或多个图案的下电极层,以去除一个或多个凸台结构。此外,该方法包括使用气刀(gasknife)处理包括去除掉一个或多个凸台结构的一个或多个图案的下电极层。气刀被设置为从下电极层的表面基本上去除包括液滴的任何液体,以干燥包括去除掉一个或多个凸台结构的一个或多个图案的下电极层。
通过本发明可实现多种益处。例如,本发明使用可商购的原材料从而覆盖合适的基板元件而形成具有半导体材料的薄膜。具有半导体材料的薄膜可被进一步处理形成理想特性(如原子化学计量、杂质浓度、载体浓度、掺杂等)的半导体薄膜材料。在具体实施方式中,本发明提供了可靠的去除掉凸台结构等的最终结构。在优选的实施方式中,本发明使用通常使用的工具和工艺技术。取决于实施方式,可实现一种或多种益处。在整个本说明书并且更具体地在以下内容中,描述了这些和其它益处。
仅以举例方式,本发明方法和材料包括由铜铟二硫(copper indiumdisulfide)物种、铜锡硫(copper tin sulfide)、二硫化铁等制成的用于单结电池(single junction cells)或多结电池(multi-juntion cells)的吸收剂材料。
附图说明
图1是示出根据本发明一种实施方式制作薄膜光伏电池的方法的简化流程图。
图2-4、4A、5、5A、6、6A和7-11是示出根据本发明某些实施方式包括用于制作薄膜光伏电池的一系列步骤和结构的方法的示意图。
具体实施方式
本发明总体上涉及光伏材料和制造方法。更具体地,本发明提供了用于制造薄膜太阳能电池的方法和结构。仅以举例方式,本方法包括使用电磁辐射使形成在钠钙玻璃基板上的电极材料图案化以及将用于制造薄膜光伏电池的电极材料处理为去除掉凸台结构,但应认识到本发明可具有其它构造。
图1是示出根据本发明一种实施方式制作薄膜光伏电池的方法的简化流程图。该图仅仅是实施例,不应以其过度限制本发明权利要求的范围。方法1000包括以下步骤:
1.步骤1010用于提供具有表面区域的钠钙玻璃基板;
2.步骤1020用于形成覆盖表面区域的下电极层;
3.步骤1030用于对下电极层施加激光辐射以烧蚀一个或多个图案;
4.步骤1040用于处理下电极层以去除一个或多个图案中的一个或多个凸台结构;
5.步骤1050用于处理具有去除掉一个或多个凸台结构的一个或多个图案的下电极层;
6.步骤1060用于形成包括基于一个或多个图案中每一个的互连结构的光伏材料层;
7.步骤1070用于形成覆盖光伏材料层的第一氧化锌层;
8.步骤1080用于进行其它步骤。
以上顺序的步骤提供了使电极层图案化和处理电极层以形成一个或多个去除掉凸台结构的图案,用于制造根据本发明一种实施方式的薄膜光伏电池的方法。在一个具体实施方式中,该方法包括利用激光辐射从连续的电极层烧蚀一个或多个图案。在另一个具体实施方式中,该方法还包括使用机械刷装置来处理一个或多个图案。还可提供其它可替换方案,其中增加步骤,去除一个或多个步骤,或以不同顺序提供一个或多个步骤,而不会偏离本发明权利要求的范围。例如,可在形成下电极层之前,形成阻挡层。可在光伏材料层和第一氧化锌层之间插入具有不同材料组成的更多功能层,等等。在整个本说明书并且更具体地在以下内容中,可找到本方法的其它细节。
在步骤1010中,提供钠钙玻璃基板。该步骤通过图2可视化示出。图2是示出了提供用于制造本发明一种实施方式的薄膜光伏电池的钠钙玻璃基板的简图。该图仅仅是实施例,不应以其过度限制本发明权利要求的范围。本领域中的普通技术人员会认识到多种变型、替换和修改。如图所示,提供包含表面区域101的钠钙玻璃基板100。钠钙玻璃被广泛用作窗玻璃。除简单的经济考量之外,选择钠钙玻璃作为形成薄膜光伏电池的基板的一个重要原因是碱性离子(例如,Na+)对高效薄膜光伏材料的晶粒生长的正面影响。例如,黄铜矿结构CuIn(Ga)Se2或CuInSe2材料的多晶化合物半导体膜可在钠钙玻璃基板上形成,具有1微米或更大的粗晶粒尺寸,从而通过这些光伏膜可收集高的电池电流,而具有17%或更高的光转换效率。不掺杂钠原子,在其它类型的基板上形成的相同的膜材料具有尺寸细得多的晶粒。在某些实施方式中,对表面区域101进行特定的预处理步骤,使得表面区域101被基本上清洁为没有表面污染物、油脂、污垢、灰尘和尺寸大于3微米的颗粒。
在步骤1020中,形成覆盖钠钙玻璃基板表面区域的下电极层。该步骤通过图3可视化示出。如图所示,形成覆盖钠钙玻璃基板100的表面区域101的下电极层200。下电极层200用作后续步骤中形成的薄膜光伏电池的背电极。在本文中“下”仅是用于在基板上形成薄膜的现有实施例的词汇,该薄膜将成为底太阳能电池。“下”电极可对应于位于窗口层顶部的“上”或“前”电极。
当基板在形成顶太阳能电池的应用中用作“覆盖层(上层,superstrate)”时,下或上电极可以相反方式布置。在某些情况下,当不会发生混淆时,仅涉及一个电极层。具体地,下或上电极层可以是光学上透明的(透光的)。例如,下电极层由厚度在0.2微米至1微米范围内的钼材料制成。在其它实施例中,透明的导电氧化物可用作上电极层的材料。在某些实施方式中,可使用沉积工艺实现电极层的形成,如溅射、镀覆、蒸发、等离子体沉积等以及任何其它合适的技术。当然,可以有其它的变型、修改和替换。
在接下来的步骤(1030)中,方法1000包括对下电极层施加激光辐射以烧蚀一个或多个图案。这种激光图案化或烧蚀步骤可通过图4可视化示出。图4是示出制造根据本发明一种实施方式的薄膜光伏电池的步骤的简图。该图仅仅是实施例,不应以其过度限制本发明权利要求的范围。本领域中的普通技术人员会认识到多种变型、替换和修改。如图所示,下电极层200在某些预定位置进行激光辐射120。激光辐射120可以是脉冲激光或CW激光束。可从下电极层200上方,或者由于玻璃是光学上透明的而从钠钙玻璃基板100的背表面区域,对准激光束。激光对准(laseralignment)选择取决于制造系统的设计和特定的薄膜生长过程。典型地,从波长约1065nm的Nd:YAG红外Q-开关(switched)脉冲激光源产生激光束。当然,取决于应用,也可使用不同波长和脉冲频率的其它类型的激光源。
在一个实施方式中,辐射下电极层200的激光束120产生烧蚀过程,其中激光束下方的一部分下电极层从钠钙玻璃基板100中去除。具体地,激光能量造成射束点(beam spot)下的电极层材料(例如,钼)蒸发或简单地从基板100吹走。激光束120可沿着预定图案扫描,随后额外量的电极层材料被去除。每次在激光束烧蚀一个点(spot)的电极层材料之后,将光束(可关掉脉冲)移到下一个点,然后激光功率脉冲开启从而再次辐射(照射)新的点,以造成新(射束)点下的电极层材料被去除。结果,电极层200(其最初覆盖钠钙玻璃基板100的表面区域101而沉积为连续的膜),经过激光图案化步骤而形成一个或多个图案(或激光烧蚀图案)。
如图4的侧视图部分所示,示意性示出了一个或多个图案250中的一个,将电极层200分隔成左部分200A和右部分200B。放大的顶视图示出将下电极层200分隔成两个部分200A和200B的特定图案250的圈出部分的更多细节。具体地,放大图示出了:图案250事实上是通过激光烧蚀步骤从玻璃基板上基本去除的下电极层中宽度约25至50微米的连续线(连续缝隙,continuous line)。结果,在电极层200中形成了街道结构(芯片间隔结构,street structure)。在某些实施方式中,在覆盖钠钙玻璃基板整个表面区域的电极层中形成平均间隔约6mm的多个街道(street),在每相邻的街道之间限定条形单元(stripe-shaped cell)。
由于激光束的空间分布和脉冲/扫描变化,在图案250中形成一个或多个凸台结构(突起结构,berm structures)255。在具体实施方式中,该一个或多个凸台结构255通常位于图案250的边缘附近,而也有一些被留在图案250的中间区域附近。如图所示,一个或多个凸台结构255具有不规则形状。取决于应用,一个或多个凸台结构255可包括电极层250的残余材料或是来源于容纳(housing)钠钙玻璃基板的系统的污染物。由于凸台结构255是导电的,如果不通过合适的步骤基本上清洁或去除,其可能造成薄膜装置电短路。
图4A是示出在玻璃基板上的薄膜上形成的激光烧蚀图案的显微图像。如图所示,通过在薄膜上辐射(照射)圆激光点来至少部分地去除该点下的薄膜材料从而产生激光烧蚀图案。此外,可以使激光点从一个点扫描到下一个,从而沿着该路径去除薄膜材料。激光束提供有特定扫描速度,形成街道或沟道状(channeled)图案。如图4A的顶视图,街道(结构)255对应于图4的侧视图中所见的下电极层200中的激光烧蚀图案250。但是,激光烧蚀工艺过程中的瑕疵可能会留下一定量的残余物/再沉积物(redeposit)或薄膜材料的未去除部分,形成激光烧蚀图案250内部或周围的一个或多个凸台结构255。这些凸台结构255可能造成薄膜装置劣化、短路或其它问题。本发明的实施方式提供了将这些凸台结构从激光烧蚀图案基本上清除的方法。在整个本说明书并且更具体地在以下内容中,可找到本方法的更多细节。
在接下来的步骤1040中,方法1000包括处理具有一个或多个图案的下电极层以去除其中的一个或多个凸台结构。该步骤可通过图5可视化示出。图5是示出用于制作根据本发明一种实施方式的薄膜光伏电池的步骤的示意图。该图仅仅是实施例,不应以其过度限制本发明权利要求的范围。本领域中的普通技术人员会认识到多种变型、替换和修改。如图5所示,方法1000的具体实施方式提供了布置在下电极层200上的机械刷装置(mechanical brush device)300。机械刷装置300包括转子301,其携带有包括多个刷毛(bristles)305的外缘。在一个实施方式中,为转子301供能使其沿顺时针方向310旋转,同时将其设置为沿基本上平行于钠钙玻璃基板表面的方向320侧向(横向,laterally)移动。在具体实施方式中,出于有效去除图案内碎片或颗粒的目的,刷移动方向320可以平行于或垂直于激光烧蚀图案250。还示出了,在刷扫(brushing)步骤期间,喷雾器350与机械刷装置300的运行联合起来,提供液体,在一个优选的实施方式中,提供去离子水。
在步骤1040的某些实施方式中,机械刷装置300可布置在下电极层200上方的合适高度,并以预定转速旋转多个刷毛305(沿方向310),同时以预定侧向速度侧向移动(沿方向320)。随后,将机械刷装置300设置为调整其高度和侧向移动方向,使得一个或多个图案250内部或周围的各个方向和密度的一个或多个凸台结构255可被恰当且尽可能彻底地去除。当然,在旋转/侧向方向/速度的控制,和机械刷装置的设置(包括转子的相对位置、每一刷毛的长度)、喷雾器350的液体供给等方面,可以存在其它变型、替换和修改。例如,刷子刷毛的长度可选择为足以达到激光划刻沟槽(laser scribed trench)的深度,以便除了去除表面区域上的凸台结构之外,还能够基本上清除划刻区域(scribed region)内的(由激光烧蚀造成的)碎片。
在具体实施方式中,多个刷毛305由尼龙材料制成。尼龙基刷毛(nylon-based bristles)的机械强度提供了去除散布于基板周围并以相对较小的力结合于基板的一个或多个凸台结构所必需的力。由于尼龙基刷毛因其特性也具有相对的挠性(flexibility),且取决于如何将一定数量的刷毛簇和(group)在一起以及如何将它们分布于机械刷装置300的外缘,使得这些刷毛产生的力不会对下电极层的剩余部分(例如,200A和200B)造成损害,所述剩余部分以强得多的力附接于基板上。根据本发明一种实施方式的包括尼龙基刷毛305的机械刷装置300能够持续地从钼材料制成的下电极层的一个或多个图案250中去除一个或多个凸台结构255。
在可替换的实施方式中,可从透明基板的两侧(两面)应用机械刷装置。如图5A示意性示出的,其是示出沿着成批系统(batch system)中的多个滚轴传送的基板的侧视图。在该图中,从上表面区域应用包括水喷雾器(water sprayer)350A的机械刷装置300A,从基板的下表面区域应用另一个机械刷装置300B,机械刷装置300A和300B均可基本上与机械刷装置300相同。在一个实施例中,上表面区域201是覆盖基板100的下电极层200的表面。在另一个实施例中,上表面区域201包括一个或多个部分(portions),其作为形成在下电极层200内的一个或多个图案250的一部分。
参照图1,该方法1000还包括处理具有去除掉一个或多个凸台结构的一个或多个图案的下电极层的步骤1050。该步骤可通过图6可视化示出,该图是示出用于制作根据本发明一种实施方式的薄膜光伏电池的步骤的示意图。该图仅仅是实施例,不应以其过度限制本发明权利要求的范围。本领域中的普通技术人员会认识到多种变型、替换和修改。如具体实施方式所示,处理步骤1050的一部分涉及清洁步骤,在该步骤中覆盖(涂覆,coated)有电极层200的钠钙玻璃基板100暴露于清洁液400中。在一个实施方式中,清洁液400至少包括去离子(DI)水,其物理地洗掉以及反应性释出(脱附,desorb)表面残余物。随后,处理步骤1050的另一部分涉及使用气刀送风器(air knife blower)去除电极层200表面区域留下的水分(湿气,moisture)和任何灰尘的步骤。
在一种实施方式中,如图6示意性示出的,在使用清洁溶液400的清洁步骤之后,在包括一个或多个图案250的电极层200的表面区域附近布置气刀送风器360。在一个实施例中,气刀360是具有能够提供有小平面外形(faceted profile)的高速空气流365的加长喷嘴的气刀(空气刀,airknife)。具有有小平面外形的冲击气流(空气流,air flow)365对于干燥和清洁包括一个或多个(条形)图案的表面区域是非常有效的。在另一个实施例中,干燥的氮气可以是气刀中的气体。在一个实施方式中,气刀送风器360能够调整相对于表面区域201的角度,用于实现所需的干燥/清洁效果。例如,有小平面外形的空气相对于表面的角度可以在90度至差不多(约,somewhat)45度或30度以及更小度数之间调整从而提高干燥效果。在另一个实施例中,气流方向和激光划刻图案之间的角度也可在0至90度之间调整以提高碎片清洁效果。在一种可替换的实施方式中,在碎片去除步骤期间,尤其在用于去除激光划刻的图案区域内的碎片期间,可利用气刀送风器360的气压控制。在具体实施方式中,使用气刀送风器360来干燥表面区域,可基本上去除包括清洁液400的残余物、水滴或其它液体形式化学物的任何液体。在另一具体实施方式中,可通过直接物理地吹走和通过造成任何蒸发而基本上清除,从而实现使用气刀送风器360来去除处理步骤中引入的液体。因此,根据本发明的实施方式的以上实施的干燥效果致使包括一个或多个图案的下电极层上基本上没有任何潮湿残余物。
在另一种实施方式中,如图6A示意性示出的,在以上干燥/清洁步骤中可在基板的两侧都应用气刀送风器。如图所示,沿着成批系统中多个滚轴传送基板。该基板具有上表面区域201,其基本上是图5中的覆盖钠钙玻璃基板100的下电极层200的表面。从上表面区域201应用一个气刀送风器360A,从基板底部应用另一个气刀送风器360B。基本上,处理步骤1050是一个组合步骤,包括使基板暴露于清洁液400和使用气刀送风器360来干燥包括具有一个或多个图案250的下电极层200的基板。处理步骤产生了具有基本上去除掉一个或多个凸台结构255及任何潮湿残余物(moisture residues)的一个或多个图案250的下电极层200。
再参照图1,方法1000包括形成覆盖电极层的光伏材料层的步骤(1060)。该步骤可通过图7可视化示出,该图是示出用于制造根据本发明一种实施方式的薄膜光伏电池的步骤的示意图。该图仅仅是实施例,不应以其过度限制本发明权利要求的范围。本领域中的普通技术人员会认识到多种变型、替换和修改。如图所示,覆盖下电极层200形成光伏材料层500。具体地,在形成光伏材料层500的步骤1060之前或期间,通过激光烧蚀(步骤1030)在下电极层200中形成的图案250可填充有导电材料以形成互连结构(interconnect structure)270。互联结构可用作电导线,用于从将形成有光伏材料层的薄膜太阳能电池收集电流。在具体实施方式中,使用溅射和基于加温熟炼(加温退火,thermal annealing)的硒化工艺以铜铟二硒(CIS)材料制成光伏材料层500。在另一种具体实施方式中,光伏材料层500包括使用一种或多种合适的薄膜沉积方法的铜铟镓二硒(铜铟镓硒,CIGS)材料或铜铟二硫材料。在一种典型的实施方式中,光伏材料层500是用作薄膜光伏装置的光吸收剂(光吸收体,light absorber)的p型半导体材料。在一个实施方式中,以一定量的钠含量掺杂其中,在钠钙玻璃基板上(下电极层上方)形成的CIGS材料层可具有大于1微米的大晶粒尺寸。因此,可预期高的电池电流,从而实现所得薄膜太阳能电池的17%或更高的效率。
尽管上文对CIS和/或CIGS薄膜电池的具体结构进行了一般性描述,但还可使用其它具体的CIS和/或CIGS构造,如美国专利第4,612,411号和美国专利第4,611,091号中指出的那些,其通过引用结合到本文中作为参考,而不会偏离本发明权利要求描述的本发明。
此外,方法1000包括在光伏材料层上方形成上电极层的步骤(1070)。这里,上电极层或第二电极层是第一氧化锌层,其是一种透明的导电氧化物或TCO。如图8所示,在步骤1060之后,步骤1070导致形成覆盖光伏材料层500的第二电极层600。图8仅仅是实施例,不应以其过度限制本发明权利要求的范围。本领域中的普通技术人员会认识到多种变型、替换和修改。在具体实施方式中,第二电极层600是第一氧化锌层。在一个实施例中,使用成批系统中的金属有机化学气相沉积(MOCVD)技术形成第一氧化锌层。通过MOCVD形成的第一氧化锌层是粗糙层,其可通过散射分散入射光,提高太阳能电池的效率。此外,第一氧化锌层600可机械地图案化以形成一个或多个图案,其还被用于形成至少另一个用于薄膜光伏电池的互连结构670,如图8中的实施例所示。
接下来,方法1000可包括步骤1070,用于制作薄膜光伏装置的任何附加步骤。例如,步骤1070可以是另一种机械图案化,用于构造第二电极层或上电极层,可以是机械等切割(mechanical isocut)步骤,用于制备一个或多个单元电池(unit cells),可以是机械bus垫(bus pad)清洁步骤,用于组装一个或多个单元电池。当然,可以有多种变型、替换和修改。该图仅仅是实施例,不应以其过度限制本发明权利要求的范围。本领域中的普通技术人员会认识到多种变型、替换和修改。如图所示,在下电极层200和钠钙玻璃基板100的表面区域101之间插入阻挡层150。由于过量的、不受控的量的钠可减小钠钙玻璃基板上生长的光伏薄膜的晶粒尺寸,因而应用阻挡层150来防止钠元素扩散至上层中,尤其是光伏材料层中。在一个实施方式中,阻挡层150是通过溅射方法形成的二氧化硅层,其用作厚度仅为约200埃或更大的有效的钠扩散阻挡层。取决于应用,也可使用包括氧化铝、氮化硅、氮化钛、氧化钛或氧化锆的其它材料。在可替换的实施方式,可设计或调整阻挡层特性以提高阻断钠离子从玻璃扩散到光伏活性层中的效率。例如,阻挡层密度可以是可利用的因素。可采用更高的阻挡层密度来提高扩散阻挡和限制钠扩散的量。
在另一个可替换的实施方式中,方法1000可包括在形成第一氧化锌层之前形成覆盖光伏材料层的硫化镉层的步骤。具体地,如图10所示,光伏材料层500是覆盖下电极钼层200的铜铟二硒材料层。在铜铟二硒材料层500上方形成表征为宽带隙半导体的硫化镉层505,用作薄膜光伏电池的窗口层,而铜铟二硒材料层500用作吸收剂层。在某些实施方式中,硫化镉层505被认为是光伏材料层的一部分,其使用多层沉积和处理工艺形成。在一个实施例中,可使用溅射、真空蒸发或化学浴沉积(CBD)技术形成硫化镉层505,并且可掺杂n+型杂质用于导电性。取决于实施方式,窗口层可选自组中。
在某些实施方式中,硫化镉层505被认为是光伏材料层的一部分,其使用多层沉积和处理工艺形成。在一个实施例中,可使用溅射、真空蒸发或化学浴沉积(CBD)技术形成硫化镉层505,并且可掺杂n+型杂质用于导电性。取决于实施方式,窗口层可选自由硫化镉(CdS)、硫化锌(ZnS)、硒化锌(ZnSe)、氧化锌(ZnO)、氧化锌镁(ZnMgO)等构成的材料组中。
在还有的另一个可替换的实施方式中,方法1000可包括在形成第一氧化锌层之前形成第二氧化锌层的步骤。如图11所示,首先在光伏材料层上方,或尤其是在硫化镉层505上方形成第二氧化锌层605,在第二氧化锌层605上方形成第一氧化锌层600。光伏材料层500是覆盖下电极钼层200的铜铟二硒材料层。在具体实施方式中,第二氧化锌层605具有比第一氧化锌层600更高的电阻率。功能上,第二氧化锌层605更多地充当阻挡/保护层的角色,而电阻率较低的第一氧化锌层600则更多地充当导电性电极层的角色。在特定实施方式中,也使用成批系统中的金属有机化学气相沉积(MOCVD)技术来形成第二氧化锌层605。
尽管以上已经根据具体实施方式进行说明,但是可以存在其它修改、替换和变型。应该理解到,本文所描述的实施例和实施方式仅仅用于示例性目的,而根据其的各种修改或变化对于本领域技术人员将是显而易见的,其应包含于本申请的精神和范围内以及所附权利要求的范围内。

Claims (22)

1.一种用于形成具有图案化电极膜的薄膜光伏装置的方法,所述方法包括:
提供包括表面区域的钠钙玻璃基板;
形成覆盖所述表面区域的包括钼材料的下电极层;
对所述下电极层施加来自激光源的一个或多个电磁辐射脉冲,所述一个或多个电磁辐射脉冲能够从所述下电极层烧蚀一个或多个图案,所述一个或多个图案包括一个或多个凸台结构;
使用机械刷装置处理包括所述一个或多个图案的所述下电极层以去除所述一个或多个凸台结构;
处理包括去除掉所述一个或多个凸台结构的所述一个或多个图案的所述下电极层;
形成覆盖所述下电极层的光伏材料层,所述光伏材料层包括基于所述下电极层内的所述一个或多个图案的互连结构;以及
形成覆盖所述光伏材料层的第一氧化锌层。
2.根据权利要求1所述的方法,还包括以一个或多个清洁步骤处理所述表面区域从而去除一个或多个颗粒和/或污染物。
3.根据权利要求1所述的方法,还包括形成覆盖所述表面区域的阻挡层,所述阻挡层的特征在于,将一个或多个钠物种保持在所述钠钙玻璃基板中。
4.根据权利要求3所述的方法,其中,所述阻挡层包括厚度约200埃以上的二氧化硅材料。
5.根据权利要求3所述的方法,其中,所述阻挡层包括选自氧化铝、氮化硅、氮化钛、氧化钛和氧化锆的材料。
6.根据权利要求1所述的方法,还包括在形成所述第一氧化锌层之前形成覆盖所述光伏材料层的第二氧化锌层,所述第一氧化锌层具有比所述第二氧化锌层更低的电阻率。
7.根据权利要求6所述的方法,其中,所述光伏材料层包括铜铟二硒材料。
8.根据权利要求7所述的方法,还包括在形成所述第一氧化锌层之前形成覆盖铜铟二硒层的硫化镉层。
9.根据权利要求1所述的方法,其中,所述激光源是Q-开关红外脉冲YAG激光。
10.根据权利要求1所述的方法,其中,所述机械刷装置包括多个含尼龙材料的刷毛。
11.根据权利要求1所述的方法,其中,处理包括所述一个或多个图案的所述下电极层包括对包括所述一个或多个图案的所述下电极层施加清洁液。
12.根据权利要求11所述的方法,其中,所述清洁液包括水。
13.根据权利要求12所述的方法,其中,所述水是通过一个或多个喷雾器提供的去离子水。
14.根据权利要求11所述的方法,还包括在处理包括所述一个或多个图案的所述下电极层之后,使用一个或多个气刀从所述下电极层去除所述清洁液,使得所述清洁液通过任何蒸发而基本上去除。
15.根据权利要求14所述的方法,其中,所述一个或多个气刀包括具有用于产生有小平面外形的空气流的加长喷嘴的气刀。
16.一种用于形成具有图案化电极膜的薄膜光伏装置的方法,所述方法包括:
提供包括表面区域的钠钙玻璃基板;
形成覆盖所述表面区域的包括钼材料的下电极层;
对所述下电极层施加来自激光源的一个或多个电磁辐射脉冲,所述一个或多个电磁辐射脉冲能够从所述下电极层烧蚀一个或多个图案,所述一个或多个图案包括一个或多个凸台结构;
使用机械刷装置和清洁液处理包括所述一个或多个图案的所述下电极层以去除所述一个或多个凸台结构;以及
使用气刀处理包括去除掉所述一个或多个凸台结构的所述一个或多个图案的所述下电极层,所述气刀设置为从所述下电极层的表面基本上去除包括液滴的任何液体,以干燥包括去除掉所述一个或多个凸台结构的所述一个或多个图案的所述下电极层。
17.根据权利要求16所述的方法,还包括以一种或多种清洁步骤处理所述表面区域从而去除一个或多个颗粒和/或污染物。
18.根据权利要求16所述的方法,还包括形成覆盖所述表面区域的阻挡层,所述阻挡层的特征在于,将一个或多个钠物种保持在所述钠钙玻璃基板中。
19.根据权利要求18所述的方法,其中,所述阻挡层包括厚度约200埃以上的二氧化硅材料。
20.根据权利要求16所述的方法,其中,所述机械刷装置包括多个含尼龙材料的刷毛。
21.根据权利要求16所述的方法,其中,使用所述气刀包括:将气刀设置有加长喷嘴从而相对于所述表面区域以可调整角度提供有小平面外形的干燥空气。
22.根据权利要求16所述的方法,其中,所述包括液滴的任何液体包括包含来自所述清洁液的残余物、冷凝水或湿气的所有液体。
CN200980136265.1A 2008-09-30 2009-09-30 用于薄膜光伏电池的无凸台结构的图案化电极材料 Expired - Fee Related CN102160186B (zh)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10165008P 2008-09-30 2008-09-30
US61/101,650 2008-09-30
PCT/US2009/059095 WO2010039879A1 (en) 2008-09-30 2009-09-30 Patterning electrode materials free from berm structures for thin film photovoltaic cells

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
CN102160186A true CN102160186A (zh) 2011-08-17
CN102160186B CN102160186B (zh) 2014-08-06

Family

ID=42073867

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CN200980136265.1A Expired - Fee Related CN102160186B (zh) 2008-09-30 2009-09-30 用于薄膜光伏电池的无凸台结构的图案化电极材料

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (2) US7863074B2 (zh)
CN (1) CN102160186B (zh)
DE (1) DE112009002290T5 (zh)
WO (1) WO2010039879A1 (zh)

Families Citing this family (55)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8017860B2 (en) 2006-05-15 2011-09-13 Stion Corporation Method and structure for thin film photovoltaic materials using bulk semiconductor materials
US20080300918A1 (en) * 2007-05-29 2008-12-04 Commercenet Consortium, Inc. System and method for facilitating hospital scheduling and support
US8071179B2 (en) 2007-06-29 2011-12-06 Stion Corporation Methods for infusing one or more materials into nano-voids if nanoporous or nanostructured materials
US8058092B2 (en) * 2007-09-28 2011-11-15 Stion Corporation Method and material for processing iron disilicide for photovoltaic application
US8614396B2 (en) * 2007-09-28 2013-12-24 Stion Corporation Method and material for purifying iron disilicide for photovoltaic application
US8759671B2 (en) * 2007-09-28 2014-06-24 Stion Corporation Thin film metal oxide bearing semiconductor material for single junction solar cell devices
US8287942B1 (en) 2007-09-28 2012-10-16 Stion Corporation Method for manufacture of semiconductor bearing thin film material
US20110017298A1 (en) * 2007-11-14 2011-01-27 Stion Corporation Multi-junction solar cell devices
US7998762B1 (en) 2007-11-14 2011-08-16 Stion Corporation Method and system for large scale manufacture of thin film photovoltaic devices using multi-chamber configuration
DE102008015807A1 (de) * 2008-03-27 2009-10-22 Schott Solar Gmbh Verfahren zur Strukturierung der Zinkoxid-Frontelektrodenschicht eines photovoltaischen Moduls
US20090301562A1 (en) * 2008-06-05 2009-12-10 Stion Corporation High efficiency photovoltaic cell and manufacturing method
US8642138B2 (en) 2008-06-11 2014-02-04 Stion Corporation Processing method for cleaning sulfur entities of contact regions
US8003432B2 (en) 2008-06-25 2011-08-23 Stion Corporation Consumable adhesive layer for thin film photovoltaic material
US9087943B2 (en) * 2008-06-25 2015-07-21 Stion Corporation High efficiency photovoltaic cell and manufacturing method free of metal disulfide barrier material
US20110017257A1 (en) * 2008-08-27 2011-01-27 Stion Corporation Multi-junction solar module and method for current matching between a plurality of first photovoltaic devices and second photovoltaic devices
US20100051090A1 (en) * 2008-08-28 2010-03-04 Stion Corporation Four terminal multi-junction thin film photovoltaic device and method
US7855089B2 (en) * 2008-09-10 2010-12-21 Stion Corporation Application specific solar cell and method for manufacture using thin film photovoltaic materials
US8008111B1 (en) 2008-09-29 2011-08-30 Stion Corporation Bulk copper species treatment of thin film photovoltaic cell and manufacturing method
US8569613B1 (en) 2008-09-29 2013-10-29 Stion Corporation Multi-terminal photovoltaic module including independent cells and related system
US8236597B1 (en) 2008-09-29 2012-08-07 Stion Corporation Bulk metal species treatment of thin film photovoltaic cell and manufacturing method
US8026122B1 (en) 2008-09-29 2011-09-27 Stion Corporation Metal species surface treatment of thin film photovoltaic cell and manufacturing method
US8008110B1 (en) 2008-09-29 2011-08-30 Stion Corporation Bulk sodium species treatment of thin film photovoltaic cell and manufacturing method
US8008112B1 (en) 2008-09-29 2011-08-30 Stion Corporation Bulk chloride species treatment of thin film photovoltaic cell and manufacturing method
US8394662B1 (en) 2008-09-29 2013-03-12 Stion Corporation Chloride species surface treatment of thin film photovoltaic cell and manufacturing method
US8476104B1 (en) 2008-09-29 2013-07-02 Stion Corporation Sodium species surface treatment of thin film photovoltaic cell and manufacturing method
US8501521B1 (en) 2008-09-29 2013-08-06 Stion Corporation Copper species surface treatment of thin film photovoltaic cell and manufacturing method
US7910399B1 (en) 2008-09-30 2011-03-22 Stion Corporation Thermal management and method for large scale processing of CIS and/or CIGS based thin films overlying glass substrates
US20100078059A1 (en) * 2008-09-30 2010-04-01 Stion Corporation Method and structure for thin film tandem photovoltaic cell
US8232134B2 (en) 2008-09-30 2012-07-31 Stion Corporation Rapid thermal method and device for thin film tandem cell
US7947524B2 (en) * 2008-09-30 2011-05-24 Stion Corporation Humidity control and method for thin film photovoltaic materials
US8383450B2 (en) * 2008-09-30 2013-02-26 Stion Corporation Large scale chemical bath system and method for cadmium sulfide processing of thin film photovoltaic materials
US7863074B2 (en) * 2008-09-30 2011-01-04 Stion Corporation Patterning electrode materials free from berm structures for thin film photovoltaic cells
US8425739B1 (en) 2008-09-30 2013-04-23 Stion Corporation In chamber sodium doping process and system for large scale cigs based thin film photovoltaic materials
US8741689B2 (en) * 2008-10-01 2014-06-03 Stion Corporation Thermal pre-treatment process for soda lime glass substrate for thin film photovoltaic materials
US20110018103A1 (en) 2008-10-02 2011-01-27 Stion Corporation System and method for transferring substrates in large scale processing of cigs and/or cis devices
US8435826B1 (en) 2008-10-06 2013-05-07 Stion Corporation Bulk sulfide species treatment of thin film photovoltaic cell and manufacturing method
US8003430B1 (en) 2008-10-06 2011-08-23 Stion Corporation Sulfide species treatment of thin film photovoltaic cell and manufacturing method
US8168463B2 (en) 2008-10-17 2012-05-01 Stion Corporation Zinc oxide film method and structure for CIGS cell
US8344243B2 (en) * 2008-11-20 2013-01-01 Stion Corporation Method and structure for thin film photovoltaic cell using similar material junction
US8563850B2 (en) * 2009-03-16 2013-10-22 Stion Corporation Tandem photovoltaic cell and method using three glass substrate configuration
US8507786B1 (en) 2009-06-27 2013-08-13 Stion Corporation Manufacturing method for patterning CIGS/CIS solar cells
US8398772B1 (en) 2009-08-18 2013-03-19 Stion Corporation Method and structure for processing thin film PV cells with improved temperature uniformity
US8809096B1 (en) 2009-10-22 2014-08-19 Stion Corporation Bell jar extraction tool method and apparatus for thin film photovoltaic materials
US8859880B2 (en) 2010-01-22 2014-10-14 Stion Corporation Method and structure for tiling industrial thin-film solar devices
US8263494B2 (en) 2010-01-25 2012-09-11 Stion Corporation Method for improved patterning accuracy for thin film photovoltaic panels
US9096930B2 (en) 2010-03-29 2015-08-04 Stion Corporation Apparatus for manufacturing thin film photovoltaic devices
US8461061B2 (en) 2010-07-23 2013-06-11 Stion Corporation Quartz boat method and apparatus for thin film thermal treatment
US8628997B2 (en) 2010-10-01 2014-01-14 Stion Corporation Method and device for cadmium-free solar cells
GB201018141D0 (en) 2010-10-27 2010-12-08 Pilkington Group Ltd Polishing coated substrates
DE102011008269B4 (de) * 2011-01-11 2015-01-08 Interpane Entwicklungs-Und Beratungsgesellschaft Mbh Dünnschicht-Solarzellen mit diffusionshemmender Schicht
US8998606B2 (en) 2011-01-14 2015-04-07 Stion Corporation Apparatus and method utilizing forced convection for uniform thermal treatment of thin film devices
US8728200B1 (en) 2011-01-14 2014-05-20 Stion Corporation Method and system for recycling processing gas for selenization of thin film photovoltaic materials
US8436445B2 (en) 2011-08-15 2013-05-07 Stion Corporation Method of manufacture of sodium doped CIGS/CIGSS absorber layers for high efficiency photovoltaic devices
US20130052768A1 (en) * 2011-08-24 2013-02-28 Applied Materials, Inc. High speed laser scanning system for silicon solar cell fabrication
NL2016708B1 (en) * 2016-04-29 2017-11-16 Stichting Energieonderzoek Centrum Nederland A method for manufacturing interconnected solar cells and such interconnected solar cells.

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20020004302A1 (en) * 1995-09-14 2002-01-10 Yoshihiko Fukumoto Method for fabricating semiconductor device
US20020061361A1 (en) * 2000-09-06 2002-05-23 Hiroki Nakahara Method and apparatus for fabricating electro-optical device and method and apparatus for fabricating liquid crystal panel
US7364808B2 (en) * 2001-10-19 2008-04-29 Asahi Glass Company, Limited Substrate with transparent conductive oxide film, process for its production and photoelectric conversion element
US20080110491A1 (en) * 2006-03-18 2008-05-15 Solyndra, Inc., Monolithic integration of non-planar solar cells
US20080210303A1 (en) * 2006-11-02 2008-09-04 Guardian Industries Corp. Front electrode for use in photovoltaic device and method of making same

Family Cites Families (240)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3520732A (en) 1965-10-22 1970-07-14 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Photovoltaic cell and process of preparation of same
US3828722A (en) 1970-05-01 1974-08-13 Cogar Corp Apparatus for producing ion-free insulating layers
US3975211A (en) 1975-03-28 1976-08-17 Westinghouse Electric Corporation Solar cells and method for making same
US4062038A (en) 1976-01-28 1977-12-06 International Business Machines Corporation Radiation responsive device
US4332974A (en) 1979-06-28 1982-06-01 Chevron Research Company Multilayer photovoltaic cell
EP0192280A3 (en) 1980-04-10 1986-09-10 Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Method of producing sheets of crystalline material
US5217564A (en) 1980-04-10 1993-06-08 Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Method of producing sheets of crystalline material and devices made therefrom
US4335266A (en) 1980-12-31 1982-06-15 The Boeing Company Methods for forming thin-film heterojunction solar cells from I-III-VI.sub.2
US4441113A (en) * 1981-02-13 1984-04-03 Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. P-Type semiconductor material having a wide band gap
US4465575A (en) 1981-09-21 1984-08-14 Atlantic Richfield Company Method for forming photovoltaic cells employing multinary semiconductor films
DE3314197A1 (de) 1982-04-28 1983-11-03 Energy Conversion Devices, Inc., 48084 Troy, Mich. P-leitende amorphe siliziumlegierung mit grossem bandabstand und herstellungsverfahren dafuer
US4442310A (en) * 1982-07-15 1984-04-10 Rca Corporation Photodetector having enhanced back reflection
US4518855A (en) * 1982-09-30 1985-05-21 Spring-Mornne, Inc. Method and apparatus for statically aligning shafts and monitoring shaft alignment
US4461922A (en) 1983-02-14 1984-07-24 Atlantic Richfield Company Solar cell module
US4471155A (en) 1983-04-15 1984-09-11 Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. Narrow band gap photovoltaic devices with enhanced open circuit voltage
US4724011A (en) * 1983-05-16 1988-02-09 Atlantic Richfield Company Solar cell interconnection by discrete conductive regions
US4517403A (en) * 1983-05-16 1985-05-14 Atlantic Richfield Company Series connected solar cells and method of formation
US4532372A (en) 1983-12-23 1985-07-30 Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. Barrier layer for photovoltaic devices
US4598306A (en) 1983-07-28 1986-07-01 Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. Barrier layer for photovoltaic devices
US4499658A (en) * 1983-09-06 1985-02-19 Atlantic Richfield Company Solar cell laminates
US4589194A (en) * 1983-12-29 1986-05-20 Atlantic Richfield Company Ultrasonic scribing of thin film solar cells
US4542255A (en) 1984-01-03 1985-09-17 Atlantic Richfield Company Gridded thin film solar cell
US4581108A (en) * 1984-01-06 1986-04-08 Atlantic Richfield Company Process of forming a compound semiconductive material
US4661370A (en) * 1984-02-08 1987-04-28 Atlantic Richfield Company Electric discharge processing of thin films
US4507181A (en) * 1984-02-17 1985-03-26 Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. Method of electro-coating a semiconductor device
US4611091A (en) 1984-12-06 1986-09-09 Atlantic Richfield Company CuInSe2 thin film solar cell with thin CdS and transparent window layer
US4599154A (en) 1985-03-15 1986-07-08 Atlantic Richfield Company Electrically enhanced liquid jet processing
US4663495A (en) * 1985-06-04 1987-05-05 Atlantic Richfield Company Transparent photovoltaic module
US4638111A (en) * 1985-06-04 1987-01-20 Atlantic Richfield Company Thin film solar cell module
US4623601A (en) 1985-06-04 1986-11-18 Atlantic Richfield Company Photoconductive device containing zinc oxide transparent conductive layer
JPH0682625B2 (ja) 1985-06-04 1994-10-19 シーメンス ソーラー インダストリーズ,エル.ピー. 酸化亜鉛膜の蒸着方法
US4612411A (en) 1985-06-04 1986-09-16 Atlantic Richfield Company Thin film solar cell with ZnO window layer
US4798660A (en) * 1985-07-16 1989-01-17 Atlantic Richfield Company Method for forming Cu In Se2 films
US4625070A (en) 1985-08-30 1986-11-25 Atlantic Richfield Company Laminated thin film solar module
JPS6273784A (ja) 1985-09-27 1987-04-04 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd 光起電力装置
US4865999A (en) 1987-07-08 1989-09-12 Glasstech Solar, Inc. Solar cell fabrication method
US4775425A (en) 1987-07-27 1988-10-04 Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. P and n-type microcrystalline semiconductor alloy material including band gap widening elements, devices utilizing same
US4816082A (en) * 1987-08-19 1989-03-28 Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. Thin film solar cell including a spatially modulated intrinsic layer
US4968354A (en) 1987-11-09 1990-11-06 Fuji Electric Co., Ltd. Thin film solar cell array
US5045409A (en) 1987-11-27 1991-09-03 Atlantic Richfield Company Process for making thin film solar cell
US4793283A (en) 1987-12-10 1988-12-27 Sarkozy Robert F Apparatus for chemical vapor deposition with clean effluent and improved product yield
US5008062A (en) * 1988-01-20 1991-04-16 Siemens Solar Industries, L.P. Method of fabricating photovoltaic module
US5259883A (en) 1988-02-16 1993-11-09 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Method of thermally processing semiconductor wafers and an apparatus therefor
US4915745A (en) * 1988-09-22 1990-04-10 Atlantic Richfield Company Thin film solar cell and method of making
US5180686A (en) * 1988-10-31 1993-01-19 Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. Method for continuously deposting a transparent oxide material by chemical pyrolysis
US4873118A (en) 1988-11-18 1989-10-10 Atlantic Richfield Company Oxygen glow treating of ZnO electrode for thin film silicon solar cell
US4996108A (en) * 1989-01-17 1991-02-26 Simon Fraser University Sheets of transition metal dichalcogenides
US4950615A (en) 1989-02-06 1990-08-21 International Solar Electric Technology, Inc. Method and making group IIB metal - telluride films and solar cells
FR2646560B1 (fr) 1989-04-27 1994-01-14 Solems Sa Procede pour ameliorer la reponse spectrale d'une structure photoconductrice, cellule solaire et structure photoreceptive ameliorees
US5028274A (en) 1989-06-07 1991-07-02 International Solar Electric Technology, Inc. Group I-III-VI2 semiconductor films for solar cell application
EP0421133B1 (en) 1989-09-06 1995-12-20 Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. Manufacturing method of a flexible photovoltaic device
US5078803A (en) * 1989-09-22 1992-01-07 Siemens Solar Industries L.P. Solar cells incorporating transparent electrodes comprising hazy zinc oxide
JPH03124067A (ja) 1989-10-07 1991-05-27 Showa Shell Sekiyu Kk 光起電力装置およびその製造方法
US5011565A (en) * 1989-12-06 1991-04-30 Mobil Solar Energy Corporation Dotted contact solar cell and method of making same
US5154777A (en) 1990-02-26 1992-10-13 Mcdonnell Douglas Corporation Advanced survivable space solar power system
DK170189B1 (da) * 1990-05-30 1995-06-06 Yakov Safir Fremgangsmåde til fremstilling af halvlederkomponenter, samt solcelle fremstillet deraf
EP0460287A1 (de) * 1990-05-31 1991-12-11 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Neuartige Chalkopyrit-Solarzelle
EP0468094B1 (de) 1990-07-24 1995-10-11 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Verfahren zur Herstellung einer Chalkopyrit-Solarzelle
JP2729239B2 (ja) 1990-10-17 1998-03-18 昭和シェル石油株式会社 集積型光起電力装置
US5528397A (en) 1991-12-03 1996-06-18 Kopin Corporation Single crystal silicon transistors for display panels
US5336381A (en) 1991-01-07 1994-08-09 United Technologies Corporation Electrophoresis process for preparation of ceramic fibers
US6784492B1 (en) 1991-03-18 2004-08-31 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Semiconductor device including a gate-insulated transistor
JPH0788063A (ja) * 1991-05-08 1995-04-04 Sharp Corp ハンドル取付構造
US5211824A (en) * 1991-10-31 1993-05-18 Siemens Solar Industries L.P. Method and apparatus for sputtering of a liquid
US5231047A (en) 1991-12-19 1993-07-27 Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. High quality photovoltaic semiconductor material and laser ablation method of fabrication same
US5261968A (en) * 1992-01-13 1993-11-16 Photon Energy, Inc. Photovoltaic cell and method
US5501744A (en) * 1992-01-13 1996-03-26 Photon Energy, Inc. Photovoltaic cell having a p-type polycrystalline layer with large crystals
JPH05243596A (ja) 1992-03-02 1993-09-21 Showa Shell Sekiyu Kk 積層型太陽電池の製造方法
JP2756050B2 (ja) 1992-03-03 1998-05-25 キヤノン株式会社 光起電力装置
WO1993019491A1 (de) * 1992-03-19 1993-09-30 Siemens Solar Gmbh Klimastabiles dünnschichtsolarmodul
US5248349A (en) * 1992-05-12 1993-09-28 Solar Cells, Inc. Process for making photovoltaic devices and resultant product
US5298086A (en) * 1992-05-15 1994-03-29 United Solar Systems Corporation Method for the manufacture of improved efficiency tandem photovoltaic device and device manufactured thereby
DE69304143T2 (de) 1992-05-19 1997-01-30 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Methode zur Herstellung einer Zusammensetzung des Typs Chalkopyrit
ATE170669T1 (de) * 1992-06-29 1998-09-15 Canon Kk Harzzusammensetzung zum dichten und eine mit dichtharzzusammensetzung bedeckte halbleitervorrichtung
DE69331522T2 (de) 1992-06-29 2002-08-29 United Solar Systems Corp Mikrowellengespeistes abscheideverfahren mit regelung der substrattemperatur.
WO1994007269A1 (de) 1992-09-22 1994-03-31 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Schnelles verfahren zur erzeugung eines chalkopyrit-halbleiters auf einem substrat
US5474939A (en) 1992-12-30 1995-12-12 Siemens Solar Industries International Method of making thin film heterojunction solar cell
US5436204A (en) 1993-04-12 1995-07-25 Midwest Research Institute Recrystallization method to selenization of thin-film Cu(In,Ga)Se2 for semiconductor device applications
DE4333407C1 (de) 1993-09-30 1994-11-17 Siemens Ag Solarzelle mit einer Chalkopyritabsorberschicht
US5738731A (en) * 1993-11-19 1998-04-14 Mega Chips Corporation Photovoltaic device
EP0658924B1 (en) * 1993-12-17 2000-07-12 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Method of manufacturing electron-emitting device, electron source and image-forming apparatus
US5578103A (en) 1994-08-17 1996-11-26 Corning Incorporated Alkali metal ion migration control
DE4442824C1 (de) 1994-12-01 1996-01-25 Siemens Ag Solarzelle mit Chalkopyrit-Absorberschicht
US5698496A (en) 1995-02-10 1997-12-16 Lucent Technologies Inc. Method for making an anisotropically conductive composite medium
EP0729189A1 (en) * 1995-02-21 1996-08-28 Interuniversitair Micro-Elektronica Centrum Vzw Method of preparing solar cells and products obtained thereof
US5674325A (en) * 1995-06-07 1997-10-07 Photon Energy, Inc. Thin film photovoltaic device and process of manufacture
US5625688A (en) * 1995-06-15 1997-04-29 Jing Mei Industrial Holdings, Ltd. Shower telephone
US5977476A (en) 1996-10-16 1999-11-02 United Solar Systems Corporation High efficiency photovoltaic device
JP3249408B2 (ja) 1996-10-25 2002-01-21 昭和シェル石油株式会社 薄膜太陽電池の薄膜光吸収層の製造方法及び製造装置
JP3249407B2 (ja) 1996-10-25 2002-01-21 昭和シェル石油株式会社 カルコパイライト系多元化合物半導体薄膜光吸収層からなる薄膜太陽電池
JP3527815B2 (ja) * 1996-11-08 2004-05-17 昭和シェル石油株式会社 薄膜太陽電池の透明導電膜の製造方法
US5925228A (en) 1997-01-09 1999-07-20 Sandia Corporation Electrophoretically active sol-gel processes to backfill, seal, and/or densify porous, flawed, and/or cracked coatings on electrically conductive material
US5985691A (en) * 1997-05-16 1999-11-16 International Solar Electric Technology, Inc. Method of making compound semiconductor films and making related electronic devices
JPH1154773A (ja) 1997-08-01 1999-02-26 Canon Inc 光起電力素子及びその製造方法
DE19741832A1 (de) * 1997-09-23 1999-03-25 Inst Solarenergieforschung Verfahren zur Herstellung einer Solarzelle und Solarzelle
US6258620B1 (en) 1997-10-15 2001-07-10 University Of South Florida Method of manufacturing CIGS photovoltaic devices
US6667492B1 (en) 1997-11-10 2003-12-23 Don L. Kendall Quantum ridges and tips
EP0985510B1 (en) * 1998-02-05 2003-09-24 Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd. Article with uneven surface, process for producing the same, and composition therefor
US6107562A (en) 1998-03-24 2000-08-22 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Semiconductor thin film, method for manufacturing the same, and solar cell using the same
US6344608B2 (en) * 1998-06-30 2002-02-05 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Photovoltaic element
US6127202A (en) 1998-07-02 2000-10-03 International Solar Electronic Technology, Inc. Oxide-based method of making compound semiconductor films and making related electronic devices
US6451415B1 (en) * 1998-08-19 2002-09-17 The Trustees Of Princeton University Organic photosensitive optoelectronic device with an exciton blocking layer
JP3428931B2 (ja) * 1998-09-09 2003-07-22 キヤノン株式会社 フラットパネルディスプレイの解体処理方法
US6323417B1 (en) 1998-09-29 2001-11-27 Lockheed Martin Corporation Method of making I-III-VI semiconductor materials for use in photovoltaic cells
JP2000150861A (ja) 1998-11-16 2000-05-30 Tdk Corp 酸化物薄膜
JP3667178B2 (ja) 1998-11-24 2005-07-06 キヤノン株式会社 酸化亜鉛薄膜の製造方法、それを用いた光起電力素子の製造方法、及び光起電力素子
JP2000173969A (ja) 1998-12-03 2000-06-23 Canon Inc リンス方法および光起電力素子
JP2001156321A (ja) 1999-03-09 2001-06-08 Fuji Xerox Co Ltd 半導体装置およびその製造方法
US6160215A (en) 1999-03-26 2000-12-12 Curtin; Lawrence F. Method of making photovoltaic device
US6307148B1 (en) 1999-03-29 2001-10-23 Shinko Electric Industries Co., Ltd. Compound semiconductor solar cell and production method thereof
US6328871B1 (en) * 1999-08-16 2001-12-11 Applied Materials, Inc. Barrier layer for electroplating processes
AU2001240599A1 (en) 2000-02-07 2001-08-14 Cis Solartechnik Gmbh Flexible metal substrate for cis solar cells, and method for producing the same
US7194197B1 (en) * 2000-03-16 2007-03-20 Global Solar Energy, Inc. Nozzle-based, vapor-phase, plume delivery structure for use in production of thin-film deposition layer
US6372538B1 (en) * 2000-03-16 2002-04-16 University Of Delaware Fabrication of thin-film, flexible photovoltaic module
US7414188B2 (en) 2002-01-25 2008-08-19 Konarka Technologies, Inc. Co-sensitizers for dye sensitized solar cells
US6423565B1 (en) * 2000-05-30 2002-07-23 Kurt L. Barth Apparatus and processes for the massproduction of photovotaic modules
US7301199B2 (en) * 2000-08-22 2007-11-27 President And Fellows Of Harvard College Nanoscale wires and related devices
KR100862131B1 (ko) 2000-08-22 2008-10-09 프레지던트 앤드 펠로우즈 오브 하버드 칼리지 반도체 나노와이어 제조 방법
JP2002167695A (ja) 2000-09-19 2002-06-11 Canon Inc 酸化亜鉛膜の形成方法、それを用いた光起電力素子の製造方法
US6576112B2 (en) * 2000-09-19 2003-06-10 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Method of forming zinc oxide film and process for producing photovoltaic device using it
DE10104726A1 (de) 2001-02-02 2002-08-08 Siemens Solar Gmbh Verfahren zur Strukturierung einer auf einem Trägermaterial aufgebrachten Oxidschicht
JP4827303B2 (ja) 2001-03-12 2011-11-30 キヤノン株式会社 光起電力素子、TFT、及びi型半導体層の形成方法
US6858308B2 (en) * 2001-03-12 2005-02-22 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Semiconductor element, and method of forming silicon-based film
JP2002299670A (ja) 2001-04-03 2002-10-11 Canon Inc シリコン系薄膜及び光起電力素子
US7842882B2 (en) 2004-03-01 2010-11-30 Basol Bulent M Low cost and high throughput deposition methods and apparatus for high density semiconductor film growth
US7053294B2 (en) * 2001-07-13 2006-05-30 Midwest Research Institute Thin-film solar cell fabricated on a flexible metallic substrate
JP4236081B2 (ja) * 2001-10-16 2009-03-11 大日本印刷株式会社 パターン形成体の製造方法
US6635307B2 (en) 2001-12-12 2003-10-21 Nanotek Instruments, Inc. Manufacturing method for thin-film solar cells
US7276749B2 (en) 2002-02-05 2007-10-02 E-Phocus, Inc. Image sensor with microcrystalline germanium photodiode layer
US6690041B2 (en) 2002-05-14 2004-02-10 Global Solar Energy, Inc. Monolithically integrated diodes in thin-film photovoltaic devices
US7560641B2 (en) 2002-06-17 2009-07-14 Shalini Menezes Thin film solar cell configuration and fabrication method
US7291782B2 (en) * 2002-06-22 2007-11-06 Nanosolar, Inc. Optoelectronic device and fabrication method
US6852920B2 (en) * 2002-06-22 2005-02-08 Nanosolar, Inc. Nano-architected/assembled solar electricity cell
EP1540741B1 (en) * 2002-09-05 2014-10-29 Nanosys, Inc. Nanostructure and nanocomposite based compositions and photovoltaic devices
EP2399970A3 (en) * 2002-09-05 2012-04-18 Nanosys, Inc. Nanocomposites
AU2003275239A1 (en) * 2002-09-30 2004-04-23 Miasole Manufacturing apparatus and method for large-scale production of thin-film solar cells
JP3570515B2 (ja) 2002-10-15 2004-09-29 セイコーエプソン株式会社 多孔質絶縁膜の形成方法および装置並びにその形成方法を用いて製造した電子デバイス
US6849798B2 (en) 2002-12-17 2005-02-01 General Electric Company Photovoltaic cell using stable Cu2O nanocrystals and conductive polymers
US6936761B2 (en) 2003-03-29 2005-08-30 Nanosolar, Inc. Transparent electrode, optoelectronic apparatus and devices
US20040252488A1 (en) 2003-04-01 2004-12-16 Innovalight Light-emitting ceiling tile
US7279832B2 (en) 2003-04-01 2007-10-09 Innovalight, Inc. Phosphor materials and illumination devices made therefrom
CN1771610A (zh) * 2003-04-09 2006-05-10 松下电器产业株式会社 太阳能电池
US7811606B2 (en) * 2003-04-16 2010-10-12 Dey, L.P. Nasal pharmaceutical formulations and methods of using the same
JP2004332043A (ja) 2003-05-07 2004-11-25 Canon Inc 酸化亜鉛薄膜の形成方法及び形成装置、及び光起電力素子の形成方法
US7462774B2 (en) * 2003-05-21 2008-12-09 Nanosolar, Inc. Photovoltaic devices fabricated from insulating nanostructured template
US7265037B2 (en) 2003-06-20 2007-09-04 The Regents Of The University Of California Nanowire array and nanowire solar cells and methods for forming the same
KR100838805B1 (ko) 2003-07-14 2008-06-17 가부시키가이샤후지쿠라 전해질 조성물, 이를 사용한 광전변환소자 및 색소증감태양전지
US7179677B2 (en) * 2003-09-03 2007-02-20 Midwest Research Institute ZnO/Cu(InGa)Se2 solar cells prepared by vapor phase Zn doping
EP1521308A1 (de) * 2003-10-02 2005-04-06 Scheuten Glasgroep Kugel- oder kornförmiges Halbleiterbauelement zur Verwendung in Solarzellen und Verfahren zur Herstellung; Verfahren zur Herstellung einer Solarzelle mit Halbleiterbauelement und Solarzelle
US20070169810A1 (en) * 2004-02-19 2007-07-26 Nanosolar, Inc. High-throughput printing of semiconductor precursor layer by use of chalcogen-containing vapor
US8623448B2 (en) 2004-02-19 2014-01-07 Nanosolar, Inc. High-throughput printing of semiconductor precursor layer from chalcogenide microflake particles
US20070163643A1 (en) 2004-02-19 2007-07-19 Nanosolar, Inc. High-throughput printing of chalcogen layer and the use of an inter-metallic material
EP2469605A3 (en) * 2004-02-20 2014-03-05 Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Substrate for photoelectric conversion device, photoelectric conversion device, and stacked photoelectric conversion device
US7122398B1 (en) 2004-03-25 2006-10-17 Nanosolar, Inc. Manufacturing of optoelectronic devices
JP2005311292A (ja) 2004-03-25 2005-11-04 Kaneka Corp 薄膜太陽電池用基板、及びその製造方法、並びにそれを用いた薄膜太陽電池
JP4695850B2 (ja) 2004-04-28 2011-06-08 本田技研工業株式会社 カルコパイライト型太陽電池
JP4680183B2 (ja) 2004-05-11 2011-05-11 本田技研工業株式会社 カルコパイライト型薄膜太陽電池の製造方法
TWI406890B (zh) * 2004-06-08 2013-09-01 Sandisk Corp 奈米結構之沉積後包封:併入該包封體之組成物、裝置及系統
CN102064102B (zh) 2004-06-08 2013-10-30 桑迪士克公司 形成单层纳米结构的方法和器件以及包含这种单层的器件
WO2006085940A2 (en) * 2004-06-18 2006-08-17 Ultradots, Inc. Nanostructured materials and photovoltaic devices including nanostructured materials
DE112005001429T5 (de) * 2004-06-18 2007-04-26 Innovalight, Inc., St. Paul Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Bilden von Nanopartikeln unter Verwendung von Hochfrequenzplasmen
JP2006049768A (ja) 2004-08-09 2006-02-16 Showa Shell Sekiyu Kk Cis系化合物半導体薄膜太陽電池及び該太陽電池の光吸収層の製造方法
US7750352B2 (en) * 2004-08-10 2010-07-06 Pinion Technologies, Inc. Light strips for lighting and backlighting applications
US7276724B2 (en) 2005-01-20 2007-10-02 Nanosolar, Inc. Series interconnected optoelectronic device module assembly
US7732229B2 (en) 2004-09-18 2010-06-08 Nanosolar, Inc. Formation of solar cells with conductive barrier layers and foil substrates
WO2006034268A2 (en) 2004-09-20 2006-03-30 Georgia Tech Research Corporation Photovoltaic cell
CN101087899A (zh) * 2004-11-10 2007-12-12 德斯塔尔科技公司 光电装置的垂直生产
US20060219547A1 (en) 2004-11-10 2006-10-05 Daystar Technologies, Inc. Vertical production of photovoltaic devices
JP2008520102A (ja) 2004-11-10 2008-06-12 デイスター テクノロジーズ,インコーポレイティド アルカリ含有層を用いた方法及び光起電力素子
US7576017B2 (en) 2004-11-10 2009-08-18 Daystar Technologies, Inc. Method and apparatus for forming a thin-film solar cell using a continuous process
WO2006053218A2 (en) 2004-11-10 2006-05-18 Daystar Technologies, Inc. Pressure control system in a photovoltaic substrate deposition
US20060112983A1 (en) 2004-11-17 2006-06-01 Nanosys, Inc. Photoactive devices and components with enhanced efficiency
US20060130890A1 (en) 2004-12-20 2006-06-22 Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated. Heterojunction photovoltaic cell
JP2006179626A (ja) 2004-12-22 2006-07-06 Showa Shell Sekiyu Kk Cis系薄膜太陽電池モジュール、該太陽電池モジュールの製造方法及び分離方法
JP2006186200A (ja) 2004-12-28 2006-07-13 Showa Shell Sekiyu Kk プリカーサ膜及びその製膜方法
JP4131965B2 (ja) 2004-12-28 2008-08-13 昭和シェル石油株式会社 Cis系薄膜太陽電池の光吸収層の作製方法
JP2006183117A (ja) * 2004-12-28 2006-07-13 Showa Shell Sekiyu Kk MOCVD(有機金属化学蒸着)法によるZnO系透明導電膜の製造方法
KR100495925B1 (ko) * 2005-01-12 2005-06-17 (주)인솔라텍 태양전지용 광흡수층 및 그 제조 방법
JP5010806B2 (ja) 2005-02-01 2012-08-29 日本ペイント株式会社 粉体塗料組成物及びアルミホイールの塗装方法
JP4801928B2 (ja) * 2005-04-25 2011-10-26 富士フイルム株式会社 有機電界発光素子
JP4841173B2 (ja) 2005-05-27 2011-12-21 昭和シェル石油株式会社 Cis系薄膜太陽電池の高抵抗バッファ層・窓層連続製膜方法及び製膜装置
JP3963924B2 (ja) * 2005-07-22 2007-08-22 本田技研工業株式会社 カルコパイライト型太陽電池
US8030121B2 (en) * 2005-08-05 2011-10-04 First Solar, Inc Manufacture of photovoltaic devices
FR2890232A1 (fr) 2005-08-23 2007-03-02 Saint Gobain Lampe plane a decharge coplanaire et utilisations
JP2007123721A (ja) 2005-10-31 2007-05-17 Rohm Co Ltd 光電変換装置の製造方法および光電変換装置
US7442413B2 (en) 2005-11-18 2008-10-28 Daystar Technologies, Inc. Methods and apparatus for treating a work piece with a vaporous element
DE102005062977B3 (de) 2005-12-28 2007-09-13 Sulfurcell Solartechnik Gmbh Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur Umsetzung metallischer Vorläuferschichten zu Chalkopyritschichten von CIGSS-solarzellen
US8389852B2 (en) 2006-02-22 2013-03-05 Guardian Industries Corp. Electrode structure for use in electronic device and method of making same
US8017860B2 (en) * 2006-05-15 2011-09-13 Stion Corporation Method and structure for thin film photovoltaic materials using bulk semiconductor materials
US9105776B2 (en) 2006-05-15 2015-08-11 Stion Corporation Method and structure for thin film photovoltaic materials using semiconductor materials
US8372685B2 (en) * 2006-06-12 2013-02-12 Nanosolar, Inc. Bandgap grading in thin-film devices via solid group IIIA particles
US7879685B2 (en) * 2006-08-04 2011-02-01 Solyndra, Inc. System and method for creating electric isolation between layers comprising solar cells
TW200810167A (en) * 2006-08-09 2008-02-16 Ind Tech Res Inst Dye-sensitized solar cell and the method of fabricating thereof
DE102006041046A1 (de) 2006-09-01 2008-03-06 Cis Solartechnik Gmbh & Co. Kg Solarzelle, Verfahren zur Herstellung von Solarzellen sowie elektrische Leiterbahn
US8426722B2 (en) * 2006-10-24 2013-04-23 Zetta Research and Development LLC—AQT Series Semiconductor grain and oxide layer for photovoltaic cells
US8076571B2 (en) * 2006-11-02 2011-12-13 Guardian Industries Corp. Front electrode for use in photovoltaic device and method of making same
FR2908406B1 (fr) * 2006-11-14 2012-08-24 Saint Gobain Couche poreuse, son procede de fabrication et ses applications.
US20080121264A1 (en) 2006-11-28 2008-05-29 Industrial Technology Research Institute Thin film solar module and method of fabricating the same
JP2010514184A (ja) * 2006-12-21 2010-04-30 ヘリアンソス,ビー.ブイ. 太陽電池から太陽電池サブセルをつくる方法
EP2115783A2 (en) 2007-01-31 2009-11-11 Jeroen K.J. Van Duren Solar cell absorber layer formed from metal ion precursors
US20080204696A1 (en) 2007-02-28 2008-08-28 Tdk Corporation Method of alignment
KR100882668B1 (ko) * 2007-07-18 2009-02-06 삼성모바일디스플레이주식회사 유기전계발광 표시 장치 및 그의 제조 방법
FR2919429B1 (fr) * 2007-07-27 2009-10-09 Saint Gobain Substrat de face avant de cellule photovoltaique et utilisation d'un substrat pour une face avant de cellule photovoltaique
US20090087939A1 (en) 2007-09-28 2009-04-02 Stion Corporation Column structure thin film material using metal oxide bearing semiconductor material for solar cell devices
US8287942B1 (en) 2007-09-28 2012-10-16 Stion Corporation Method for manufacture of semiconductor bearing thin film material
JP2009099476A (ja) * 2007-10-19 2009-05-07 Sony Corp 色素増感光電変換素子およびその製造方法
US7998762B1 (en) 2007-11-14 2011-08-16 Stion Corporation Method and system for large scale manufacture of thin film photovoltaic devices using multi-chamber configuration
JP2009135337A (ja) 2007-11-30 2009-06-18 Showa Shell Sekiyu Kk Cis系太陽電池の積層構造、cis系薄膜太陽電池の集積構造及び製造方法
US8001283B2 (en) 2008-03-12 2011-08-16 Mips Technologies, Inc. Efficient, scalable and high performance mechanism for handling IO requests
US8981211B2 (en) 2008-03-18 2015-03-17 Zetta Research and Development LLC—AQT Series Interlayer design for epitaxial growth of semiconductor layers
US20090235987A1 (en) 2008-03-24 2009-09-24 Epv Solar, Inc. Chemical Treatments to Enhance Photovoltaic Performance of CIGS
WO2009146187A1 (en) * 2008-04-15 2009-12-03 Global Solar Energy, Inc. Apparatus and methods for manufacturing thin-film solar cells
JP4384237B2 (ja) 2008-05-19 2009-12-16 昭和シェル石油株式会社 Cis系薄膜太陽電池の製造方法
FR2932009B1 (fr) 2008-06-02 2010-09-17 Saint Gobain Cellule photovoltaique et substrat de cellule photovoltaique
US8003432B2 (en) 2008-06-25 2011-08-23 Stion Corporation Consumable adhesive layer for thin film photovoltaic material
US7855089B2 (en) * 2008-09-10 2010-12-21 Stion Corporation Application specific solar cell and method for manufacture using thin film photovoltaic materials
US8008111B1 (en) 2008-09-29 2011-08-30 Stion Corporation Bulk copper species treatment of thin film photovoltaic cell and manufacturing method
US8008112B1 (en) 2008-09-29 2011-08-30 Stion Corporation Bulk chloride species treatment of thin film photovoltaic cell and manufacturing method
US8008110B1 (en) 2008-09-29 2011-08-30 Stion Corporation Bulk sodium species treatment of thin film photovoltaic cell and manufacturing method
US8217261B2 (en) * 2008-09-30 2012-07-10 Stion Corporation Thin film sodium species barrier method and structure for cigs based thin film photovoltaic cell
US8053274B2 (en) * 2008-09-30 2011-11-08 Stion Corporation Self cleaning large scale method and furnace system for selenization of thin film photovoltaic materials
US7863074B2 (en) * 2008-09-30 2011-01-04 Stion Corporation Patterning electrode materials free from berm structures for thin film photovoltaic cells
US7960204B2 (en) * 2008-09-30 2011-06-14 Stion Corporation Method and structure for adhesion of absorber material for thin film photovoltaic cell
US7910399B1 (en) * 2008-09-30 2011-03-22 Stion Corporation Thermal management and method for large scale processing of CIS and/or CIGS based thin films overlying glass substrates
US7947524B2 (en) 2008-09-30 2011-05-24 Stion Corporation Humidity control and method for thin film photovoltaic materials
US8741689B2 (en) * 2008-10-01 2014-06-03 Stion Corporation Thermal pre-treatment process for soda lime glass substrate for thin film photovoltaic materials
US20110018103A1 (en) 2008-10-02 2011-01-27 Stion Corporation System and method for transferring substrates in large scale processing of cigs and/or cis devices
US8003430B1 (en) 2008-10-06 2011-08-23 Stion Corporation Sulfide species treatment of thin film photovoltaic cell and manufacturing method
US8168463B2 (en) 2008-10-17 2012-05-01 Stion Corporation Zinc oxide film method and structure for CIGS cell
US8344243B2 (en) 2008-11-20 2013-01-01 Stion Corporation Method and structure for thin film photovoltaic cell using similar material junction
CN102725859B (zh) 2009-02-04 2016-01-27 应用材料公司 太阳能生产线的计量与检测套组
US8197912B2 (en) 2009-03-12 2012-06-12 International Business Machines Corporation Precision separation of PV thin film stacks
US8859880B2 (en) 2010-01-22 2014-10-14 Stion Corporation Method and structure for tiling industrial thin-film solar devices
US8263494B2 (en) 2010-01-25 2012-09-11 Stion Corporation Method for improved patterning accuracy for thin film photovoltaic panels
US8142521B2 (en) * 2010-03-29 2012-03-27 Stion Corporation Large scale MOCVD system for thin film photovoltaic devices
US9096930B2 (en) * 2010-03-29 2015-08-04 Stion Corporation Apparatus for manufacturing thin film photovoltaic devices
US20110259413A1 (en) 2010-04-21 2011-10-27 Stion Corporation Hazy Zinc Oxide Film for Shaped CIGS/CIS Solar Cells
US20110259395A1 (en) 2010-04-21 2011-10-27 Stion Corporation Single Junction CIGS/CIS Solar Module
US8461061B2 (en) * 2010-07-23 2013-06-11 Stion Corporation Quartz boat method and apparatus for thin film thermal treatment
US8628997B2 (en) 2010-10-01 2014-01-14 Stion Corporation Method and device for cadmium-free solar cells

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20020004302A1 (en) * 1995-09-14 2002-01-10 Yoshihiko Fukumoto Method for fabricating semiconductor device
US20020061361A1 (en) * 2000-09-06 2002-05-23 Hiroki Nakahara Method and apparatus for fabricating electro-optical device and method and apparatus for fabricating liquid crystal panel
US7364808B2 (en) * 2001-10-19 2008-04-29 Asahi Glass Company, Limited Substrate with transparent conductive oxide film, process for its production and photoelectric conversion element
US20080110491A1 (en) * 2006-03-18 2008-05-15 Solyndra, Inc., Monolithic integration of non-planar solar cells
US20080210303A1 (en) * 2006-11-02 2008-09-04 Guardian Industries Corp. Front electrode for use in photovoltaic device and method of making same

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US7863074B2 (en) 2011-01-04
CN102160186B (zh) 2014-08-06
US20100261307A1 (en) 2010-10-14
US20110073181A1 (en) 2011-03-31
WO2010039879A1 (en) 2010-04-08
US8435822B2 (en) 2013-05-07
DE112009002290T5 (de) 2011-09-29

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CN102160186B (zh) 用于薄膜光伏电池的无凸台结构的图案化电极材料
CN102150276B (zh) 用于cigs基薄膜光伏电池的薄膜钠物种阻挡方法和结构
US8741689B2 (en) Thermal pre-treatment process for soda lime glass substrate for thin film photovoltaic materials
EP2743993B1 (en) Solar cell
CN101980377B (zh) 铜铟镓硒薄膜电池的制备方法
CN103477442B (zh) 具有背面tco层的cis/cigs系太阳能电池及其制造方法
US10566478B2 (en) Thin-film solar cell module structure and method of manufacturing the same
WO2013039912A1 (en) Laser annealing for thin film solar cells
CN102934240B (zh) 用于制造包括tco层的光伏电池的改良方法
CN102479825A (zh) 太阳能电池及其制造方法
US9705019B2 (en) Solar cell module and method of fabricating the same
CN103392235A (zh) 用于制作包括tco层的光伏装置的改进方法
JP2020535653A (ja) 半透明薄膜ソーラーモジュール
Kessler et al. CIGS thin film photovoltaic—approaches and challenges
Račiukaitis et al. Picosecond-laser structuring of thin films for CIGS solar cells
CN103094408B (zh) 太阳能电池及其制造方法以及太阳能电池图案
Giovanardi et al. Ultrashort pulse laser scribing of CIGS-based thin film solar cells
KR102383037B1 (ko) 씨스루형 박막 태양전지의 제조방법
US9257584B2 (en) Solar cell interconnects and method of fabricating same
Račiukaitis et al. Picosecond laser scribing for thin-film solar cell manufacturing
KR101326964B1 (ko) 태양전지 모듈 및 이의 제조방법
JP2013229488A (ja) 光電変換装置
KR20150142414A (ko) 도전성 금속층을 적용한 p2 패터닝부를 포함하는 박막 태양전지 및 이의 제조방법
KR20160127956A (ko) P2 패터닝과 p3 패터닝을 동시에 수행하는 박막 태양전지의 제조방법 및 이에 사용되는 장치
JP2014067855A (ja) 光電変換装置

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
C06 Publication
PB01 Publication
C10 Entry into substantive examination
SE01 Entry into force of request for substantive examination
C14 Grant of patent or utility model
GR01 Patent grant
ASS Succession or assignment of patent right

Owner name: DEVELOPMENT EXPERT COMPANY

Free format text: FORMER OWNER: CM MANUFACTURING INC.

Effective date: 20150105

Owner name: HETF SOLAR INC.

Free format text: FORMER OWNER: DEVELOPMENT EXPERT COMPANY

Effective date: 20150105

C41 Transfer of patent application or patent right or utility model
C56 Change in the name or address of the patentee

Owner name: CM MANUFACTURING INC.

Free format text: FORMER NAME: STION CORP.

Owner name: STION CORP.

Free format text: FORMER NAME: HETF SOLAR INC.

CP01 Change in the name or title of a patent holder

Address after: California, USA

Patentee after: STION Corp.

Address before: California, USA

Patentee before: HETF solar

CP03 Change of name, title or address

Address after: California, USA

Patentee after: CM manufacturing Co.

Address before: American California

Patentee before: Stion Corp.

TR01 Transfer of patent right

Effective date of registration: 20150105

Address after: California, USA

Patentee after: HETF solar

Address before: California, USA

Patentee before: Development Specialist

Effective date of registration: 20150105

Address after: California, USA

Patentee after: Development Specialist

Address before: California, USA

Patentee before: CM manufacturing Co.

CF01 Termination of patent right due to non-payment of annual fee

Granted publication date: 20140806

Termination date: 20160930

CF01 Termination of patent right due to non-payment of annual fee