Method for producing textured substrates for thin-film photovoltaic cells
The invention pertains to the production of ceramic substrates used in the manufacture of thin-film photovoltaic cells used for directly converting solar energy to electrical energy. Elongated ribbon-like sheets of substrate precursor containing a mixture of ceramic particulates, a binder, and a plasticizer are formed and then while green provided with a mechanically textured surface region used for supporting the thin film semiconductor of the photovoltaic cell when the sheets of the substrate precursor are subsequently cut into substrate-sized shapes and then sintered. The textured surface pattern on the substrate provides enhanced light trapping and collection for substantially increasing the, solar energy conversion efficiency of thin-film photovoltaic cells. 4 figs.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-84OR21400
- Assignee:
- Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc., Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 5,503,898/A/
- Application Number:
- PAN: 8-229,944
- OSTI ID:
- 212593
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: 2 Apr 1996
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Method for producing textured substrates for thin-film photovoltaic cells
Method for producing textured substrates for thin-film photovoltaic cells