Electrical contacts for a thin-film semiconductor device

Patent · Tue Aug 08 04:00:00 EDT 1989

OSTI ID:5542292

Carlson, D E; Dickson, C R; D'Aiello, R V

This patent describes a multi-cell photovoltaic module. It comprises: a flat, transparent superstrate; front contacts of a conductive transparent oxide material formed on the superstrate and separated by substantially parallel first grooves; photovoltaic elements of a semiconductor material formed on the front contacts and filling the first groove to electrically insulate adjacent front contacts, the photovoltaic elements being separated by second grooves parallel and adjacent to the first grooves; and strips of buffer material formed on the photovoltaic elements parallel and adjacent to the second grooves; and back contacts of a conductive material formed on the photovoltaic elements and the buffer strips and being separated by third grooves overlying the buffer strips, the conductive material filling the second grooves to form electrical connections between adjacent front and back contacts.

• Assignee: Solarex Corp., Rockville, MD (USA)
• Patent Number(s): A; US 4854974
• Application Number: PPN: US 7-197433A
• OSTI ID: 5542292
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140501* -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Photovoltaic Conversion
DESIGN
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTRIC CONTACTS
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
FILMS
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES
THIN FILMS