Automated array assembly, Phase II. Interim report

Technical Report · Mon Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1979

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5624746· OSTI ID:5624746

D'Aiello, R. V.

The work conducted during a 1-year program designed to establish the technological readiness and provide verification for the elements of a manufacturing sequence which would ultimately be suitable for the large-scale production of silicon solar-array modules at a cost of less than $500/peak kW is summarized. A detailed description of the development and experimental verification for individual process steps is given. The results of a detailed experimental study and evaluation of the factors which influence the performance of ion-implanted silicon solar cells are given. As a result of this study, a processing procedure was defined which can be used to produce ion-implanted solar cells with up to 15% efficiency. A review of a comprehensive test program performed on state-of-the-art commercial screen-printable metallizing inks as well as RCA-formulated materials is given. Data are presented on the critical areas of electrical conductivity, solderability, and adhesion of the films as-fired into silicon surfaces. A process for screen printing and infrared-lamp firing of silver inks for the front grid and back contact of 3-in.-diameter solar cells was developed, and performance data of these cells as a function of firing parameters and inks are given. The results of applying this process to ion-implanted solar cells are also presented. Process development and optimization studies for low-cost spray deposition of single-layer antireflection (AR) coatings are discussed. These studies included effects of spray deposition machine parameters, metallization bondability after coating, cell electrical performance as a function of AR coating type, thickness, and heat-treatment effects. The processing steps for a panel assembly process involving the lamination of a double-glass structure were developed. The procedures required to successfully laminate large panels are given. (WHK)

• Research Organization: RCA Labs., Princeton, NJ (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: NAS-7-100-954868
• OSTI ID: 5624746
• Report Number(s): DOE/JPL/954868-6
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140501* -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Photovoltaic Conversion
ANNEALING
ANTIREFLECTION COATINGS
BONDING
COATINGS
COVERINGS
DEPOSITION
DIFFUSION LENGTH
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY
ELECTRIC CONTACTS
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
EQUIPMENT
FABRICATION
GETTERING
GLASS
HEAT TREATMENTS
INKS
ION IMPLANTATION
JOINING
MANUFACTURING
PERFORMANCE
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
PROCESSING
PRODUCTION
SCREEN PRINTING
SILICON SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR CELL ARRAYS
SOLAR CELLS
SPRAY COATING
SUBSTRATES
SURFACE COATING