Front surface metallization and encapsulation of solar cells

Patent · Tue Apr 19 04:00:00 EST 1983

OSTI ID:6030535

Little, R G

Method and apparatus for the front surface metallization and encapsulation of solar cells of the type comprising P and N semiconductor strata separated by a barrier junction, and front and rear conducting strata constituting electrical contacts, wherein the front conducting stratum is a novel metallic grid permitting transmission of solar radiation to the semiconductor strata. This metallic grid is in the form of a mesh of wires of sufficiently high tensile strength to be self-supporting while being drawn from spools or the like into contact with one or more components of the solar cell before completion of the cells's fabrication. The method is characterized in that the metallic grid, in the form of the mesh of wires, is encapsulated between a transparent cover plate and the exposed front surface of the semiconductor strata, the mesh forming an electrical contact with the front surface of the semiconductor strata simultaneously that the plate is electrostatically bonded thereto. The apparatus is preferably automated and conveyorized.

• Assignee: Spire Corp
• Patent Number(s): US 4380112
• OSTI ID: 6030535
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140501* -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Photovoltaic Conversion
DESIGN
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTRODES
ENCAPSULATION
EQUIPMENT
GRIDS
JUNCTIONS
MATERIALS
METALLOGRAPHY
P-N JUNCTIONS
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
SEMICONDUCTOR JUNCTIONS
SEMICONDUCTOR MATERIALS
SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SURFACE FINISHING