Method for eliminating short and latent short circuit current paths in photovoltaic devices
Systems and methods for detecting and eliminating latent and existing short circuit current paths through photovoltaic devices of the type including at least one semiconductor region overlying a substrate and a layer of conductive light transmissive material overlying the at least one semiconductor region are disclosed. The latent paths are first converted to existing short circuit current paths by applying a bias voltage to the devices. The short circuit current paths which are eliminated extend through the at least one semiconductor region from the substrate to the layer of conductive light transmissive material. The resistivity of the short circuit current paths is increased substantially at the interface between the conductive light transmissive material and the semiconductor region by isolating electrically the conductive light transmissive material from the short circuit current path. The isolation can be provided by removing the transparent conductive material from electrical contact or connection with the short circuit current path. The isolation also can be provided by depositing a body of insulating material onto the semiconductor region over an area including a short circuit current path prior to the deposition of the conductive light transmissive material. Further, the short circuit current path can be detected and located by applying a voltage to discrete areas of the device through a conductive solution which path then can be eliminated as described above.
- Assignee:
- Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4464823
- OSTI ID:
- 6294943
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: Filed date 3 Aug 1983; Other Information: PAT-APPL-520054
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
System for eliminating short circuit current paths in photovoltaic devices
System and method for eliminating short circuit current paths in photovoltaic devices
Related Subjects
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SUPPLIES
ELECTRICAL FAULTS
ALLOYS
AMORPHOUS STATE
ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY
ELECTRIC POTENTIAL
GLOW DISCHARGES
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
SEMICONDUCTOR MATERIALS
SUBSTRATES
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
MATERIALS
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
POWER SUPPLIES
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
140600* - Solar Energy- Photovoltaic Power Systems