Front surface metallization and encapsulation of solar cells

Patent · Tue May 22 04:00:00 EDT 1984

OSTI ID:6358409

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 cell'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 4450033
• OSTI ID: 6358409
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140501* -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Photovoltaic Conversion
CONVEYORS
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTRIC CONTACTS
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
ELECTROSTATICS
ENCAPSULATION
EQUIPMENT
FABRICATION
HAULAGE EQUIPMENT
JUNCTIONS
MATERIALS HANDLING EQUIPMENT
METALLURGY
P-N JUNCTIONS
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
RADIATIONS
SEMICONDUCTOR JUNCTIONS
SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR RADIATION
STELLAR RADIATION
WIRES