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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Process for utilizing low-cost graphite substrates for polycrystalline solar cells

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6791274
Low-cost polycrystalline silicon solar cells supported on substrates are prepared by depositing successive layers of polycrystalline silicon containing appropriate dopants over substrates. Metallurgical-grade polycrystalline silicon, graphite and steel coated with a diffusion barrier of silica, borosilicate, phosphosilicate, or mixtures such that p-n junction devices are formed. These cells effectively convert solar energy to electrical energy. To improve the conversion efficiency of the polycrystalline silicon solar cells, the crystallite size in the silicon is increased by melting and solidifying a base layer of polycrystalline silicon before depositing the layers which form the p-n junction.
Assignee:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Patent Number(s):
US 4077818
OSTI ID:
6791274
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English