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Title: Process for making photovoltaic devices and resultant product

Patent ·
OSTI ID:264561

A process and apparatus are disclosed for making a large area photovoltaic device that is capable of generating low cost electrical power. The apparatus for performing the process includes an enclosure providing a controlled environment in which an oven is located. At least one and preferably a plurality of deposition stations provide heated vapors of semiconductor material within the oven for continuous elevated temperature deposition of semiconductor material on a sheet substrate including a glass sheet conveyed within the oven. The sheet substrate is conveyed on a roller conveyor within the oven and the semiconductor material whose main layer is cadmium telluride is deposited on an upwardly facing surface of the substrate by each deposition station from a location within the oven above the roller conveyor. A cooling station rapidly cools the substrate after deposition of the semiconductor material thereon to strengthen the glass sheet of the substrate. 10 figs.

Assignee:
Solar Cells, Inc., Toledo, OH (United States)
Patent Number(s):
US 5,536,333/A/
Application Number:
PAN: 8-515,231
OSTI ID:
264561
Resource Relation:
Other Information: PBD: 16 Jul 1996
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English