Automated array assembly, Phase II. Interim report
The work conducted during a 1-year program designed to establish the technological readiness and provide verification for the elements of a manufacturing sequence which would ultimately be suitable for the large-scale production of silicon solar-array modules at a cost of less than $500/peak kW is summarized. A detailed description of the development and experimental verification for individual process steps is given. The results of a detailed experimental study and evaluation of the factors which influence the performance of ion-implanted silicon solar cells are given. As a result of this study, a processing procedure was defined which can be used to produce ion-implanted solar cells with up to 15% efficiency. A review of a comprehensive test program performed on state-of-the-art commercial screen-printable metallizing inks as well as RCA-formulated materials is given. Data are presented on the critical areas of electrical conductivity, solderability, and adhesion of the films as-fired into silicon surfaces. A process for screen printing and infrared-lamp firing of silver inks for the front grid and back contact of 3-in.-diameter solar cells was developed, and performance data of these cells as a function of firing parameters and inks are given. The results of applying this process to ion-implanted solar cells are also presented. Process development and optimization studies for low-cost spray deposition of single-layer antireflection (AR) coatings are discussed. These studies included effects of spray deposition machine parameters, metallization bondability after coating, cell electrical performance as a function of AR coating type, thickness, and heat-treatment effects. The processing steps for a panel assembly process involving the lamination of a double-glass structure were developed. The procedures required to successfully laminate large panels are given. (WHK)
- Research Organization:
- RCA Labs., Princeton, NJ (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- NAS-7-100-954868
- OSTI ID:
- 5624746
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/JPL/954868-6
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Automated Array Assembly, Phase II. Quarterly report No. 5, January 1-March 31, 1979
Automated Array Assembly, Phase II. Quarterly report No. 1
Related Subjects
SILICON SOLAR CELLS
ION IMPLANTATION
MANUFACTURING
PERFORMANCE
ANNEALING
ANTIREFLECTION COATINGS
BONDING
COVERINGS
DIFFUSION LENGTH
ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY
ELECTRIC CONTACTS
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
FABRICATION
GETTERING
GLASS
INKS
PROCESSING
PRODUCTION
SCREEN PRINTING
SOLAR CELL ARRAYS
SPRAY COATING
SUBSTRATES
COATINGS
DEPOSITION
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
HEAT TREATMENTS
JOINING
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
SOLAR CELLS
SURFACE COATING
140501* - Solar Energy Conversion- Photovoltaic Conversion