公开(公告)号：US09412892B2

公开(公告)日：2016-08-09

申请号：US13751761

申请日：2013-01-28

Applicant: First Solar, Inc.

Inventor： Stacy Ann Black

IPC: H01L31/18 ,  C23C14/24 ,  C23C14/56 ,  H01L21/677

CPC classification number: H01L31/18 ,  C23C14/24 ,  C23C14/562 ,  H01L21/67706 ,  H01L31/1828 ,  Y02E10/543 ,  Y02P70/521

Abstract: An apparatus and related process are provided for vapor deposition of a sublimated source material as a thin film on a photovoltaic (PV) module substrate. A deposition head is configured for sublimating a source material supplied thereto. The sublimated source material condenses onto a transport conveyor disposed below the deposition head. A substrate conveyor is disposed below the transport conveyor and conveys substrates in a conveyance path through the apparatus such that an upper surface of the substrates is opposite from and spaced below a lower leg of the transport conveyor. A heat source is configured adjacent the lower leg of the transport conveyor. The source material plated onto the transport conveyor is sublimated along the lower leg and condenses onto to the upper surface of substrates conveyed by the substrate conveyor.

公开(公告)号：US20160197226A1

公开(公告)日：2016-07-07

申请号：US15069555

申请日：2016-03-14

Applicant: First Solar, Inc.

Inventor： Akhlesh Gupta ,  Markus Gloeckler ,  Rick C. Powell

IPC: H01L31/18 ,  B05B13/02 ,  H01L21/67 ,  H01L31/073 ,  H01L21/677

CPC classification number: H01L31/1828 ,  B05B13/0221 ,  C23C14/0629 ,  C23C14/24 ,  C23C14/56 ,  H01L21/02562 ,  H01L21/02664 ,  H01L21/67109 ,  H01L21/67201 ,  H01L21/67706 ,  H01L31/073 ,  H01L31/1864 ,  Y02E10/543 ,  Y02P70/521

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed in which cadmium chloride is deposited on a cadmium telluride layer while simultaneously heat treating the cadmium telluride layer.

公开(公告)号：US20160126395A1

公开(公告)日：2016-05-05

申请号：US14531425

申请日：2014-11-03

Applicant: First Solar, Inc.

Inventor： Dan Damjanovic ,  Markus Gloeckler ,  Feng Liao ,  Andrei Los ,  Dan Mao ,  Benjamin Milliron ,  Gopal Mor ,  Rick Powell ,  Kenneth Ring ,  Aaron Roggelin ,  Jigish Trivedi ,  Zhibo Zhao

IPC: H01L31/073 ,  H01L31/0296 ,  H01L31/18 ,  H01L31/0224

Abstract: A photovoltaic device includes a substrate structure and at least one Se-containing layer, such as a CdSeTe layer. A process for manufacturing the photovoltaic device includes forming the CdSeTe layer over a substrate by at least one of sputtering, evaporation deposition, CVD, chemical bath deposition process, and vapor transport deposition process. The process can also include controlling a thickness range of the Se-containing layer.

Abstract translation: 光电器件包括衬底结构和至少一个含硒层，例如CdSeTe层。 制造光伏器件的方法包括通过溅射，蒸发沉积，CVD，化学浴沉积工艺和蒸气迁移沉积工艺中的至少一种在衬底上形成CdSeTe层。 该方法还可以包括控制含Se层的厚度范围。

公开(公告)号：US09331231B2

公开(公告)日：2016-05-03

申请号：US13751852

申请日：2013-01-28

Applicant: First Solar, Inc.

Inventor： Max William Reed ,  Stacy Ann Black ,  Scott Daniel Feldman-Peabody ,  Mark Jeffrey Pavol

IPC: B05D5/12 ,  H01L31/18 ,  C23C14/06 ,  C23C14/24 ,  C23C14/56

CPC classification number: H01L31/1876 ,  C23C14/0629 ,  C23C14/24 ,  C23C14/562 ,  H01L31/1828 ,  Y02E10/543 ,  Y02P70/521

Abstract: A method for vapor deposition of a sublimated source material, such as CdTe, onto substrates in a continuous, non-stop manner through the apparatus is provided. The sublimated source material moves through a distribution plate and deposits onto the upper surface of the substrates as they are conveyed through the deposition area. The substrates move into and out of the deposition area through entry and exit slots that are defined by transversely extending entrance and exit seals. The seals are disposed at a gap distance above the upper surface of the substrates that is less than the distance or spacing between the upper surface of the substrates and the distribution plate. The seals have a ratio of longitudinal length (in the direction of conveyance of the substrates) to gap distance of from about 10:1 to about 100:1.

Abstract translation: 提供了通过该装置以连续，不间断的方式将升华的源材料（例如CdTe）气相沉积到基板上的方法。 升华的源材料通过分布板移动，并且当它们被输送通过沉积区域时，沉积到基板的上表面上。 基板通过由横向延伸的入口和出口密封限定的入口和出口槽进入和离开沉积区域。 密封件设置在基板的上表面之上的间隙距离处，该距离小于基板的上表面与分布板之间的距离或间隔。 密封件具有纵向长度（基板的输送方向）与间隙距离的比例为约10:1至约100:1。

公开(公告)号：US20160118931A1

公开(公告)日：2016-04-28

申请号：US14989039

申请日：2016-01-06

Applicant: First Solar, Inc.

Inventor： John Hertelius

IPC: H02S20/32

CPC classification number: H02S20/32 ,  F24S25/10 ,  F24S25/13 ,  F24S30/425 ,  F24S2025/012 ,  F24S2030/133 ,  F24S2030/136 ,  H01L31/042 ,  H01L31/048 ,  H02S20/00 ,  H02S20/10 ,  H02S30/20 ,  Y02B10/12 ,  Y02E10/47 ,  Y02E10/50

Abstract: A support system for a solar panel includes a triangular truss with connection points for mounting a photovoltaic module, and a cradle structure that supports the triangular truss and is connected to at least two side supports of the triangular truss. The cradle structure may be driven for rotation about an axis for tracking the sun and several cradle structures can be linked together for tracking movement using a buried linkage system. The truss may also be foldable for ease of transportation and storage.

公开(公告)号：US20160015164A1

公开(公告)日：2016-01-21

申请号：US14800170

申请日：2015-07-15

Applicant: First Solar, Inc.

Inventor： Eddie Bugg

IPC: A46B13/08 ,  H02S40/10 ,  B08B1/00 ,  A46B13/00

CPC classification number: A46B13/08 ,  A46B13/00 ,  B08B1/008 ,  F24S40/20 ,  H02S40/10 ,  Y02E10/40

Abstract: A solar panel cleaning brush assembly including a trolley frame having parallel first and second side frame members. A first guide member is connected to the first side frame member. A second guide member is connected to the second side frame member. A first belt rotatably disposed about a perimeter of the first guide member directly contacts a first array edge of a solar panel array. A second belt rotatably disposed about a perimeter of the second guide member directly contacts a second array edge of the solar panel array. At least one brush set is connected to the trolley frame, the at least one brush set having multiple fixed, non-rotating brushes each frictionally contacting and spanning across a module face of individual ones of multiple solar panel modules defining a solar panel array.

Abstract translation: 一种太阳能电池板清洁刷组件，其包括具有平行的第一和第二侧框架构件的手推车框架。 第一引导构件连接到第一侧框架构件。 第二引导构件连接到第二侧框架构件。 围绕第一引导构件的周边可旋转地设置的第一带直接接触太阳能电池板阵列的第一阵列边缘。 围绕第二引导构件的周边可旋转地设置的第二带直接接触太阳能电池板阵列的第二阵列边缘。 至少一个刷组件连接到手推车框架，所述至少一个刷子组具有多个固定的非旋转刷子，每个刷子摩擦地接触跨越覆盖太阳能电池板阵列的多个太阳能电池板模块中的各个太阳能电池板模块的模块面的横跨。

公开(公告)号：US20150380572A1

公开(公告)日：2015-12-31

申请号：US14845334

申请日：2015-09-04

Applicant: First Solar, Inc.

Inventor： Scott Christensen ,  Rick C. Powell ,  Gang Xiong

IPC: H01L31/0296 ,  H01L31/056 ,  H01L31/0224

CPC classification number: H01L31/0296 ,  H01L31/022441 ,  H01L31/056 ,  H01L31/073 ,  H01L31/1828 ,  H01L31/1864 ,  H01L31/1872 ,  Y02E10/52 ,  Y02E10/543 ,  Y02P70/521

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a photovoltaic device including depositing a cadmium telluride layer onto a substrate; treating the cadmium telluride layer with a compound comprising chlorine and an element from Groups 1-11, zinc, mercury, or copernicium or a combination thereof; and annealing the cadmium telluride layer. A chloride-treated photovoltaic device.

Abstract translation: 一种制造光伏器件的方法，包括将碲化镉层沉积到衬底上; 用包含氯和1-11，锌，汞或哥打尼碱或其组合的元素的化合物处理碲化镉层; 并对碲化镉层进行退火。 氯化物处理的光伏器件。

公开(公告)号：US09202964B2

公开(公告)日：2015-12-01

申请号：US13836449

申请日：2013-03-15

Applicant: FIRST SOLAR, INC.

Inventor： Scott Edmonson ,  Yacov Elgar ,  Dhruv Gajaria ,  Weston Gerwin ,  Scott Jacoby ,  Imran Khan ,  Anthony Maher ,  Stephen P. Murphy ,  Gregory A. Ritz

IPC: H01L31/18 ,  H01L31/048 ,  H02S50/10 ,  H01L31/0376

CPC classification number: H01L31/186 ,  H01L31/03767 ,  H01L31/048 ,  H01L31/18 ,  H01L31/1864 ,  H02S50/10 ,  Y02E10/50 ,  Y02P70/521

Abstract: A system and method for applying an electrical bias to a photovoltaic device in a temperature control chamber, in which the temperature of the photovoltaic device is controlled according to a temperature profile. The temperature profile may include at least one hot phase and at least one cool phase.

Abstract translation: 一种用于向温度控制室中的光伏器件施加电偏压的系统和方法，其中根据温度分布来控制光伏器件的温度。 温度分布可以包括至少一个热相和至少一个冷却相。

公开(公告)号：US20150263197A1

公开(公告)日：2015-09-17

申请号：US14657350

申请日：2015-03-13

Applicant: First Solar, Inc.

Inventor： Scott Jansen ,  Casimir P. Kotarba ,  Jonathan Pappas ,  Rick Powell ,  Yann Roussillon ,  Erica Van Nortwick ,  Charles Wickersham

IPC: H01L31/0224 ,  H01L31/18 ,  H01L51/44

CPC classification number: H01L31/0465 ,  H01L31/0463 ,  Y02E10/50

Abstract: A photovoltaic device includes a substrate and has a transparent conductive oxide layer, a conductive back layer, and at least one intermediate semiconductor layer formed thereon. An isolation scribe divides and electrically isolates the oxide layer, the back layer and the semiconductor layer to define two photovoltaic cells. A conductor extends across the isolation scribe and connects the back layer of one photovoltaic cell to the oxide layer of the other photovoltaic cell.

Abstract translation: 光电器件包括衬底并具有透明导电氧化物层，导电背层和形成在其上的至少一个中间半导体层。 隔离划分器划分并电隔离氧化物层，背层和半导体层以限定两个光伏电池。 导体延伸穿过隔离划线并将一个光伏电池的背层连接到另一个光伏电池的氧化物层。

公开(公告)号：US20150249422A1

公开(公告)日：2015-09-03

申请号：US14698889

申请日：2015-04-29

Applicant: First Solar, Inc.

Inventor： Michael A. Belikoff ,  John A. Bellacicco ,  Henry B. Cabuhay ,  John Hartelius ,  Chris Mahn ,  Michael J. Monaco ,  Sharad Ramani ,  Mark Zeni

IPC: H02S20/10 ,  B65B5/06 ,  H02S99/00 ,  H01L31/042

CPC classification number: H02S20/10 ,  B65B5/06 ,  F24S25/12 ,  F24S25/33 ,  F24S25/65 ,  F24S2025/012 ,  F24S2025/6004 ,  H02S20/00 ,  H02S99/00 ,  Y02B10/12 ,  Y02E10/47 ,  Y10T29/49826 ,  Y10T29/49947

Abstract: This invention relates to photovoltaic modules and arrays, methods of assembling photovoltaic arrays, and methods for shipping components of photovoltaic arrays.

Abstract translation: 本发明涉及光伏组件和阵列，组装光伏阵列的方法以及用于运输光伏阵列部件的方法。