Abstract:
A method of fabricating a photovoltaic device includes forming an absorber layer comprising an absorber material above a substrate, forming a buffer layer over the absorber layer, forming a front transparent layer over the buffer layer, and exposing the photovoltaic device to heat or radiation at a temperature from about 80° C. to about 500° C. for a period of time, subsequent to the step of forming a buffer layer over the absorber layer.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for measuring thickness of a film in a solar cell provides for directing light emitted at multiple emission wavelengths, to a surface of the solar cell. Each emission results in the generation of a responsive photo current. The photo currents are read by a current meter having one contact coupled to a surface of the solar cell and another contact coupled to another surface. The currents associated with each of the different light emissions are identified and the thickness of a film in the solar cell is calculated based on the two currents or associated quantum efficiencies, and associated absorption coefficients. In one embodiment, the film thickness is the thickness of a CdS or other buffer film in a thin film solar cell.
Abstract:
A solar cell device and a method of fabricating the same is described. The solar cell includes a back contact, an absorber over the back contact, and a front contact over the absorber. The back contact includes a back electrode layer and a graphene layer.
Abstract:
A photovoltaic system includes a photovoltaic module having an upper surface. A fluid deposition unit is positioned to deposit a layer of a fluid on the upper surface of the photovoltaic module. A fluid collection unit is positioned to collect fluid deposited on the upper surface of the photovoltaic module. A fluid reservoir is connected to receive fluid from the fluid collection unit. A pump is connected to supply fluid from the fluid reservoir to the fluid deposition unit.
Abstract:
A solar module includes a solar panel and a wireless power transmission module coupled to the solar panel for transmitting power generated by the solar panel wirelessly.
Abstract:
A method includes depositing spacers at a plurality of locations directly on a back contact layer over a solar cell substrate. An absorber layer is formed over the back contact layer and the spacers. The absorber layer is partially in contact with the spacers and partially in direct contact with the back contact layer. The solar cell substrate is heated to form voids between the absorber layer and the back contact layer at the locations of the spacers.
Abstract:
A solar cell has a first back contact and a first absorber over the first back contact. The first absorber has a scribe line through it. A first front contact is provided over the first absorber. A first conductive material is provided over a portion of the first front contact. The first conductive material extends through the scribe line and connects to a second back contact of a second solar cell.
Abstract:
A solar cell includes a back contact layer, an absorber layer above the back contact layer, a dielectric layer above the absorber layer, and a front contact layer above the dielectric layer.
Abstract:
Provided is a method for identifying material junctions and doping characteristics in semiconductor and other materials by illuminating the material and measuring voltage. A correlation between penetration depth of light and wavelength of light is established for a material. Photons are applied to materials such as semiconductor materials to induce charge. The photons are applied by exposing the material to light having a range of wavelengths. The induced charge results in a measureable voltage. The voltage is measured and the voltage measurements used to determine a junction depth and charge concentration of a material using the correlation between penetration depth of light and wavelength of light.
Abstract:
A solar cell comprises a back contact layer, an absorber layer on the back contact layer, a buffer layer on the absorber layer, and a front contact layer above the buffer layer. The front contact layer has a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions of the front contact layer differ from each other in thickness or dopant concentration.