Abstract: A method of forming a front electrode of a solar cell includes a step of forming a sub-grid line and a main-grid line on the solar cell. The method further includes steps of: forming a lower layer of the sub-grid line on the solar cell using a lower paste by a first screen; drying the solar cell that is formed with the lower layer of the sub-grid line; forming an upper layer of the sub-grid line and the main-grid line simultaneously on the solar cell using an upper paste by a second screen; and sintering the solar cell that is formed with the sub-grid line and the main-grid line. A method of manufacturing a solar cell using the methods and a solar cell manufactured by the method are also provided.

Abstract: A thin film photovoltaic devices is described, having a glass substrate 11 over which is formed a thin film silicon device having an n++ layer 12, a p layer 13 and a dielectric layer 14 (typically silicon oxide or silicon nitride). To create a connection through the p layer 13 to the underlying n++ layer 12, a column of semi-conductor material is heated, the column passing through the various doped layers and the material in the column being heated or melted to allow migration of dopant between layer of the device in the region of the column.