Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a single step diffusion process used in selective emitter solar cell fabrication. In one embodiment, a dopant paste is selectively applied on a front surface of a substrate having opposite conductivity type from the dopant paste. The substrate is then exposed to a dopant containing vapor to deposit a doping layer having opposite conductivity type from the substrate on the front surface of the substrate. While the substrate is exposed to the dopant containing vapor, a portion of the dopant paste also contribute to deposition of the doping layer via gas phase transport of doping atoms from the dopant paste. The substrate is then heated in an atmosphere comprising oxygen and/or nitrogen to a temperature sufficient to cause the dopant atoms in the dopant paste and the doping layer to diffuse into the substrate, forming heavily and lightly doped emitter regions.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing textured selective emitter back contact solar cells, and solar cells made in accordance therewith. A separate antireflective coating is preferably deposited, which also preferably provides simultaneous hydrogen passivation. The high sheet resistance and low sheet resistance selective emitter diffusions may be performed in either order.

Abstract: Method for controlling glass formation on a semiconductor substrate. By using a doped diffusion barrier material, such as a transition metal oxide paste, the subsequent diffusion of glass forming elements into the substrate may be stabilized and controlled.