Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for producing a semiconductor layer. The problem addressed is that of increasing the deposition rate of the layer constituents and significantly improving the efficiency of a resulting solar cell. At the same time, the material costs are intended to be reduced. The problem is solved by virtue of the fact that, in a vacuum chamber, metal evaporator sources release Cu, In and/or Ga or the chalcogenide compounds, the latter are focused as metal vapor jets onto the substrate, and Se and/or S emerge(s) in an ionized fashion from a chalcogen low-energy wide-beam ion source and this beam is focused onto the surface of the substrate in such a way that it overlaps the metal vapor jets. A device for carrying out the method is described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a serial connection of thin layer solar cells. The invention provides a structuring method for creating a reliable and effective connections, preventing short-circuits and enlarging usable solar cell surfaces. The solar cells comprise a substrate, a back contact layer, an absorber layer, a buffer layer, and a transparent front contact layer. Each solar cell is subdivided by three trenches A, B, C to create a plurality of adjacent cell segments. Trenches A and B extend down to the back contact layer, trench C extends down to the substrate. Trench C is filled with electrically insulating paste and trench B is filled with electrically conducting paste. The electrically conducting paste also covers trench C. The adjacent cell segments are electrically connected. Trench A is then created and filled with electrically insulating paste.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for producing a semiconductor layer. The problem addressed is that of increasing the deposition rate of the layer constituents and significantly improving the efficiency of a resulting solar cell. At the same time, the material costs are intended to be reduced. The problem is solved by virtue of the fact that, in a vacuum chamber, metal evaporator sources release Cu, In and/or Ga or the chalcogenide compounds, the latter are focused as metal vapour jets onto the substrate, and Se and/or S emerge(s) in an ionized fashion from a chalcogen low-energy wide-beam ion source and this beam is focused onto the surface of the substrate in such a way that it overlaps the metal vapour jets. A device for carrying out the method is described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a serial connection of thin layer solar cells. The aim of the invention is to provide a structuring method which provides a reliable and effective connection, prevents short-circuits and enlarges usable solar cell surfaces. The aim of the invention is achieved according to claims 1 and 14, the solution being suitable for mass production.

Abstract: The disclosure provides transparent and partially transparent flexible thin film solar cells. The aim is achieved in that flexible thin film solar cells are processed using a tool, such that the entire cell structure is pierced, the transparency is ensured by the openings thus created, and the energy conversion yield remains high.

Abstract: A configuration and method for bonding a thin metal layer to two workpieces, e.g. solar cells and film-backed/reinforced small contact strips including: (i) the backing film is removed from the solar cell; (ii) the two films/layers are pressed together; and (iii) the two parts are irradiated from the side of the rear contact of the thin-film solar cell. Preferably two or three laser treatment steps are used for removing the backing film of the thin-film solar cell in an ablation process by means of a short-pulse laser and riveting the first metal layer to the second metal layer by irradiating the same by means of a long-pulse laser.