Abstract: Technical-grade silicon is produced by reacting a raw material mixture containing silicon dioxide and carbon in an electric furnace with a particulate mediator containing at least one of the elements C, O, Al and Si is reacted in an electric furnace, wherein the mixture is described by a dimensionless index K, K having a value of from 0 to 745 and being calculated as follows: K = ? M · ? R ? M · ? C ? where : equation ? ( 1 ) ? M = 6 · ( 1 - ? m , M ) d 50 , M equation ? ( 2 ) ? R ? M = d 9 ? 0 , R ? M - d 1 ? 0 , R ? M equation ? ( 3 ) ? C = 3 2 - m M m R ? M equation ? ( 4 ) where the meanings of ?M, ?m,M, ?RM, ?C, d50,M, d90,RM, mM and mRM are explained in claim 1.

Abstract: A solar cell panel that includes: a plurality of solar cells that include a first solar cell and a second solar cell, the plurality of solar cells having respective lengths in a first direction and respective widths in a second direction; and one or more connecting members that electrically connect two adjacent solar cells of the plurality of solar cells, wherein the first solar cell includes a first inclined portion at a first side of the first solar cell, wherein the second solar cell includes a second inclined portion at a first side of the second solar cell, and wherein a first width of the first solar cell in the second direction is different from a second width of the second solar cell in the second direction is disclosed.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a first layer, and a second layer. The first layer is provided between the first electrode and the second electrode. The second layer is provided between the first layer and the second electrode. The first layer contains selenium. The second layer contains In, Ga, Zn, and O. The second layer may contain an In—Ga—Zn oxide. The selenium may be crystalline selenium. The first layer functions as a photoelectric conversion layer. The second layer functions as a hole injection blocking layer. The In—Ga—Zn oxide may have a c-axis aligned crystal.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for implementing high conversion efficiency solar cells. In one aspect, an optical-to-electrical energy conversion device includes a substrate formed of a doped semiconductor material and having a first region and a second region, an array of multilayered nanoscale structures protruding from the first region of the substrate, in which the nanoscale structures are formed of a first co-doped semiconductor material covered by a layer of a second co-doped semiconductor material forming a core-shell structure, the layer covering at least a portion of the doped semiconductor material of the substrate in the second region, and an electrode formed on the layer-covered portion of the substrate in the second region, in which the multilayered nanoscale structures provide an optical active region capable of absorbing photons from light at one or more wavelengths to generate an electrical signal presented at the electrode.

Abstract: A solar cell can include a silicon semiconductor substrate; an oxide layer on a first surface of the silicon semiconductor substrate; a polysilicon layer on the oxide layer; a diffusion region at a second surface of the silicon semiconductor substrate; a dielectric film on the polysilicon layer; a first electrode connected to the polysilicon layer through the dielectric film; a passivation film on the diffusion region; and a second electrode connected to the diffusion region through the passivation film.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a solar cell including: preparing a semiconductor silicon substrate which has an electrode, which is formed by baking an electrode precursor containing Ag powder on at least one main surface, has a PN junction, and is less than 100° C.; and performing an annealing treatment to the semiconductor silicon substrate at 100° C. or more and 450° C. or less. Consequently, there is provided the method for manufacturing a solar cell which suppresses a degradation phenomenon that an output of the solar cell is lowered when the solar cell is left as it stands at a room temperature in the atmosphere.

Abstract: A monofacial or bifacial crystalline solar cell, on the front face of which over the entire area a first surface passivation layer is arranged directly on the semiconductor interface and above this a first optically opaque, electrically conductive material is arranged in first lateral regions as a front face contact, and a first optically transparent, electrically conductive material is arranged exclusively in second lateral regions. The first optically transparent, electrically conductive material is electrically conductively connected to the front face contact and to a first region of the semiconductor material of the solar cell. The method provides for application of the first optically transparent, electrically conductive material only after the first optically opaque, electrically conductive material has been applied, in such a way that firing of the front face contact is avoided.

Abstract: Methods are provided for separating a crystalline film from its main body. The method uses ion implantation to generate an ion damaged layer underneath the surface of the crystalline object. The ion damage changes the crystal structure of the ion damaged layer, so it will have different optical transmittance and absorption characteristics from the undamaged part of the crystalline object. A laser beam with a wavelength that is higher than the absorption edge of the non-ion damaged material, but within the absorption range of the ion damaged material is irradiated at or past the ion damaged layer, causing further damage to the ion damaged layer. The film can then be separated from the main body of the crystalline object.

Abstract: Provided are a solar cell having a good conversion efficiency in which damage to a p-n junction structure is prevented when an antireflection film is removed, and a method of manufacturing such a solar cell.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell includes a substrate layer, an anode layer on the substrate layer, an active layer on the anode layer, and a cathode layer on the active layer, wherein the active layer comprises a plurality of disparately sized n-type and p-type nano-particles of different semiconductor materials randomly distributed in a conductive polymer blend. The n-type nano-particles can include either ZnO or In2O3 nano-particles, and the p-type nano-particles can include either NiO or La2O3 nano-particles. The conductive polymer blend can include P3HT. The bandgaps of the nano-particles have corresponding energies ranging from the near ultraviolet to the far infrared.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a solar cell according to an embodiment of the invention includes forming an emitter layer having an emitter dopant of a second conductive type opposite to a first conductive type on a first surface on a semiconductor substrate; forming a passivation layer including a first dopant of the first conductive type on a second surface of the semiconductor substrate; forming a back surface field layer including a first portion on the second surface by locally heating a portion of the passivation layer using a laser; and forming an electrode electrically connected to the first portion of the back surface field layer through an opening of the passivation layer after the first portion of the back surface field layer is formed on the second surface, wherein the back surface field layer is locally formed between the electrode and the second surface.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) device with improved blue response. The PV device includes a silicon substrate with an emitter layer on a light receiving side. The emitter layer has a low opant level such that it has sheet resistance of 90 to 170 ohm/sq. Anti-reflection in the PV device is provided solely by a nano-structured or black silicon surface on the light-receiving surface, through which the emitter is formed by diffusion. The nano structures of the black silicon are formed in a manner that does not result in gold or another high-recombination metal being left in the black silicon such as with metal-assisted etching using silver. The black silicon is further processed to widen these pores so as to provide larger nanostructures with lateral dimensions in the range of 65 to 150 nanometers so as to reduce surface area and also to etch away a highly doped portion of the emitter.

Abstract: A solar cell is disclosed. The solar cell includes a first conductive region positioned at a front surface of a semiconductor substrate and containing impurities of a first conductivity type or a second conductivity type, a second conductive region positioned at a back surface of the semiconductor substrate and containing impurities of a conductivity type opposite a conductivity type of impurities of the first conductive region, a first electrode positioned on the front surface of the semiconductor substrate and connected to the first conductive region, and a second electrode positioned on the back surface of the semiconductor substrate and connected to the second conductive region. Each of the first and second electrodes includes metal particles and a glass frit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for depositing an organic-inorganic perovskite, the method comprising the step of depositing a perovskite precursor solution comprising one or more organic cation, wherein said precursor solution preferably deposited by inkjet printing. The method is particularly useful in the manufacture of perovskite solar cells. For depositing the perovskite, a perovskite precursor solution or ink is preferably used, which comprises an organic cation carrying an anchoring group, such as 5-ammonium valeric acid. Surprisingly, the presence of the latter compound renders the precursor solutions stable and suitable for inkjet printing.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device includes a photoactive material comprising a perovskite material and an interfacial layer comprising a cross-linked polymer that comprises a fullerene or fullerene derivative, a cross-linking agent, and one or more polymers selected from the group consisting of polystyrene, [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester, poly(4-vinylphenol), [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid, and any combination thereof.

Abstract: A photodetector includes a photodetecting region in a semiconductor substrate, and a reflector extending at least partially along a sidewall of the photodetecting region in the semiconductor substrate. The reflector includes an air gap defined in the semiconductor substrate. The reflector allows use of thinner germanium for the photodetecting region. The air gap may have a variety of internal features to direct electromagnetic radiation towards the photodetecting region.

Abstract: A solar cell element is provided with a semiconductor substrate, a passivation layer, and an electrode. The semiconductor substrate has a first surface and a second surface that is positioned on a back side of the first surface. The passivation layer is positioned on the second surface of the semiconductor substrate. The electrode is positioned on the passivation layer and positioned in the state of being electrically connected to the semiconductor substrate. The electrode includes a linear electrode part that is positioned along a peripheral edge of the semiconductor substrate when the semiconductor substrate is seen from the second surface side in plane perspective view, and is positioned in the state of penetrating the passivation layer in a thickness direction.

Abstract: A solar cell includes an n-type silicon substrate having a first main surface and a second main surface, an n-type first semiconductor layer disposed above the first main surface, a first intrinsic semiconductor layer disposed between the first main surface and the first semiconductor layer, a p-type second semiconductor layer disposed on the second main surface, and a second intrinsic semiconductor layer disposed between the second main surface and the second semiconductor layer. An oxygen concentration at an interface between the silicon substrate and the second intrinsic semiconductor layer is lower than an oxygen concentration at an interface between the silicon substrate and the second intrinsic semiconductor layer. An oxygen concentration at an interface between the second intrinsic semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer is higher than an oxygen concentration at an interface between the first intrinsic semiconductor layer and the first semiconductor layer.

Abstract: A solar cell is provided. The solar cell at least includes a semiconductor layer and a plurality of passivation layers provided on a back surface of the semiconductor layer. The passivation layers include a first silicon oxynitride film layer having a first refractive index, a second silicon oxynitride film layer having a second refractive index and provided on a surface of the first silicon oxynitride film layer, and a silicon nitride film layer having a third refractive index and provided on a surface of the second silicon oxynitride film layer.

Abstract: Provided are a negative electrode active material for a secondary battery, which suppresses a dispersal phenomenon of a negative electrode active material during charging/discharging by controlling a lattice mismatch ratio of an amorphous matrix layer to a silicon layer in a silicon-based negative electrode active material.

Abstract: The present application discloses devices that include a perovskite layer, a first layer that includes an oxide, and an interface layer, where the interface layer is positioned between the first layer and the perovskite layer, the interface layer is in physical contact with both the first layer and the perovskite layer, and the interface layer consists essentially of the oxide.

Abstract: A system and a conversion element for power conversion. The power conversion system includes a power conversion device which produces electric power upon illumination and includes a light conversion device which down-converts and up-converts a radiant source of energy into a specific energy spectrum for the illumination of the power conversion device. The conversion element includes a first plurality of particles which upon radiation from a first radiation source radiate at a higher energy than the first radiation source, and includes a second plurality of particles which upon radiation from the first radiation source radiate at a lower energy than the first radiation source. At least one of the first plurality of particles and the second plurality of particles can be at least partially metal coated.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a solar cell, includes forming an oxide layer on first surface of a single crystalline silicon substrate; forming a poly crystalline silicon layer doped with a first dopant having a first conductive type on the oxide layer; diffusing a second dopant having a second conductive type opposite to the first conductive type into a second surface of the single crystalline silicon substrate thereby forming a diffusion region; forming a first passivation layer on the poly crystalline silicon layer; forming a second passivation layer on the diffusion region; forming a first electrode connected to the poly crystalline silicon layer by printing a first paste on the first passivation layer and firing through; forming a second electrode connected to the diffusion region by printing a second paste on the second passivation layer and firing through.

Abstract: High germanium percentage (40 atomic percent or greater) silicon germanium (SiGe) graded buffer layers are provided in which stacking fault formation and dislocation defect density are drastically suppressed. Notably, a lattice matched heterogeneous semiconductor material interlayer of Ga(As1-yPy) wherein y is from 0 to 1 is formed between each of the SiGe layers of the graded buffer layer to reduce the propagation of threading arm dislocation to the surface and inhibit the formation of stacking faults in each subsequent SiGe layer, and therewith drastically reduce the surface defect density.

Abstract: A method for increasing the speed of aerosol jet assisted printing a layered perovskite structure comprises applying a PEDOT:PSS layer to a substrate; applying an aerosol mist containing methylammonium iodide and lead iodide, with or without additives, atop the PEDOT:PSS layer with an aerosol jet nozzle; and holding the structure to form a methylammonium lead iodide (CH3NH3PbI3) perovskite thin film layer. The substrate may be an ITO glass or plastic substrate, and the PEDOT:PSS layer may be applied by a process selected from spin-coating, inkjet-printing, slot-die-coating, aerosol jet printing, physical vapor deposition, chemical vapor deposition, and electrochemical deposition. The aerosol mist is generated from a single ink comprising all the constituents of methylammonium lead iodide either dissolved or suspended in one or more compatible solvents or co-solvents. The holding of the CH3NH3PbI3 layer may be performed at about 25-120° C. or lower for 96 hours or less.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a semiconductor substrate containing impurities of a first conductive type; a tunnel layer positioned on the semiconductor substrate; an emitter region positioned on the tunnel layer and containing impurities of a second conductive type opposite the first conductive type; a dopant layer positioned on the emitter region and formed of a dielectric material containing impurities of the second conductive type; a first electrode connected to the semiconductor substrate; and a second electrode configured to pass through the dopant layer, and connected to the emitter region.

Abstract: An electron source system utilizing photon enhanced thermionic emission to create a source of well controlled electrons for injection into a series of lenses so that the beam can be fashioned to meet the particular specification for a given use is disclosed. Because of the recent increased understanding and characterization of the bandgap in certain materials, a simplified system can now be realized to overcome the potential barrier at the surface. With this system, only low electric fields with moderate temperatures (˜500 ° C.) are required. The resulting system enables much easier focusing of the electron beam because the random component of the energy of the electrons is much lower than that of a conventional system.

Abstract: Provided are a thin-film solar cell module structure and a method of manufacturing the same.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes solution methods for manufacturing perovskite halide films for use in solar cells. The methods include the use of additives that facilitate the formation of transitory, intermediate films that are later transformed into the final target perovskite halide films, such that the final films provide improved physical characteristics and operational performance.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a first layer having a first-layer lattice parameter, a second layer having a second-layer lattice parameter different from the first-layer lattice parameter, wherein the second layer includes a photoactive second-layer material; and a third layer having a third-layer lattice parameter different from the second-layer lattice parameter, wherein the third layer includes a photoactive third-layer material. A transparent buffer layer extends between and contacts the second layer and the third layer and has a buffer-layer lattice parameter that varies with increasing distance from the second layer toward the third layer, so as to lattice match to the second layer and to the third layer. There may be additional subcell layers and buffer layers in the solar cell.

Abstract: A 2-terminal multi-junction solar cell having a thin film of metal halide semiconductor as the top solar-cell material and crystalline silicon as the bottom solar-cell material. In the illustrative embodiment, the top solar-cell material is a perovskite of the form AM(IxH1-x)3, where A is a cation, preferably methylammonium (CH3NH3), formamidinium ([R2N—CH?NR2]+), or cesium; M is metal, preferably Pb, Sn, Ge; H is a halide, preferably Br or Cl; and x=iodine fraction, in the range of 0 to 1, inclusive. The integration of the two solar-cell materials is enabled by the use of a tunnel junction composed of indirect band-gap material.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a luminescent structure including an InxZnyP core, wherein 0<y/x<10, and wherein the core comprises an alloy including both In and Zn, and a shell disposed on a surface of the core, wherein a difference between a lattice constant of the shell and a lattice constant of the core relative to the lattice constant of the shell is less than 1%.

Abstract: A vehicle glazing includes on its surface to be exposed to the exterior atmosphere, at least in a zone not wiped by the windscreen wipers, a mineral oxide layer of 0.1 to 20 ?m thickness, 30 to 90% of the volume of which consists of 20 to 300 nm open pores that are distributed uniformly throughout the thickness of the layer, and almost all of which are connected to one another, the internal and external surface of the layer being functionalized with a compound containing a perfluoroalkyl or alkyl functional group, then saturated with a hydrophobic oil that impregnates the functionalized porous layer and forms a film on the surface thereof, the at least one zone being located facing a detecting device such as an anti-collision/obstacle-detecting/security video camera, or similar, placed in the interior of the vehicle, in particular on the face of the glazing.

Abstract: Four conjugated copolymers with a donor/acceptor architecture including 4,4-dihexadecyl-4H-cyclopenta[1,2-b:5,4-b?]dithiophene as the donor structural unit and benzo[2,1,3]thiodiazole fragments with varying degrees of fluorination have been synthesized and characterized. It has been shown that the HOMO levels were decreased after the fluorine substitution. The field-effect charge carrier mobility was similar for all polymers with less than an order of magnitude difference between different acceptor units.

Abstract: A stacked integrated multi-junction solar cell, having a first subcell, whereby the first subcell has a layer of an InGaP compound with a first lattice constant and a first band gap energy, and the thickness of the layer is greater than 100 nm and the layer is formed as part of an emitter and/or as part of the base and/or as part of the space charge region lying between the emitter and base, and a second subcell with a second lattice constant and a second band gap energy, and a third subcell with a third lattice constant and a third band gap energy, and a fourth subcell with a fourth lattice constant and a fourth band gap energy, and a region with a wafer bond is formed between two subcells.

Abstract: A process for producing conductive pastes for forming solar cell electrodes, including a step of measuring binding energies of oxygen in a glass frit by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, a step of selecting a glass frit providing an X-ray photoelectron spectrum representing binding energies of oxygen in which the signal intensity of a peak with a peak top at a range from 529 eV to less than 531 eV has a proportion of 40% or more relative to the total of signal intensities from 526 eV to 536 eV, and a step of mixing together a conductive powder, the glass frit and an organic vehicle.

Abstract: A method for aerosol-jet printing a layered perovskite structure by applying a PEDOT:PSS layer to a substrate; applying a layer of lead iodide (PbI2) to the PEDOT:PSS layer; and applying an aerosol mist of methylammonium iodide (CH3NH3I) atop the PbI2 layer with an aerosol-jet nozzle to form a CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite film layer. The substrate may be an ITO glass substrate, and the PEDOT:PSS layer may be applied by a process selected from spin-coating, inkjet-printing, slot-die-coating, aerosol-jet printing, physical vapor deposition, chemical vapor deposition, and electrochemical deposition. The PbI2 layer may be applied by a process selected from spin-coating, aerosol-jet printing, inkjet-printing, slot-die-coating, physical vapor deposition, chemical vapor deposition, and electrochemical deposition, and the PbI2 for application to the PEDOT:PSS layer may be in a solution of DMF, DMSO, ?-butyrolactone, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates ionic liquids which are used as lubricants for medical devices. In some aspects, the ionic liquids of the present disclosure can exhibit antimicrobial or host cell integrative activity or a combination of functionalities. In some aspects, the present disclosure also provides devices coated with the ionic liquid.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a solar cell according to an embodiment includes the steps of: forming an emitter layer by ion-implanting a first conductive type dopant to a first surface of a semiconductor substrate; and forming a back surface field layer by ion-implanting a second conductive type dopant to a second surface of the semiconductor substrate. When an additional dopant is a dopant other than the first and second conductive type dopants, an amount of the additional dopant doped during the forming the back surface field layer is larger than an amount of the additional dopant doped during the forming the emitter layer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for doping a substrate, comprising disposing a coating of a composition comprising a copolymer, a dopant precursor and a solvent on a substrate; where the copolymer is capable of phase segregating and embedding the dopant precursor while in solution; and annealing the substrate at a temperature of 750 to 1300° C. for 0.1 second to 24 hours to diffuse the dopant into the substrate. Disclosed herein too is a semiconductor substrate comprising embedded dopant domains of diameter 3 to 30 nanometers; where the domains comprise Group 13 or Group 15 atoms, wherein the embedded spherical domains are located within 30 nanometers of the substrate surface.

Abstract: An atom, molecule, atomic layer, or molecular layer is adhered to a carbon nanotube surface, or the surface is doped with the atom, molecule, atomic layer, or molecular layer, to form a deep localized level so that an exciton is localized. Alternatively, an atom, molecule, inorganic or organic substance of an atomic or molecular layer, a metal, a semiconductor, or an insulator is absorbed to, deposited on, or encapsulated in the carbon tube inside surface to make permittivity of the portion undergoing the absorption, deposition, or encapsulation higher than that of a clean portion free of the absorption, deposition, or encapsulation so that binding energy of the exciton in the clean portion is high, or reduce a band gap of the portion undergoing the absorption, deposition, or encapsulation so that the exciton is confined and localized in the clean portion or the position undergoing the absorption, deposition, or encapsulation.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device of an embodiment includes, in sequence: a substrate; a first electrode; a photoelectric conversion layer containing a perovskite compound and a solvent; and a second electrode. The perovskite compound has a composition represented by a composition formula of ABX3. The A represents at least one selected from a monovalent cation of a metal element and a monovalent cation of an amine compound. The B represents a bivalent cation of a metal element. The X represents a monovalent anion of a halogen element. The number of molecules of the solvent with respect to one crystal lattice of the perovskite compound ranges from 0.004 to 0.5.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a solar cell (1) from crystalline semiconductor material, wherein a first doping region (5) is formed by means of ion implantation (S2) of a first dopant in a first surface (3a) of a semiconductor substrate (3), and a second doping region (7) is formed by means of ion implantation (S3) or thermal indiffusion of a second dopant in the second surface (3b) of the semiconductor substrate. After the doping of the second surface, a cap (9b) acting as an outdiffusion barrier for the second dopant is applied and an annealing step (S4) is subsequently carried out.

Abstract: A solar cell can include a substrate of a first conductive type; an emitter region which is positioned at a front surface of the substrate and has a second conductive type different from the first conductive type; a back surface field region which is positioned at a back surface opposite the front surface of the substrate; a front passivation region including a plurality of layers which are sequentially positioned on the emitter region; a back passivation region including a plurality of layers which are sequentially positioned on the back surface field region; a front electrode part which passes through the front passivation region and is connected to the emitter region, wherein the front electrode part comprises a plurality of front electrodes that are apart from each other and a front bus bar connecting the plurality of front electrodes; a back electrode part which passes through the back passivation region and is connected to the back surface field region, wherein the back electrode part comprises a plural

Abstract: Intercalation pastes for use with semiconductor devices are disclosed. The pastes contain precious metal particles, intercalating particles, and an organic vehicle and can be used to improve the material properties of metal particle layers. Specific formulations have been developed to be screen-printed directly onto a dried metal particle layer and fired to make a fired multilayer stack. The fired multilayer stack can be tailored to create a solderable surface, high mechanical strength, and low contact resistance. In some embodiments, the fired multilayer stack can etch through a dielectric layer to improve adhesion to a substrate. Such pastes can be used to increase the efficiency of silicon solar cells, specifically multi- and mono-crystalline silicon back-surface field (BSF), and passivated emitter and rear contact (PERC) photovoltaic cells. Other applications include integrated circuits and more broadly, electronic devices.

Abstract: A transistor including an oxide semiconductor layer can have stable electrical characteristics. In addition, a highly reliable semiconductor device including the transistor is provided. A semiconductor device includes a multi-layer film including an oxide layer and an oxide semiconductor layer, a gate insulating film in contact with the multi-layer film, and a gate electrode overlapping with the multi-layer film with the gate insulating film provided therebetween. In the semiconductor device, the oxide semiconductor layer contains indium, the oxide semiconductor layer is in contact with the oxide layer, and the oxide layer contains indium and has a larger energy gap than the oxide semiconductor layer.

Abstract: A transistor including an oxide semiconductor layer can have stable electrical characteristics. In addition, a highly reliable semiconductor device including the transistor is provided. A semiconductor device includes a multi-layer film including an oxide layer and an oxide semiconductor layer, a gate insulating film in contact with the multi-layer film, and a gate electrode overlapping with the multi-layer film with the gate insulating film provided therebetween. In the semiconductor device, the oxide semiconductor layer contains indium, the oxide semiconductor layer is in contact with the oxide layer, and the oxide layer contains indium and has a larger energy gap than the oxide semiconductor layer.

Abstract: A silicon material useful as a negative electrode active material is provided. The silicon material has a band gap within a range of greater than 1.1 eV and not greater than 1.7 eV. A secondary battery in which this silicon material is used as a negative electrode active material has improved initial efficiency.

Abstract: Solar cell arrangement of a thin film solar cell array on a substrate; each solar cell being layered with a bottom electrode, a photovoltaic active layer, a top electrode and an insulating layer. A first trench and a second trench parallel to the first trench at a first side, separate a first solar cell and an adjacent second solar cell. The first and second trenches are filled with insulating material. The first trench extends to the substrate. The second trench extends into the photovoltaic active layer below the top electrode. A third trench extending to the bottom electrode is between the first and second trench. A fourth trench extending to the top electrode is at a second side of the first trench. The third and fourth trench are filled with conductive material. A conductive bridge connects the third trench and the fourth trench across the first trench.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a solar cell includes forming a passivation layer on a rear surface of a substrate of a first conductivity type; forming connecting electrodes having a plurality of electrical contacts that are in contact with the rear surface of the substrate by using a first paste for a first temperature firing on portions of the passivation layer; and forming a rear electrode layer by using a second paste for a second temperature firing on the passivation layer and the plurality of electrical contacts, wherein a temperature of the second temperature firing is lower than a temperature of the first temperature firing.