Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes a substrate, a dielectric layer on the substrate, and an array of pixels, each of the pixels includes: a pixel electrode, an organic layer, a counter electrode, a sealing layer, a color filter, a readout circuit and a light-collecting unit as defined herein, the photoelectric layer contains an organic p-type semiconductor and an organic n-type semiconductor, the organic layer further includes a charge blocking layer as defined herein, an ionization potential of the charge blocking layer and an electron affinity of the organic n-type semiconductor present in the photoelectric layer have a difference of at least 1 eV, and a surface of the pixel electrodes on a side of the photoelectric layer and a surface of the dielectric layer on a side of the photoelectric layer are substantially coplanar.

Abstract: To provide an electrode and working electrode substrate capable of detecting a sample substance, and a manufacturing method capable of producing the electrode by simply operations, the present invention provides, in a photocurrent detection electrode, an adhesive layer containing linker molecules interposed between an electrode body constituted by a semiconductor for receiving electrons released from a test substance by photoexcitation, and a metal layer constituted by a metal.

Abstract: A minute electrode, a photoelectric conversion device including the minute electrode, and manufacturing methods thereof are provided. A plurality of parallel groove portions and a region sandwiched between the groove portions are formed in a substrate, and a conductive resin is supplied to the groove portions and the region and is fixed, whereby the groove portions are filled with the conductive resin and the region is covered with the conductive resin. The supplied conductive resin is not expanded outward, and the electrode with a designed width can be formed. Part of the electrode is formed over the region sandwiched between the groove portions, thus, the area of a cross section in the short axis direction can be large, and a low resistance in the long axis direction can be obtained.

Abstract: A method of connecting two solar cells is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises gripping an interconnect with a head of positioning device, heating the interconnect with the head of the positioning device to between two predetermined temperatures, where one is higher than the other, positioning the interconnect so as to overlay two adjacent solar cells, coupling the interconnect to each of the two adjacent solar cells, and releasing the interconnect from the head.

Abstract: A method includes performing a first die-saw on a package structure includes forming a first and a second metal lead extending into a trench of a package structure, wherein the first and the second metal leads contact the side edges of contact pads that are in devices in the package structure. The first and the second metal leads are interconnected through a connecting metal portion. A pre-cut is performed to cut the connecting metal portion to separate the first and the second metal leads, wherein remaining portions of the connecting metal portion have edges after the pre-cut. A dielectric coating is formed over the first and the second metal leads. A die-saw is performed to saw apart the package structure, so that the first and the second dies are separated into separate piece. In each of the resulting pieces, the edges of the remaining portions of the connecting metal portion are covered by remaining portions of the first dielectric coating.

Abstract: A photovoltaic thin-film module is provided that includes a substrate on which a transparent front electrode layer, a semiconductor layer, and a rear electrode layer are deposited as functional layers, which are provided with cell dividing lines for forming series-connected cells. The functional layers are ablated using a laser in the edge area. An insulation dividing line is formed in the edge region for the insulation between the front and rear electrode layers using a second laser. The ablation of the functional layers and the forming of the insulation dividing line are performed jointly in one step.

Abstract: A process for the formation of a silver back anode of a silicon solar cell wherein a silver paste comprising particulate silver, an organic vehicle and glass frit comprising at least one antimony oxide is applied in a silver back anode pattern on the back-side of a p-type silicon wafer having an aluminum back-side metallization and fired.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a silicon thin film, a method of manufacturing a silicon thin-film photovoltaic cell, and a silicon thin film. There is provided a method of manufacturing a silicon thin film in a form in which an inert face formed by an exposed face of a silicon substrate and an inert layer is formed by selectively forming the inert layer on the silicon substrate in which growth of a silicon crystal is inactive for a raw material gas of the silicon crystal, and the silicon crystal is grown from the exposed face such that the silicon crystal covers the silicon substrate by supplying a raw material gas, of which a surface decomposition reaction on the silicon substrate is dominant, out of the raw material gas to the silicon substrate. By forming a width of the exposed face in a range of 0.001 ?m to 1 ?m, the silicon thin film is formed in a state that the silicon thin film can be peeled off from the silicon substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to rear-side contact solar cells and also solar cell modules manufactured therefrom, said modules having a special electrode structure, and also to a method for the production thereof. The electrodes, via which the current of the rear-side contact cell is tapped, are thereby separated by an insulating layer from the finger contacts which are in contact with the n- or p-semiconductor element of the solar cell through an insulating layer. The method makes possible a substantial simplification relative to the production methods described in the state of the art by means of spatial decoupling of the structuring of the electrodes from the solar cell.

Abstract: Disclosed are aluminum paste compositions, processes to form solar cells using the aluminum paste compositions, and the solar cells so-produced. The aluminum paste compositions have 0.005-7%, by weight of a metal phosphate; 46-84.9%, by weight of an aluminum powder; and 15-50%, by weight of an organic vehicle, wherein the amounts in % by weight are based on the total weight of the aluminum paste composition.

Abstract: Disclosed are aluminum paste compositions, processes to form solar cells using the aluminum paste compositions, and the solar cells so-produced. The aluminum paste compositions comprise 0.003% to 9%, by weight of boron nitride; 27% to 89%, by weight of an aluminum powder, such that the weight ratio of aluminum powder to boron nitride is in the range of 9:1 to 9909:1; and 0.1% to 9%, by weight of an optional glass frit-free additive, the optional glass frit-free additive comprising amorphous silicon dioxide, crystalline calcium oxide organometallic compounds, metal salts, or mixtures thereof; and 10% to 70%, by weight of an organic vehicle, wherein the amounts in % by weight are based on the total weight of the aluminum paste composition.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a solar cell is discussed. The method may include injecting first impurity ions at a first surface of a substrate by using a first ion implantation method to form a first impurity region, the substrate having a first conductivity type and the first impurity region having a second conductivity type, heating the substrate with the first impurity region to activate the first impurity region to form an emitter region, etching the emitter region from a surface of the emitter region to a predetermined depth to form an emitter part, and forming a first electrode on the emitter part to connect to the emitter part and a second electrode on a second surface of the substrate, which is opposite the first surface of the substrate to connect to the second surface of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for use as a backside conductive paste in solar cells. The paste comprises aluminum powder, an organic vehicle and an additive comprising a salt of an alkaline earth metal ion and an organic counterion.

Abstract: A solar cell is provided. The solar cell includes a silicon substrate, a back electrode, a doped silicon layer, and an upper electrode. The silicon substrate includes a lower surface, an upper surface opposite to the lower surface, and a plurality of three-dimensional nano-structures located on the upper surface. Each three-dimensional nano-structure has a stepped structure. The back electrode is located on and electrically connected to the lower surface of the silicon substrate. The doped silicon layer is attached to the three-dimensional nano-structures and the upper surface of the silicon substrate between the three-dimensional nano-structures. The upper electrode is located on at least part of the doped silicon layer. A method for making the solar cell is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are aluminum paste compositions, processes to form solar cells using the aluminum paste compositions, and the solar cells so-produced. The low-siloxane aluminum paste compositions consist essentially of 0.005-2.6%, by weight of at least one siloxane; 44.5-84.9%, by weight of an aluminum powder; 0.05-5.8% of an optional indium-free additive; and 15-50%, by weight of an organic vehicle, wherein the amounts in % by weight are based on the total weight of the aluminum paste composition. The high-siloxane aluminum paste compositions comprise 15-68%, by weight of at least one siloxane; 25-84.9%, by weight of an aluminum powder; 0.1-10%, by weight of an organic vehicle.

Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell with hybrid nanostructures comprises a negative-polarity conductive substrate, a metal oxide layer, a positive-polarity conductive substrate and an electrolyte. The metal oxide layer has a plurality of nanoparticles and a plurality of nanotubes. The metal oxide layer and the electrolyte are arranged between the negative-polarity conductive substrate and the positive-polarity conductive substrate. The nanoparticles increase contact area with dye and thus enhance power generation efficiency. The nanotubes increase carrier mobility and thus effectively transfer electricity to electrodes. The solar cell integrates the advantages of nanoparticles and nanotubes and offsets the disadvantages thereof to effectively enhance the photovoltaic conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for manufacturing a thin film substrate solar cell that has a metal electrode, a photoelectric conversion layer, and a transparent electrode stacked in this order on a substrate, the photoelectric conversion layer combining, in a thickness direction, two or more n, i, p junctions with non-single crystal silicon as main materials thereof. A top cell which is the photoelectric conversion layer on the side of the transparent electrode and another cell of one or more layers on the side of the metal electrode relative to the top cell are provided. The method includes a step of simultaneously removing at least the two or more photoelectric conversion layers and the transparent electrode using a laser with a wavelength having selective sensitivity with respect to the top cell, from the side of the transparent electrode, followed by blowing-away.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an electrode layer comprising a porous film made of oxide semiconductor fine particles sensitized with certain methin dyes. Moreover the present invention pertains to a photoelectric conversion device comprising said electrode layer, a dye sensitized solar cell comprising said photoelectric conversion device and to novel methin dyes.

Abstract: Electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells comprising graphene sheets and at least one binder. The electrodes may be conductive and catalytic counter electrodes. The electrodes may be flexible.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solar cell module wherein peeling between a substrate and a photoelectric conversion layer is not easily generated. In the solar cell module, a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements, each of which has a transparent electrode (12), a photoelectric conversion unit (14), and a rear surface electrode (16) sequentially stacked on a transparent substrate (10), are connected in series, and the solar cell module is provided with a slit (S2) formed by removing the transparent electrode (12) to a first width (D1), and a slit (S5), which overlaps the region where the transparent electrode (12) has been removed, and which has the photoelectric conversion unit (14) and the rear surface electrode (16) removed therefrom to a second width (D2) that is equal to or less than the first width (D1). On the surface of the transparent substrate (10) in the slit (S2), recesses and protrusions (34) are provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of manufacturing a solid-state imaging device, including, forming on a first substrate a semiconductor thin film which is to be photoelectric conversion sections, forming driving circuits on a face side of a second substrate, laminating the first substrate and the second substrate by disposing the first substrate and second substrate opposite to each other in a condition in which the semiconductor thin film is connected to the driving circuits, and removing the first substrate from the semiconductor thin film in a condition in which the semiconductor thin film is left on the second substrate side.

Abstract: A method of making a monolithic photovoltaic module having a flexible substrate is described. The method includes the following steps. First, a flexible substrate is provided, and a first adhesive layer, a metal layer, and a second adhesive layer are formed thereon. The second adhesive layer, the metal layer and the first adhesive layer are etched with at least one etching paste. In addition, a patterned semiconductor body layer patterned by an etching paste or a laser scribing is formed thereon. Furthermore, transparent top electrodes patterned by an etching paste or a cold laser scribing are formed on the patterned semiconductor body layer.

Abstract: This invention comprises manufacture of photovoltaic cells by deposition of thin film photovoltaic junctions on metal foil substrates. The photovoltaic junctions may be heat treated if appropriate following deposition in a continuous fashion without deterioration of the metal support structure. In a separate operation, an interconnection substrate structure is provided, optionally in a continuous fashion. Multiple photovoltaic cells are then laminated to the interconnection substrate structure and conductive joining methods are employed to complete the array. In this way the interconnection substrate structure can be uniquely formulated from polymer-based materials employing optimal processing unique to polymeric materials. Furthermore, the photovoltaic junction and its metal foil support can be produced in bulk without the need to use the expensive and intricate material removal operations currently taught in the art to achieve series interconnections.

Abstract: Methods of forming contacts for back-contact solar cells are described. In one embodiment, a method includes forming a thin dielectric layer on a substrate, forming a polysilicon layer on the thin dielectric layer, forming and patterning a solid-state p-type dopant source on the polysilicon layer, forming an n-type dopant source layer over exposed regions of the polysilicon layer and over a plurality of regions of the solid-state p-type dopant source, and heating the substrate to provide a plurality of n-type doped polysilicon regions among a plurality of p-type doped polysilicon regions.

Abstract: In a process for producing a solar cell, a sintering process performed on a nickel nanoparticle ink forms nickel silicide to create good adhesion and a low electrical ohmic contact to a silicon layer underneath, and allows for a subsequently electroplated metal layer to reduce electrode resistances. The printed nickel nanoparticles react with the silicon nitride of the antireflective layer to form conductive nickel silicide.

Abstract: In a manufacturing method, the following regions are formed in a semiconductor substrate: a pixel region where a photoelectric conversion element is placed and a peripheral region placed in the peripheral portion of the pixel region. The following wiring and film are formed over the main surface of the semiconductor substrate: an uppermost-layer wiring and a first interlayer insulating film located over the uppermost-layer wiring. The uppermost surface of the first interlayer insulating film is flattened. After the step of flattening the uppermost surface, the uppermost surface of the first interlayer insulating film in the pixel region is flat; and a step is formed in the uppermost surface of the first interlayer insulating film in the peripheral region.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes: a gate electrode arranged over an upper surface of a semiconductor substrate; a photoelectric conversion portion formed over the semiconductor substrate to position under the gate electrode; an overflow barrier formed over the semiconductor substrate to position in a portion other than a position facing the gate electrode in a planar direction and adjoin a side face of the photoelectric conversion portion; and a drain formed over the semiconductor substrate to adjoin a side face of the overflow barrier opposite to a side face adjoining the photoelectric conversion portion.

Abstract: A thin-film solar battery is constructed such that it includes a translucent insulating substrate, a first transparent conductive film formed of a crystalline transparent conductive film on the translucent insulating substrate, with an uneven structure on a surface thereof, a second transparent conductive film formed of a transparent conductive film on the first transparent conductive film, with an uneven structure on a surface thereof, where the uneven structure is more gentle than the uneven structure of the first transparent conductive film, a power generation layer formed on the second transparent conductive film and having at least one crystalline layer to generate power, and a backside electrode layer formed of a light-reflective conductive film on the power generation layer. A substantially convex hollow portion projecting from the translucent insulating substrate is provided between adjacent convex portions in the uneven structure of the first transparent conductive film.

Abstract: A method for producing solar cells with back side contacting, which is based on a microstructuring of a wafer provided with a dielectric layer and a doping of the microstructured regions on the back side and also an emitter diffusion on the front side. Subsequently, the deposition of a metal-containing nucleation layer and also a galvanic reinforcement of the contactings on the back side is effected. Solar cells which can be produced in accordance with the foregoing method.

Abstract: A method for forming a silicon trench, comprises the steps of: defining an etching area at a silicon substrate; forming metal catalysts at the surface of the etching area; immersing the silicon substrate in a first etching solution thereby forming anisotropic silicon nanostructures in the etching area; immersing the silicon substrate in a second etching solution thereby resulting in the silicon nanostructures being side-etched and detached from the silicon substrate, thus forming the silicon trench.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a semiconductor substrate, a low-k dielectric layer over the semiconductor substrate, a first opening in the low-k dielectric layer, and a first diffusion barrier layer in the first opening covering the low-k dielectric layer in the first opening, wherein the first diffusion barrier layer has a bottom portion connected to sidewall portions, and wherein the sidewall portions have top surfaces close to a top surface of the low-k dielectric layer. The integrated circuit further includes a conductive line filling the first opening wherein the conductive line has a top surface lower than the top surfaces of the sidewall portions of the diffusion barrier layer, and a metal cap on the conductive line and only within a region directly over the conductive line.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a front electrode for solar cells including: filling a paste for forming electrodes in a mold in which a depression pattern corresponding to a pattern of a front electrode is imprinted, drying the paste and bringing an adhesive film in contact with the paste to transfer the paste from the mold, adding the adhesive film to the semiconductor substrate such that the paste is directed toward a semiconductor substrate, and baking the paste transferred from the adhesive film to form a front electrode on the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A solar cell module with current control and a method of fabricating the same are provided. A plurality of rectifying diodes is formed simultaneously in series at a bus line formation area when solar cell units are fabricated. The rectifying diodes formed in series at the bus line formation area enables the solar cell to have the efficacy of current rectification when being shaded, and the output power of the solar cell is stabilized.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a solar cell module includes forming a first electrode on a first surface of a substrate; forming a semiconductor layer on the first electrode; forming a second electrode on the semiconductor layer; inverting the substrate with the first electrode, semiconductor layer and second electrode formed thereon, and then, positioning the inverted substrate on a plurality of supports; patterning the second electrode and the semiconductor layer while the inverted substrate is on the supports by irradiating a laser on a second surface of the substrate to form a plurality of solar cells, wherein the second surface of the substrate is opposite the first surface of the substrate; identifying defective solar cells by using the supports; and repairing the defective solar cells by using the supports.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a solid-state imaging device including a pixel region in which a plurality of pixels are arranged. The pixels each includes a photoelectric conversion section, a transfer transistor, a plurality of floating diffusion sections receiving a charge from the photoelectric conversion section through the transfer transistor, a reset transistor resetting the floating diffusion sections, a separating transistor performing on-off control of a connection between the plurality of floating diffusion sections, and an amplifying transistor outputting a signal corresponding to a potential of the floating diffusion sections.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solar cell which comprises the following layers: (a) a semi-conducting layer comprising a first surface and a second surface, wherein on the first surface a plurality of first contact points and second contact points are formed, which have opposing polarities; (b) a first single- or multi-layered, perforated foil, made of an electrically non-conductive material, which has a plurality of first holes; and (c) a structured electrically conductive layer on a surface of the perforated foil facing away from the semi-conducting layer; wherein the perforated foil and the semi-conducting layer are positioned to each other such that at least a part of the first holes and of the first contact points and of the second contact points are located opposite of each other, wherein at least a part of the first contact points and of the second contact points are connected by way of a solderless electrically conductive connection to the structured electrically conductive layer.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a photoelectric conversion device, a method for forming an embedded electrode is provided, which is suitable for a groove with a high aspect ratio. A first groove and a second groove intersecting with the first groove are formed in a crystalline silicon substrate, an i-type first silicon semiconductor layer, a second silicon semiconductor layer with one conductivity type, and a light-transmitting conductive film are sequentially formed on the surface of the crystalline silicon substrate and on the grooves, a conductive resin is injected into the first groove, and the second groove is filled with the conductive resin by a capillary action to form a grid electrode.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element of the present invention comprises: a first semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type; a first electrode arranged on the back side of the first semiconductor layer a second semiconductor layer of a second conductivity type, the second semiconductor layer on the light-receiving side of the first semiconductor layer; a light-receiving face-side electrode provided on the light-receiving side of the second semiconductor layer; a second electrode arranged on the back side of the first semiconductor layer, and electrically separated from the first semiconductor layer, but connected to the second semiconductor layer; and a penetrating-connecting section penetrating the first semiconductor layer, and connecting the light-receiving face-side electrode with the second electrode, wherein the photoelectric conversion element is characterized in that the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged equidistantly apart from a central axis passing through a center of the ph

Abstract: A method for forming a solar cell having a plasmonic back reflector is disclosed. The method includes the formation of a nanoimprinted surface on which a metal electrode is conformally disposed. The surface structure of the nanoimprinted surface gives rise to a two-dimensional pattern of nanometer-scale features in the metal electrode enabling these features to collectively form the plasmonic back reflector.

Abstract: A detection apparatus includes conversion elements and switch elements disposed below the conversion elements; insulating layers are disposed between the conversion elements and switch elements. Each conversion element includes a first electrode corresponding to a switch element. A second electrode extends over the plurality of conversion elements; and a semiconductor layer formed between the first electrodes and the second electrode extends over the plurality of conversion elements. Insulating layers include first regions located immediately below the first electrodes and a second region located between the first regions. A third electrode is disposed in the second region and between the insulating layers. The third electrode is supplied with a potential that sets a potential of a part where the second region is in contact with the semiconductor layer to a value between a potential of the second electrode and a potential of the first electrode.

Abstract: Disclosed is a see-through type photovoltaic module that includes: a first transparent substrate; a second transparent substrate; a first transparent electrode and a second electrode, all of which are placed between the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate; a photoactive layer being placed between the first transparent electrode and the second electrode and converting light into electrical energy; and a protective layer placed between the second electrode and the second transparent substrate, wherein a 3-dimensional photonic crystal structural layer is formed on the surface of the second transparent substrate facing the first transparent substrate.

Abstract: A method for forming an electrode of a solar battery on an electrode forming face of a semiconductor substrate, comprises: applying a resin containing a conductor material to be the electrode onto an electrode forming region of the electrode forming face; causing a pattern transfer member, on which a reverse pattern obtained by reversing a pattern of the electrode is formed, to face the electrode forming face, and registering the pattern transfer member on a position in which the electrode is to be formed in the electrode forming face; pressing the pattern transfer member against the electrode forming face to transfer the electrode pattern to the resin containing the conductor material; separating the pattern transfer member from the resin containing the conductor material; and baking the electrode pattern transferred to the resin containing the conductor material to form the electrode on the electrode forming face of the substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a photoelectric conversion device having a semiconductor substrate including a front side and back side, a protective layer formed on the front side of the semiconductor substrate, a first non-single crystalline semiconductor layer formed on the back side of the semiconductor substrate, a first conductive layer including a first impurity formed on a first portion of a back side of the first non-single crystalline semiconductor layer, and a second conductive layer including the first impurity and a second impurity formed on a second portion of the back side of the first non-single crystalline semiconductor layer.

Abstract: Formulations and methods of making solar cells are disclosed. In general, the invention provides a solar cell comprising a contact made from a mixture wherein, prior to firing, the mixture comprises at least one aluminum source, at least one boron source, and about 0.1 to about 10 wt % of a glass component. Within the mixture, the overall content of aluminum is about 50 wt % to about 85 wt % of the mixture, and the overall content of boron is about 0.05 to about 20 wt % of the mixture.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a solar cell in which a light receiving side electrode including grid electrodes is provided on one side of a semiconductor substrate, comprises: a first step of forming an impurity diffusion layer on one side of the semiconductor substrate of a first conductivity type, the diffusion layer having a second conductivity-type impurity diffused therein; a second step of measuring a sheet resistance value of the diffusion layer at a plurality of measurement points in a surface of the diffusion layer; and a third step of dividing the surface of the diffusion layer into a plurality of areas corresponding to the measured sheet resistance values of the surface of the diffusion layer, setting a distance between adjacent grid electrodes for each of the areas, and forming the light receiving side electrode, which is electrically connected to the diffusion layer, on the diffusion layer.

Abstract: Electrical contact to the front side of a photovoltaic cell is provided by an array of conductive through-substrate vias, and optionally, an array of conductive blocks located on the front side of the photovoltaic cell. A dielectric liner provides electrical isolation of each conductive through-substrate via from the semiconductor material of the photovoltaic cell. A dielectric layer on the backside of the photovoltaic cell is patterned to cover a contiguous region including all of the conductive through-substrate vias, while exposing a portion of the backside of the photovoltaic cell. A conductive material layer is deposited on the back surface of the photovoltaic cell, and is patterned to form a first conductive wiring structure that electrically connects the conductive through-substrate vias and a second conductive wiring structure that provides electrical connection to the backside of the photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to providing a collection grid suitable for use in PV modules. The disclosed collection grid may be at least partially applied to a protective laminate sheet in a manner that removes the high temperature requirements of conventional screen printed collection grids, to avoid unwanted heat-related deformation of the laminate sheet.

Abstract: A sensing device (10, 10?) includes a substrate (14), and first and second electrodes (EIC, EICS, EO) established on the substrate (14). The first electrode (EIC, EICS) has a three-dimensional shape, and the second electrode (EO) is electrically isolated from and surrounds a perimeter of the first electrode (EIC, EICS).

Abstract: Flat top beam laser processing schemes are disclosed for producing various types of hetero-junction and homo-junction solar cells. The methods include base and emitter contact opening, back surface field formation, selective doping, and metal ablation. Also, laser processing schemes are disclosed that are suitable for selective amorphous silicon ablation and selective doping for hetero-junction solar cells. These laser processing techniques may be applied to semiconductor substrates, including crystalline silicon substrates, and further including crystalline silicon substrates which are manufactured either through wire saw wafering methods or via epitaxial deposition processes, that are either planar or textured/three-dimensional. These techniques are highly suited to thin crystalline semiconductor, including thin crystalline silicon films.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element includes a substrate that has a first unevenness structure including a plurality of first convex portions on one principal surface and a second unevenness structure formed on a surface of the first unevenness structure and including a plurality of second convex portions. A light-receiving element is formed on the one principal surface of the substrate and includes a first electrode, a photoelectric conversion layer, and a second electrode in this order from the side of the substrate. At least the first electrode of the light-receiving element has a third unevenness structure replicated from one or both of the first and second unevenness structures on a surface opposite to the substrate.