Transparent Conductive Layer (e.g., Transparent Conductive Oxide (tco), Indium Tin Oxide (ito) Layer) (epo) Patents (Class 257/E31.126)
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Publication number: 20110094573Abstract: A solar cell and a method for fabricating the same are provided. The solar cell includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a photoelectric conversion layer and a non-conductive reflector. The first electrode including a nano-metal transparent conductive layer is disposed on a transparent substrate. The nano-metal transparent conductive layer substantially contacts with the photoelectric conversion layer. The second electrode is disposed between the photoelectric conversion layer and the transparent substrate. The photoelectric conversion layer is disposed between the first and the second electrodes. The non-conductive reflector is disposed on the first electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2009Publication date: April 28, 2011Applicant: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Chien-Liang Wu, Jun-Chin Liu, Ming-Jyh Chang, Hsing-Hua Wu, Yu-Ming Wang
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Patent number: 7932404Abstract: A dye sensitized solar cell, comprising a-heteroleptic polypyridil complex of Ru, Os or Fe. The donating ligand has an extended conjugated n-system increasing the light absorbance and keeing the LUMO energy level higher than that of the anchoring ligand. A compacting compound whose molecular structure comprises a terminal group, a hydrophobic part and an anchoring? group may be co-adsorbed together with the dye on the semi-conductive metal oxide layer of the photoanode, forming a dense mixed self-assembled monolayer.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2005Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL)Inventors: Shaik Mohammad Zakeeruddin, Cédric Klein, Peng Wang, Michaël Graetzel
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Publication number: 20110088766Abstract: A thin-film photovoltaic device comprising at least: a substrate, a transparent electrode layer, a p-type semiconductor as the ohmic contact layer, an intrinsic semiconductor as the light absorption layer, and a magnesium alloy substituted for the n-type semiconductor as the other ohmic contact layer. A method for manufacturing the thin-film photovoltaic device is also provided in the present invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2010Publication date: April 21, 2011Applicant: Institute of Nuclear Energy Research Atomic Energy Council, Executive YuanInventors: Min-Chuan Wang, Yong-Zhi Chen, Der-Jun Jan, Chi-Fong Ai
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Publication number: 20110088762Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming solar cells is provided. In one embodiment, a photovoltaic device includes a barrier layer disposed on a substrate, a TCO layer disposed on the barrier layer, and a p-i-n junction cell formed on the TCO layer. In another embodiment, a method for forming a photovoltaic device includes providing a substrate having a surface, forming a barrier layer on the surface of the substrate, forming a TCO layer on a top surface of the barrier layer, and forming a p-i-n junction cell on the TCO layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2010Publication date: April 21, 2011Applicant: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.Inventors: Kaushal K. Singh, Deepak Pingalay, Suresh Shrauti
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Publication number: 20110088771Abstract: A new process of manufacturing a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) substrate with light trapping feature and the device thereof is described. The process comprises: forming a metal layer on a substrate, annealing the metal layer so that metal elements are self-aggregated, thereby forming a plurality of island-structure metal protrusions; and forming a transparent conductive oxide layer on the island-structure metal protrusions and the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2010Publication date: April 21, 2011Applicant: DU PONT APOLLO LTD.Inventors: Yuting LIN, Shihche HUANG, Wenkai HSU
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Publication number: 20110088770Abstract: A transparent conductor including a conductive layer coated on a substrate is described. More specifically, the conductive layer comprises a network of nanowires that may be embedded in a matrix. The conductive layer is optically clear, patternable and is suitable as a transparent electrode in visual display devices such as touch screens, liquid crystal displays, plasma display panels and the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2010Publication date: April 21, 2011Applicant: Cambrios Technologies CorporationInventors: Pierre-Marc Allemand, Haixia Dai, Shuo Na, Hash Pakbaz, Florian Pschenitzka, Xina Quan, Jelena Sepa, Michael A. Spaid
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Patent number: 7927497Abstract: The present invention relates to integrated thin film solar cells, and more particularly, to integrated thin film solar cells, which minimize the loss of integrated solar cells caused at the time of a manufacturing process and become available at a low cost process, and a method of manufacturing thereof, a processing method of a transparent electrode for integrated thin film solar cells, which widens an effective area and reduces manufacturing costs by minimizing a (insulating) gap between unit cells of the integrated thin film solar cells, and a structure thereof, and a transparent substrate having the transparent electrode.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2006Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and TechnologyInventors: Koeng Su Lim, Seong Won Kwon, Jeong Hwan Kwak, Sang Il Park, Jun-Bo Yoon, Gun-Woo Moon
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Publication number: 20110079272Abstract: A thin-film photoelectric converter in which a first electrode layer formed of a transparent conductive material, a photoelectric conversion layer for photoelectric conversion, and a second electrode layer formed of a conductive material that reflects light are stacked in that order on an insulating light-transmitting substrate. The photoelectric conversion layer and the second electrode layer are divided by dividing grooves into islands that form a plurality of photoelectric conversion cells separated from each other, adjacent ones of the plurality of photoelectric conversion cells separated by the dividing grooves being electrically connected in series.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2009Publication date: April 7, 2011Applicant: Mitsusbishi Electric CorporationInventors: Hidetada Tokioka, Hiroya Yamarin
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Publication number: 20110079264Abstract: A solar cell module and a method for manufacturing the same are discussed. The solar cell module includes a substrate including an electricity generation area and an edge area that are divided by an insulating area, and a plurality of solar cells positioned in the electricity generation area. Each of the solar cells includes a transparent electrode on the substrate, a silicon electricity generation layer on the transparent electrode, and a back electrode on the silicon electricity generation layer. The back electrode of one solar cell is electrically connected to the transparent electrode of another solar cell adjacent to the one solar cell. A side of a transparent electrode of an outermost solar cell adjacent to the insulating area is covered by a side portion of a silicon electricity generation layer of the outermost solar cell exposed in the insulating area.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2010Publication date: April 7, 2011Inventors: Jeonghun Son, Seungjoon Lee, Heonmin Lee, Taeho Moon, Wonki Yoon, Jinhee Park, Sehwon Ahn, Youngjoo Eo
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Publication number: 20110073181Abstract: A method for forming a thin film photovoltaic device having patterned electrode films includes providing a soda lime glass substrate with an overlying lower electrode layer comprising a molybdenum material. The method further includes subjecting the lower electrode layer with one or more pulses of electromagnetic radiation from a laser source to ablate one or more patterns associated with one or more berm structures from the lower electrode layer. Furthermore, the method includes processing the lower electrode layer comprising the one or more patterns using a mechanical brush device to remove the one or more berm structures followed by treating the lower electrode layer comprising the one or more patterns free from the one or more berm structures. The method further includes forming a layer of photovoltaic material overlying the lower electrode layer and forming a first zinc oxide layer overlying the layer of photovoltaic material.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: Stion CorporationInventor: Robert D. Wieting
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Publication number: 20110070678Abstract: The invention teaches novel structure and methods for producing electrical current collectors and electrical interconnection structure. Such articles find particular use in facile production of modular arrays of photovoltaic cells. The current collector and interconnecting structures may be initially produced separately from the photovoltaic cells thereby allowing the use of unique materials and manufacture. Subsequent combination of the structures with photovoltaic cells allows facile and efficient completion of modular arrays. Methods for combining the collector and interconnection structures with cells and final interconnecting into modular arrays are taught.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2010Publication date: March 24, 2011Inventor: Daniel Luch
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Publication number: 20110061715Abstract: Provided is a thin film photoelectric conversion device with maximized output characteristic, by improving an uneven current value of a photoelectric conversion cell caused by an uneven film thickness and an uneven film quality of a photoelectric conversion semiconductor layer, which may be generated in scaling up an integrated-type thin film photoelectric conversion device. The thin film photoelectric conversion device includes: a substrate, a transparent electrode layer, a photoelectric conversion unit, and a back electrode layer. An increasing rate ?Zt of the film thickness Zt of the transparent electrode layer along X and an increasing rate ?Zs of the film thickness Zs of the photoelectric conversion unit along X have different signs, whereas one line segment in a parallel direction to a main surface of the substrate is taken as X?.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2009Publication date: March 17, 2011Applicant: KANEKA CORPORATIONInventors: Takashi Fujibayashi, Toshiaki Sasaki, Yuko Tawada
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Publication number: 20110056552Abstract: A solar cell comprises a photoelectric conversion body configured to generate photogenerated carriers upon receiving light; a first transparent conductive film formed on a first major surface of the photoelectric conversion body; and a second transparent conductive film formed on a second major surface provided on an side opposite to the first major surface, wherein the first major surface is formed by an n-type semiconductor layer, the second major surface is formed by a p-type semiconductor layer, and a hydrogen atom content of a part of the first transparent conductive film on a side close to the n-type semiconductor layer is lower than a hydrogen atom content of the second transparent conductive film.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2009Publication date: March 10, 2011Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventor: Daisuke Fujishima
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Patent number: 7898054Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2010Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Inventor: Daniel Luch
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Patent number: 7898053Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2010Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Inventor: Daniel Luch
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Publication number: 20110030781Abstract: A paste containing a silica polymer, made by substituting at least some of the surface functional groups thereof with alkyl groups, and solvent-removable inorganic particles is prepared, and the paste is applied and fired to form a transparent insulating film in a dye-sensitized solar cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2009Publication date: February 10, 2011Applicants: SHARP CORPORATION, SUMITOMO OSAKA CEMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Liyuan Han, Ryohsuke Yamanaka, Nobuhiro Fuke, Atsushi Fukui, Shingo Takano, Gaku Fujihashi
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Publication number: 20110023959Abstract: A photovoltaic cell substrate and a method of manufacturing the same. The photovoltaic cell substrate includes a transparent substrate and a transparent conductive film. The transparent conductive film includes zinc oxide (ZnO) which is doped with a dopant and is formed over the transparent substrate. A surface charge activated layer is formed on a surface of the transparent conductive film by Rapid-Thermal-Annealing.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2010Publication date: February 3, 2011Applicant: SAMSUNG CORNING PRECISION MATERIALS CO., LTD.Inventors: Young Zo YOO, Jae Young CHOI, Hyun Suk KIM
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Patent number: 7879644Abstract: A novel photovoltaic solar cell and method of making the same are disclosed. The solar cell includes: at least one absorber layer which could either be a lightly doped layer or an undoped layer, and at least a doped window-layers which comprise at least two sub-window-layers. The first sub-window-layer, which is next to the absorber-layer, is deposited to form desirable junction with the absorber-layer. The second sub-window-layer, which is next to the first sub-window-layer, but not in direct contact with the absorber-layer, is deposited in order to have transmission higher than the first-sub-window-layer.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2007Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: The University of ToledoInventors: Xunming Deng, Xianbo Liao, Wenhui Du
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Patent number: 7875948Abstract: A backside illuminated image sensor includes a substrate, a backside passivation layer disposed on backside of the substrate, and a transparent conductive layer disposed on the backside passivation layer.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2008Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Inventors: Jaroslav Hynecek, Leonard Forbes, Homayoon Haddad, Thomas Joy
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Publication number: 20110008926Abstract: Conductive material grids or lines embedded or partially embedded in a transparent substrate of a solar cell. The grids or lines can have a higher conductivity than the anode or they can have the same conductivity. The grids or lines increase the volume of the anode and, thus decrease sheet resistance of the same.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2009Publication date: January 13, 2011Applicant: SOLARMER ENERGY, INC.Inventors: Casey Scott Irvin, Vishal Shrotriya, Yue Wu
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Patent number: 7863608Abstract: The present invention discloses a high-efficiency lighting device and a method for fabricating the same. The method of the present invention comprises steps: providing an insulation substrate and sequentially forming an electrode layer and a seed layer on the insulation layer; forming a plurality of zinc oxide micro and nano structures and a plurality of first insulation units on the seed layer, wherein each zinc oxide micro and nano structure is arranged between two neighboring first insulation units; forming a nitride layer on the side wall of each zinc oxide micro and nano structure; and forming an electrode layer on each nitride layer. The present invention achieves a high-efficiency lighting device via growing nitride layers on the side walls of zinc oxide micro and nano structures. Further, the present invention can reduce the fabrication cost.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2009Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: National Taiwan UniversityInventors: Ching-Fuh Lin, Cha-Hsin Chao
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Publication number: 20100330736Abstract: When a layered structure of a transparent electrode layer and a metal layer is formed as a back side electrode layer over a surface on a side opposite to a side of incidence of light of a thin film solar battery, a time when formation of the transparent electrode layer is completed and a time when formation of the metal layer is started are made to coincide for one substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventor: Kazushige Kaneko
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Publication number: 20100326509Abstract: Implementations and techniques for doped diamond solar cells are generally disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Inventor: Ezekiel Kruglick
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Publication number: 20100313943Abstract: The present invention relates to a thin-film solar cell and a process for producing it, where the rear-side layer structure of the thin-film solar cell has a multilayer structure comprising a metallic bonding layer, a transition layer and an Ag-containing reflector layer and displays a high degree of reflection and good adhesion of the layer system.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2010Publication date: December 16, 2010Inventors: Hartmut Knoll, Markus Renno, Peter Lechner
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Publication number: 20100313945Abstract: Photovoltaic cells and methods for making photovoltaic cells are described. The methods include disposing an intermediate layer within the back contact at a thickness that does not negatively impact reflection or transmission of light through the solar cell. The intermediate layer prevents peeling of metal from the back contact during laser scribing.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2008Publication date: December 16, 2010Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Hien-Minh Huu Le, David Tanner
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Publication number: 20100311204Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to a process of depositing a transparent conductive oxide layer over a substrate. The transparent oxide layer is sometimes deposited onto a substrate for later use in a solar cell device. The transparent conductive oxide layer may be deposited by a “cold” sputtering process. In other words, during the sputtering process, a plasma is ignited in the processing chamber which naturally heats the substrate. No additional heat is provided to the substrate during deposition such as from the susceptor. After the transparent conductive oxide layer is deposited, the substrate may be annealed and etched, in either order, to texture the transparent conductive oxide layer. In order to tailor the shape of the texturing, different wet etch chemistries may be utilized. The different etch chemistries may be used to shape the surface of the transparent conductive oxide and the etch rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2010Publication date: December 9, 2010Inventors: VALERY V. KOMIN, Hien-Minh Huu Le, David Tanner, James S. Papanu, Philip A. Greene, Suresh M. Shrauti, Roman Gouk, Steven Verhaverbeke
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Publication number: 20100300514Abstract: A solar cell includes a substrate, a lower electrode layer, a semiconductor layer and an upper electrode layer. The lower electrode layer is formed on the substrate with the lower electrode layer having a first lower electrode layer and a second lower electrode layer. The first lower electrode layer includes a material having a lower electrical resistivity than the second lower electrode layer. The semiconductor layer is formed on the lower electrode layer. The upper electrode layer is formed on the semiconductor layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2010Publication date: December 2, 2010Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATIONInventors: Atsushi DENDA, Hiromi SAITO
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Publication number: 20100300539Abstract: The present invention provides a solar cell structure and the manufacturing method thereof. The solar cell structure includes an active layer having a plurality of first recesses near the edges thereof; and a transparent conductive layer forming on the active layer and having a plurality of second recesses near the edges thereof connecting to the plurality of first recesses.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2010Publication date: December 2, 2010Applicant: AXUNTEX SOLAR ENERGY CO., LTD.Inventor: Yen-Chun Chen
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Publication number: 20100300529Abstract: Disclosed is a dye-sensitized solar cell which can simultaneously realize an excellent photoelectric conversion efficiency and excellent durability. The dye-sensitized solar cell is also suitable when a resin film is used as a base material. The dye-sensitized solar cell comprises an electroconductive base material, and a metal oxide semiconductor layer formed of a semiconductor film with a dye adsorbed on the surface thereof, a charge transfer layer, and a counter electrode provided in that order on the electroconductive base material and is characterized in that a metal oxide intermediate layer formed of fine particles of a metal oxide is provided between the electroconductive base material and the metal oxide semiconductor layer and the electroconductive base material comprises a transparent base material, and a metallic current collecting layer formed of metallic fine wires and an electroconductive polymer-containing transparent electroconductive layer provided on the transparent base material.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2008Publication date: December 2, 2010Applicant: KONICA MINOLTA HOLDINGS, INC.Inventors: Yusuke Kawahara, Hirokazu Koyama, Takahiro Nojima
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Publication number: 20100301442Abstract: An optical semiconductor device that performs photoelectric conversion, comprising: a semiconductor substrate that includes (i) a first conductivity-type semiconductor region, (ii) a second conductivity-type semiconductor region that is positioned on the first conductivity-type semiconductor region and has a light receiving surface, and (iii) a first conductivity-type contact region that penetrates, from an upper surface of the second conductivity-type semiconductor region, the second conductivity-type semiconductor region so as to be in contact with the first conductivity-type semiconductor region; an electrode pair for drawing current obtained by performing photoelectric conversion of light incident on the light receiving surface, the electrode pair being composed of (i) a first electrode that is positioned on the first conductivity-type contact region and (ii) a second electrode that is positioned on the second conductivity-type semiconductor region so as to be separated from the first electrode; an insulaType: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2010Publication date: December 2, 2010Inventors: Takaki IWAI, Hironari TAKEHARA
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Patent number: 7843061Abstract: The electrodes (7) and the contact zones (15) are structured in a film of a transparent conductive oxide (TCO), deposited on a transparent support (1) possibly coated with an intermediate film (3), while being separated by dielectric spaces (9) formed by nano fissures (11) obtained by UV radiation and passing through the TCO film. A protective film (13) can coat the electrodes (7) and the dielectric spaces (9).Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2004Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: Asulab S.A.Inventors: Gian-Carlo Poli, Joachim Grupp, Pierre-Yves Baroni
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Publication number: 20100288354Abstract: A photovoltaic device can include a transparent conductive oxide layer adjacent to a substrate and one or more barrier layers, which can include a silicon oxide or a silicon nitride.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2010Publication date: November 18, 2010Applicant: First Solar, Inc.Inventors: Scott Mills, Dale Roberts, Zhibo Zhao, Yu Yang
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Publication number: 20100288355Abstract: A photovoltaic device can include a transparent conductive oxide layer adjacent to a substrate and a barrier layer, which can include a silicon-containing material.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2010Publication date: November 18, 2010Applicant: First Solar, Inc.Inventors: Scott Mills, Dale Roberts, Zhibo Zhao, Yu Yang
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Publication number: 20100279458Abstract: A process for making a partially transparent photovoltaic cell or a partially transparent photovoltaic module comprising series-connected or parallel-connected photovoltaic cells comprises the step of forming a patterned back electrode(s) by screen printing, jet printing, roll-to-roll processing or depositing through a shadow mask with openings. The pattern of the back electrode is determined at the same time when the back electrode is disposed, such that the complexity and cost of the process can be reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2010Publication date: November 4, 2010Applicant: DU PONT APOLLO LTD.Inventors: Hsieh-Hsin YEH, Chi Lai LEE, Hsuan-Ping CHEN
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Publication number: 20100269897Abstract: A photovoltaic device that exhibits improved light absorption properties for the electric power generation layer and a process for producing such a photovoltaic device are provided by optimizing the surface shape of the back surface structure. A photovoltaic device 100 comprising a first transparent electrode layer 2, an electric power generation layer 3, a second transparent electrode layer 6 and a back electrode layer 4 provided sequentially on a substrate 1, wherein the back electrode layer 4 comprises a thin film of silver, and the surface of the second transparent electrode layer 6 on the surface of the back electrode layer 4 has a fine uneven texture, for which the surface area magnification ratio relative to the projected surface area is not less than 10% and not more than 32%.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2009Publication date: October 28, 2010Applicant: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Satoshi Sakai, Yuji Asahara, Yasuyuki Kobayashi, Masafumi Mori, Shigenori Tsuruga, Nobuki Yamashita
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Publication number: 20100252089Abstract: A process for providing a series connection in a solar cell system including the provision of a solar cell system comprising a transparent conductive oxide layer, a photovoltaic layer, and a back electrode, wherein the system is divided into at least two individual cells wherein the transparent conductive oxide layer of one cell is connected through a conductive interconnect with the back electrode of an adjacent cell, and the transparent conductive oxide layer is provided with an insulating interrupt on one side of the interconnect and the back electrode is provided with an interrupt on the other side of the interconnect, the process being characterised in that the interrupt in the transparent conductive oxide layer is provided through vitrification of the transparent conductive oxide layer. A solar cell system provided with a series connection wherein the interrupt in the TCO layer is made up of a vitrified section of the TCO is also claimed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2008Publication date: October 7, 2010Applicant: Helianthos B.V.Inventor: Edwin Peter Sportel
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Publication number: 20100237250Abstract: A photosensor includes a photodiode including a semiconductor layer. The semiconductor layer is made up of an n-type semiconductor layer, an i-type semiconductor layer and a p-type semiconductor layer, for example. The photosensor further includes a transparent electrode made of a transparent conductive film, and a nitrogen-containing semiconductor layer formed between the semiconductor layer and the transparent electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2010Publication date: September 23, 2010Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATIONInventor: Masami HAYASHI
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Publication number: 20100229935Abstract: The short-circuit current of a photovoltaic device is improved by optimizing the transparent conductive layer. A photovoltaic device comprising a first transparent electrode layer, an electric power generation layer, a second transparent electrode layer and a back electrode layer on a substrate, wherein the film thickness of the second transparent electrode layer is not less than 80 nm and not more than 100 nm, and the light absorptance for the second transparent electrode layer in a wavelength region from not less than 600 nm to not more than 1,000 nm is not more than 1.5%. Also, a photovoltaic device wherein the film thickness of the second transparent electrode layer is not less than 80 nm and not more than 100 nm, and the reflectance for light reflected at the second transparent electrode layer and the back electrode layer is not less than 91% in the wavelength region from not less than 600 nm to not more than 1,000 nm.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2009Publication date: September 16, 2010Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Satoshi Sakai, Yuji Asahara, Yasuyuki Kobayashi, Masafumi Mori, Shigenori Tsuruga, Nobuki Yamashita
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Publication number: 20100229941Abstract: An electrode substrate for a photoelectric conversion element includes: current collecting wires; and a protective layer covering the current collecting wires, wherein the protective layer includes a first protective layer containing glass components and a second protective layer which is composed of an insulating resin layer and provided on the first protective layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2010Publication date: September 16, 2010Applicant: FUJIKURA LTD.Inventors: Hiroshi MATSUI, Kenichi OKADA, Takayuki KITAMURA
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Publication number: 20100224228Abstract: A charge transferor of a solar cell, which collects and transfer charges generated from a semiconductor substrate, includes at least one electrode collecting the charges; and at least one collector transferring the charges collected by the at least one electrode, the at least one collector being included in at least one collector region on the substrate, wherein the at least one collector region in a first direction comprises at least one deletion portion where the at least one collector is not formed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2010Publication date: September 9, 2010Inventors: Jinah KIM, Jonghwan Kim, Younghyun Lee, Ilhyoung Jung, Seongeun Lee, Jeongbeom Nam, Minho Choi, Sungjin Kim, Juhwan Yun
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Publication number: 20100218823Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electrode substrate for a photoelectric conversion element which includes: forming a transparent conductive layer and a collector wire on a substrate; forming an oxide semiconductor layer in a region of the transparent conductive layer different from a region in which the collector wire is formed; forming an porous oxide semiconductor layer by firing the oxide semiconductor layer; after firing, forming a protective layer covering the collector wires, the protective layer composed of an insulating resin having a thermal resistance at 250° C. or higher; heating the substrate at 250° C. or higher during or after the formation of the protective layer; and after the heating, allowing adsorption of dyes in the porous oxide semiconductor layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2010Publication date: September 2, 2010Applicant: FUJIKURA LTD.Inventors: Hiroshi Matsui, Kenichi Okada
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Patent number: 7786502Abstract: A nitride semiconductor light-emitting device includes, a support substrate 170; a nitride semiconductor layer 100 which includes a p-type nitride semiconductor layer 140 formed on the support substrate 170, an MQW active layer 130 formed on the p-type nitride semiconductor layer 140, and an n-type nitride semiconductor layer 120 formed on the MQW active layer 130; a contact electrode 161 formed on the n-type nitride semiconductor layer 120; a second transparent electrode 165 having an optical transparency and formed on the contact electrode 161; and a second pad electrode 166 formed on the support substrate 170 and electrically connected to the second transparent electrode 165, wherein, on a projection plane S parallel to a main surface of the MQW active layer 130, a region on which the MQW active layer 130 is projected and a region on which the second pad electrode 166 is projected are not overlapped.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2007Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.Inventor: Mitsuhiko Sakai
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Publication number: 20100206372Abstract: A photovoltaic cell can include a substrate having a transparent conductive oxide layer, a heterojunction layer, and a cadmium telluride layer. The layers can be deposited by sputtering or by chemical vapor deposition.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2009Publication date: August 19, 2010Applicant: First Solar, Inc.Inventors: Benyamin Buller, Rui Shao
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Publication number: 20100210062Abstract: A method of fabricating a solar cell is disclosed. The solar cell fabricating method includes forming a first transparent conductive layer on a transparent substrate, texturing an upper surface of the first transparent conductive layer using an etchant solution configured to contain an acid with a molecular weight of about 58˜300, forming a photoelectric conversion layer on the first transparent conductive layer, forming a second transparent conductive layer on the photoelectric conversion layer, and forming a rear electrode on the second transparent conductive layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2009Publication date: August 19, 2010Inventors: Tae Youn KIM, Weon Seo Park, Jeong Woo Lee, Seong Kee Park, Kyung Jin Shim
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Publication number: 20100200052Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a photovoltaic device and a process for producing such a photovoltaic device that enable a stable, high photovoltaic conversion efficiency to be achieved by using a transparent electrode having an optimal relationship between the resistivity and the transmittance. At least one transparent electrode (12, 16) is either a ZnO layer containing no Ga or a Ga-doped ZnO layer in which the quantity of added Ga is not more than 5 atomic % relative to the Zn within the ZnO layer, and the ZnO layer is formed by a sputtering method using a rare gas containing added oxygen as the sputtering gas, wherein the quantity of oxygen added to the sputtering gas is not less than 0.1% by volume and not more than 5% by volume relative to the combined volume of the oxygen and the rare gas.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2007Publication date: August 12, 2010Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Nobuki Yamashita, Toshiya Watanabe, Satoshi Sakai, Youji Nakano
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Publication number: 20100197068Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for improved photovoltaic devices. In one embodiment, the transparent electrode of a thin-film solar cell is replaced in part by a sheet of nanowires. One technique for use in present invention comprises forming a solar cell having: a) a thinner than usual transparent top electrode of a conductive material having a reduced thickness and b) an interconnected network of nanowires in contact with and/or coated by the top electrode. In some embodiments, the top electrode and network of nanowires increases overall power output of the solar cell compared to an otherwise identical cell using only a) a top electrode layer of the material at a thickness and light transmission equal to a combined thickness and light transmission of the top electrode and the network of nanowires, or b) an interconnected network of nanowires of thickness equal to the combined thickness and light transmission.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2009Publication date: August 5, 2010Inventors: Hak Fei Poon, Tianyue Yu
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Publication number: 20100193020Abstract: Photovoltaic cells and methods for the manufacture of photovoltaic cells are described. Operative layers of the photovoltaic cell are deposited onto a superstrate having a plurality of spaced ramps, allowing for the individual cells to be connected in series with minimal loss of the efficiency due to dead space between the cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2009Publication date: August 5, 2010Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventor: Bruce E. Adams
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Publication number: 20100193027Abstract: A solar cell and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The solar cell includes a substrate of a first conductive type, an anti-reflection layer that is positioned on the substrate and is formed of a transparent conductive oxide material, a plurality of emitter layers on the substrate, the plurality of emitter layers being of a second conductive type opposite the first conductive type, a plurality of first electrodes on the plurality of emitter layers, and a plurality of second electrodes that are electrically connected to the substrate and are positioned to be spaced apart from the plurality of first electrodes. The first electrodes and the second electrodes are positioned on the same surface of the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2010Publication date: August 5, 2010Inventors: Kwangsun JI, Heonmin Lee, Junghoon Choi, Sehwon Ahn
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Publication number: 20100186805Abstract: A new photovoltaic (PV) cell structure, prepared on transparent substrate with transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer and having nanorod zinc oxide layer. The cell has a thin conductive layer of doped zinc oxide deposited on the nanorod zinc oxide layer, an extremely thin blocking layer of titanium oxide or indium sulfide on the thin conductive layer, a buffer layer of indium sulfide on the extremely thin blocking layer, an absorber layer, comprising copper indium disulfide on said buffer layer and one electrode attached to the transparent conductive oxide layer and a second electrode attached to the absorber layer. Also, a method of preparing a zinc oxide nanorod PV cell entirely by chemical spray pyrolysis is disclosed. Efficiency up to 3.9% is achieved by simple continuous non-vacuum process.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2008Publication date: July 29, 2010Applicant: TALLINN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGYInventors: Malle Krunks, Atanas Katerski, Tatjana Dedova, Arvo Mere, Ilona Oja Acik
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Publication number: 20100186815Abstract: A photovoltaic device can include a semiconductor absorber layer with improved cadmium telluride orientation.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2010Publication date: July 29, 2010Applicant: First Solar, Inc.Inventors: Yu Yang, Boil Pashmakov, Zhibo Zhao