Abstract: A method for fabricating a solar cell device is provided. A container containing a solution with a plurality of nano or micro particles is provided. A solar chip is provided, and the plurality of nano or micro particles in the solution are uniformly coated on a surface of the solar chip by soaking the solar chip in the solution, wherein the plurality of nano or micro particles uniformly coated on the surface of the solar chip are used as an anti-reflective layer. The solar chip is taken out from the solution after being uniformly coated with the plurality of nano or micro particles on a surface thereof.

Abstract: A low-index silica coating may be made by forming silica sol comprising a silane and/or a colloidal silica. The silica precursor may be deposited on a substrate (e.g., glass substrate) to form a coating layer. The coating layer may then be cured and/or fired using temperature(s) of from about 550 to 700° C. A surface treatment composition comprising an organic material comprising an alkyl chain or a fluoro-alkyl chain and at least one reactive functionality comprising silicon and/or phosphorous may be formed, deposited on the coating layer, then cured and/or fired to form an overcoat layer Preferably, the overcoat layer does not substantially affect the percent transmission or reflection of the low-index silica coating. The low-index silica based coating may be used as an antireflective (AR) film on a front glass substrate of a photovoltaic device (e.g., solar cell) or any other suitable application in certain example instances.

Abstract: A primary cell having an anode comprising lithium and a cathode comprising iron disulfide (FeS2) and carbon particles. The electrolyte comprises a lithium salt dissolved in a solvent mixture. A cathode slurry is prepared comprising iron disulfide powder, carbon, binder, and a liquid solvent. The mixture is coated onto a substrate and solvent evaporated leaving a dry cathode coating on the substrate. The cathode coating is then baked at elevated temperatures in atmosphere under partial vacuum or in an atmosphere of nitrogen or inert gas. The anode and cathode can be spirally wound with separator therebetween and inserted into the cell casing with electrolyte then added.

Abstract: A first electrode layer 14 is formed on a mica substrate 54, and then first scribe portions 64 are disposed. Next, a light absorbing layer 16 and a buffer layer 18 are disposed on the first electrode layer 14, and through holes (second scribe portions 66) which penetrate from the upper end face of the buffer layer 18 to the lower end face of the mica substrate 54 are formed in a spot-like manner. Then, a second electrode layer 20 is disposed on the buffer layer 18. At this time, the lower end face of the second electrode layer 20 reaches the first electrode layer 14 along the inner peripheral walls of the second scribe portions 66. Furthermore, the second electrode layer 20 is scribed to dispose third scribe portions 70.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device having a front and back orientation and comprising: a crystalline substrate having a resistivity greater than about 0.01 ohm-cm; and an epitaxy thin-film layer in front of said substrate, said thin-film layer contacting said substrate in at least one region to define a p-n junction.

Abstract: The present invention includes forming a hydrophobic thin film on a substrate, removing a portion of the first hydrophobic thin film to form a first hydrophilic region, coating a first organic solution on the substrate and selectively wetting the first hydrophilic region, drying the first organic solution to form a first organic thin film pattern in the first hydrophilic region, forming a second hydrophobic thin film on the first organic thin film pattern, coating a second organic solution and selectively wetting the second organic solution, and drying the second organic solution to form a second organic thin film pattern.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a solar cell module according to the present invention includes a step of forming a protective layer formed of a transparent material on one main surface of one solar cell, and a region in which the one main surface is exposed remains on an outside of the circumference of the protective layer formed on the one main surface.

Abstract: A device for applying an even, thin fluid layer, in particular a phosphoric acid layer, onto substrates, in particular silicon cells for photovoltaic application, is provided with a process chamber, which is provided with a fluid pan and a high-frequency ultrasound device that converts the fluid into fluid mist, and with a transport device that is arranged beneath a fluid-mist dropping shaft of the process chamber for the substrates.

Abstract: According to a solar cell manufacturing method of an embodiment, in a process of forming a surface protection layer by transferring a resin material applied to a cylindrical surface of a cylindrical blanket, to a light receiving surface of a solar cell substrate, the blanket is rotated on the light receiving surface of the solar cell substrate in a first direction in which the multiple thin wire electrodes extend.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the unusually high rate deposition of thin film materials on a stationary or continuous substrate. The method includes the in situ generation of a neutral-enriched deposition medium that is conducive to the formation of thin film materials having a low intrinsic defect concentration at any speed. In one embodiment, the deposition medium is created by forming a plasma from an energy transferring gas; combining the plasma with a precursor gas to form a set of activated species that include ions, ion-radicals, and neutrals; and selectively excluding the species that promote the formation of defects to form the deposition medium. In another embodiment, the deposition medium is created by mixing an energy transferring gas and a precursor gas, forming a plasma from the mixture to form a set of activated species, and selectively excluding the species that promote the formation of defects.

Abstract: The present invention, in one aspect, relates to a solar cell. In one embodiment, the solar cell includes an anode, a p-type semiconductor layer formed on the anode, and an active organic layer formed on the p-type semiconductor layer, where the active organic layer has an electron-donating organic material and an electron-accepting organic material.

Abstract: A surface of an MgO protective layer for a plasma display panel (PDP) comprises a combination of a crystalline structure (111) and a crystalline structure (200). The MgO protective layer can exhibit improved discharge time lag (jitter) and sputtering resistance characteristics.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for preparing a metal film on a substrate for use in a solar cell, comprising the steps of: (a) depositing a film of a metal oxide on a substrate by means of a gas phase deposition process, which metal is selected from the group consisting of Mo, V, W, Pd, Ta, Nb and Cr; and (b) reducing the metal oxide on the substrate into the corresponding metal by contacting the film of the metal oxide with a reducing gas at a temperature in the range of from 300 to 1500° C. The invention further provides a substrate onto which a metal film is applied, which metal film is obtainable by the process according to the invention, and a solar cell comprising such a substrate.

Abstract: Ozone treated carbon electrodes can provide increased catalytic activity, such as in a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) or other electrochemical device or other device that could benefit from an increased catalytic activity, such as lithium ion or other batteries, hydrogen fuel cells, or electroanalytical instruments. Devices, methods of making, and methods of using are discussed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a solar cell having a multi-layered structure that is used to generate, transport, and collect electric charges. The multi-layered nanostructure comprises a cathode, a conducting metal layer, a photo-active layer, a hole-transport layer, and an anode. The photo-active layer comprises a tree-like nanostructure array and a conjugate polymer filler. The tree-like nanostructure array is used as an electron acceptor while the conjugate polymer filler is as an electron donor. The tree-like nanostructure array comprises a trunk part and a branch part. The trunk part is formed in-situ on the surface of the conducting metal layer and is used to provide a long straight transport pathway to transport electrons. The large contact area between the branch part and the conjugate polymer filler provides electron-hole separation.

Abstract: Solar module manufacturing methods for manufacturing a light concentrating solar module including photovoltaic (PV) cells. The method includes applying an interconnect material to a flexible electrical backplane having preformed conductive interconnect circuitry to form interconnect attachments. The method aligns an array of back contact PV cells with the interconnect attachments. Conductive pathways are formed between the PV cells and the conductive interconnects of the flexible electrical backplane. The method includes providing a light concentrating layer between PV cells that are spaced apart. The method applies an encapsulant material to fill spaces formed between the PV cells and the flexible electrical backplane to form a solar cell subassembly, which is incorporated into the light concentrating solar module.

Abstract: The tin-free air side of each of float-processed soda-lime float glass substrates is quickly and accurately distinguished, and the substrates are arranged, with the air sides facing upward. CIS based thin-film photo voltaic devices are formed on the air sides to improve conversion efficiency and yield and reduce production cost. A surface of a glass substrate is irradiated with ultra violet lights. When fluorescence occurs, this side is judged to be the tin-containing float side B (P1) and a tin containment mark is put thereon (P2). When the upper side is the air side A not bearing a tin containment mark, this substrate is subjected as it is to a cleaning/drying step and to the formation of a CIS based thin-film photo voltaic device on the air side A. When the upper side is the float side B, this substrate is turned over (P3) and then subjected to a cleaning/drying step (P4) and to the formation of a CIS based thin-film photo voltaic device on the upper side, i.e., the air side A (P5).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for wet-chemical processes (cleaning, etching, stripping, coating, dehydration) in a continuous method for flat, thin and fracture-sensitive substrates, the substrate transport and the wet process being effected by media-absorbing rollers.

Abstract: To provide a transparent conductive substrate for solar cells, whereby the resistance of the tin oxide layer is low, and the absorption of near infrared light by the tin oxide layer is low. A transparent conductive substrate for solar cells, which has at least two types of layers including a silicon oxide layer and multi-laminated tin oxide layers adjacent to the silicon oxide layer, formed on a substrate in this order from the substrate side, wherein the multi-laminated tin oxide layers include at least one tin oxide layer doped with fluorine and at least one tin oxide layer not doped with fluorine.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing thin-film-base PV module includes the steps of slidably loading one or more glass substrates in a standing manner into a stationary deposition chamber in a fully automatic manner by guiding the bottom peripheral edges of the glass substrates along transferring tracks; administering the glass substrates through a deposition process within the deposition chamber to form the PV modules; and slidably unloading the PV modules from the deposition chamber in a fully automatic manner by guiding the bottom peripheral edges of the PV modules along the transferring tracks.

Abstract: Disclosed is a photo-electrode for a dye-sensitized solar cell comprising a conductive substrate; a light absorbing porous film comprising nanoparticles of a first metal oxide, which is formed on the conductive substrate; a light scattering porous film comprising hollow spherical agglomerates of nanoparticles of a second metal oxide, which is formed on the light absorbing porous film; and a photosensitive dye adsorbed on the surface of the light absorbing metal oxide nanoparticles as well as on the surface of the hollow spherical agglomerates of the light scattering porous film.

Abstract: A method of processing a ribbon crystal provides a string ribbon crystal, and removes at least one edge of the string ribbon crystal.

Abstract: A barrier coating of organic-inorganic composition, the barrier coating having optical properties that are substantially uniform along an axis of light transmission, said axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the surface of the coating.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for producing series-connected solar cells, wherein the method comprises the following steps: a substrate is introduced into at least one deposition chamber, at least one material layer is deposited on the substrate or a material layer which has already been applied in the deposition chamber, where in the substrate is applied to a bearing surface, which is curved in the direction of a depositing device, in the deposition chamber, wherein the substrate is flexible and is mechanically prestressed or is curved in a manner corresponding to the bearing surface and the applied layer is patterned using at least one tensioned wire which rests against the substrate, which has been applied to the curved bearing surface, with a defined force and shades the applied material layer or the substrate from the depositing device and thus patterns the material layer to be applied.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to interferometric display devices comprising an interferometric modulator and a solar cell and methods of making thereof. In some embodiments, the solar cell is configured to provide energy to the interferometric modulator. The solar cell and the interferometric modulator may be formed above the same substrate. A layer of the solar cell may be shared with a layer of the interferometric modulator.

Abstract: Provided are to a dye-sensitized solar cell and method of manufacturing the same. The dye-sensitized solar cell includes a lower electrode having a carbon nanorod layer, and a dye layer provided between an upper electrode and the lower electrode and which includes a carbon nanotube.

Abstract: A unit nano photo cell comprised of a first component of conductive or semi conductive crystalline material, forming a backbone which spreads out in a three dimensional structural fashion, a second component of at least one photo active material bound to the first component, and a third component of carrier mobility promoter material bound to the second component, all of which together constitute a framework for separating electrons from holes when a light source is provide to the unit nano photo cell such that the second component acts as a photo active center, converting incoming photons into pairs of electron-holes, the first component transports electrons from the second component to a common bottom plate, and the third component extracts the holes from the second component and discharges them via a conductive pathway to a common top plate.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a method for manufacturing an organic electroluminescence device, including forming an organic light emitting layer by a relief printing method, the method including transferring an organic light emitting material ink from an ink supplier to a printing plate, and subsequently transferring the organic light emitting material ink from the printing plate to a substrate, wherein a solvent of the organic light emitting material ink comprises a solvent having a vapor pressure over 500 Pa at 20-25 degrees Celsius, and wherein the time between the reception of the ink by the printing plate and the transfer of the ink to the substrate is equal to or less than 5 seconds.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device including a rear electrode which may also function as a rear reflector. In certain example embodiments of this invention, the rear electrode includes a metallic based reflective film that is oxidation graded, so as to be more oxided closer to a rear substrate (e.g., glass substrate) supporting the electrode than at a location further from the rear substrate. In other words, the rear electrode is oxidation graded so as to be less oxided closer to a semiconductor absorber of the photovoltaic device than at a location further from the semiconductor absorber in certain example embodiments. In certain example embodiments, the interior surface of the rear substrate may optionally be textured so that the rear electrode deposited thereon is also textured so as to provide desirable electrical and reflective characteristics. In certain example embodiments, the rear electrode may be of or include Mo and/or MoOx, and may be sputter-deposited using a combination of MoOx and Mo sputtering targets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for reacting metallic precursors with sulfur and/or selenium to chalcopyrite layers of CIGSS solar cells in a reaction chamber of an RTP furnace. The aim of the invention is to produce thin-layer solar modules. Said aim is achieved by introducing a substrate coated with the precursor as well as an amount of sulfur and/or selenium that is sufficient to carry out the reaction into a sealingly closable reaction box which is provided with at least one discharge valve that can be controlled from outside the reaction chamber. The reaction box is introduced into the reaction chamber of the RTP furnace, the reaction chamber is evacuated, the reaction box is heated to a predetermined temperature in the reaction chamber along with the substrate and is maintained at said temperature for a certain process time, the pressure in the reaction box being measured and being controlled via the at least one discharge valve during the process time.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus having a gradient spacing created between a substrate support assembly and a gas distribution plate for depositing a silicon film for solar cell applications are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus for depositing films for solar cell applications may include a processing chamber, a substrate support disposed in the processing chamber and configured to support a quadrilateral substrate thereon, and a gas distribution plate disposed in the processing chamber above the substrate support, wherein a bottom surface of the gas distribution plate has a perimeter that includes edges and corners, and wherein the corners of the gas distribution plate are closer to the substrate support than the edges of the gas distribution plate.

Abstract: An absorber layer of a photovoltaic device may be formed on an aluminum or metallized polymer foil substrate. A nascent absorber layer containing one or more elements of group IB and one or more elements of group IIIA is formed on the substrate. The nascent absorber layer and/or substrate is then rapidly heated from an ambient temperature to an average plateau temperature range of between about 200° C. and about 600° C. and maintained in the average plateau temperature range 1 to 30 minutes after which the temperature is reduced.

Abstract: A method of producing a photocatalyst according to the invention comprises forming an amorphous titanium oxide and heat-treating it in an atmosphere containing oxygen, whereby a photocatalyst having a good photocatalysis can be obtained. In particular, the amorphous titanium oxide is obtained by using the reactive sputtering method and via deposition at a low temperature and at a high film formation rate. This apparatus can be provided with cooling means to allow enhancement of the throughput of the film formation process.

Abstract: A method of making a photovoltaic device including an antireflective coating, including: forming a coating solution by mixing a mono-metal oxide, a bi-metal oxide, a silane, or a siloxane with a solvent, such that the coating solution may be used as a barrier between the antireflective coating and a glass substrate that inhibits sodium ion migration in the glass substrate after exposure to environmental factors including humidity and temperature. A photovoltaic device including a photovoltaic film, a glass substrate, and a barrier layer provided on the glass substrate; an anti-reflection coating provided on the glass substrate and on the barrier layer; wherein the barrier layer comprises one or more of the following: a mono-metal oxide, a bi-metal oxide, a silane, or a siloxane.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting sunlight to electricity comprises a sheet of soda lime glass having a softening point not exceeding 600° C. and a layer of crystalline silicon over said sheet of soda lime glass. The layer has a thickness not less than about 5 microns and grains with grain size not less than about 100 microns. A method for making a device for converting sunlight to electricity comprises forming a film on a soda lime glass substrate, dispersing silicon powder onto the film and pressing a surface onto the silicon powder to form a layer of silicon powder on said film. The substrate and film are heated from below to a temperature so that the soda lime glass substrate softens.

Abstract: Fabrication of a solar cell using a printed contact mask. The contact mask may include dots formed by inkjet printing. The dots may be formed in openings between dielectric layers (e.g., polyimide). Intersections of overlapping dots may form gaps that define contact regions. The spacing of the gaps may be dictated by the alignment of nozzles that dispense the dots. Using the dots as a contact mask, an underlying dielectric layer may be etched to form the contact regions through the underlying dielectric layer. Metal contact fingers may be formed over the wafer to form electrical connections to corresponding diffusion regions through the contact regions.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a solar cell is described. The method includes first providing, in a process chamber, a substrate having a light-receiving surface. An anti-reflective coating (ARC) layer is then formed, in the process chamber, above the light-receiving surface of the substrate. Finally, without removing the substrate from the process chamber, a protection layer is formed above the ARC layer.

Abstract: This invention provides novel methods for the formation of redox-active polymers attached to surfaces. In certain embodiments, the methods involve providing redox-active molecules bearing at least a first reactive site or group and a second reactive site or group; and contacting the surface with the redox-active molecules where the contacting is under conditions that result in attachment of said redox-active molecules to said surface via the first reactive site or group and attachment of redox-active molecules via the second reactive site or group, to the redox-active molecules attached to the surface thereby forming a polymer attached to said surface where the polymers comprise at least two of said redox-active molecules.

Abstract: This invention provides novel methods for the formation of redox-active polymers attached to surfaces. In certain embodiments, the methods involve providing redox-active molecules bearing at least a first reactive site or group and a second reactive site or group; and contacting the surface with the redox-active molecules where the contacting is under conditions that result in attachment of said redox-active molecules to said surface via the first reactive site or group and attachment of redox-active molecules via the second reactive site or group, to the redox-active molecules attached to the surface thereby forming a polymer attached to said surface where the polymers comprise at least two of said redox-active molecules.

Abstract: Structures and methods are provided for forming substrates having surface coatings thereon. In one aspect, a structure is provided including a substrate, a surface coating formed on the surface of the substrate, wherein the surface coating comprises a monolayer of dielectric particles, and a dielectric layer having a thickness of less than a height of the dielectric particles. In another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for processing a substrate including providing a substrate having a surface, exposing a solution comprising dielectric particles to the substrate surface, forming a monolayer of dielectric particles from the solution on the substrate surface, depositing a dielectric layer on the substrate surface at a thickness of less than the height of the dielectric particles, and exposing the substrate to a thermal process.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for forming an absorber layer. In one embodiment, a method is provided comprising of depositing a solution on a substrate to form a precursor layer. The solution comprises of at least one polar solvent, at least one binder, and at least one Group IB and/or IIIA hydroxide. The precursor layer is processed in one or more steps to form a photovoltaic absorber layer. In one embodiment, the absorber layer may be created by processing the precursor layer into a solid film and then thermally reacting the solid film in an atmosphere containing at least an element of Group VIA of the Periodic Table to form the photovoltaic absorber layer. Optionally, the absorber layer may be processed by thermal reaction of the precursor layer in an atmosphere containing at least an element of Group VIA of the Periodic Table to form the photovoltaic absorber layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a layered system of a component that can be thermally stressed, comprising at least one for expanding the application scope of layered systems and in particular for improving their life cycle. Said layer has at least one first and at least one second material and a mixture profile (1) that varies at least almost continuously with the layer thickness, without forming a boundary layer between the first and second material.

Abstract: A single chamber CVD manufacturing process enables thin film p-i-n solar cells exhibiting collection efficiencies in the range of 9% to 12%, and higher. These collection efficiencies are achieved by: Changing the overall chemical and structural composition of the p-doped layer; Using techniques to remove residual reactants after deposition of the p-doped layer; optionally, applying a buffer layer of a hydrogen-rich amorphous silicon between the p-doped layer and a subsequently deposited intrinsic layer; and, changing the silicon crystalline composition during deposition of an i-doped layer or an n-doped layer. The single chamber process provides a cost of manufacture/solar cell output in $/Watt that is competitive.

Abstract: A method of making an anti-reflection coating using a sol-gel process, for use in a photovoltaic device or the like. The method may include the following steps in certain example embodiments: forming a polymeric component of silica by mixing silane(s) with one or more of a first solvent, a catalyst, and water; forming a silica sol gel by mixing the polymeric component with a colloidal silica, and optionally a second solvent; forming a combined sol by mixing siloxane(s) with the silica sol; casting the mixture by spin coating or the like to form a silica and siloxane containing layer on a substrate; and curing and/or heat treating the layer. This layer may make up all or only part of an anti-reflection coating which may be used in a photovoltaic device or the like.

Abstract: A method of forming a laminate and a method of manufacturing a photovoltaic device using the laminate are provided. The laminate forming method includes a first step of forming an intermediate layer on a base member, and a second step of forming a metal layer on the intermediate layer, the adhesion of the metal layer to the base member being lower than that of the intermediate layer, the reflectance of the metal layer being higher than that of the intermediate layer. The rate of formation of the metal layer is increased at an intermediate stage in the second step. The laminate thereby formed has improved characteristics and is capable of maintaining improved reflection characteristics and adhesion even under high-temperature and high-humidity conditions or during long-term use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protective backing sheet for photovoltaic modules. The backing sheets of the current invention possess excellent weather resistance, heat resistance, color retention, adhesion between layers and encapsulant, and scratch resistance. The backing sheet can minimize the deterioration in the performance of the solar module due to moisture permeation. It also can achieve desirable photoelectric conversion efficiency over a long period of time. Additionally the described backing sheet, or alternately referred to backskin, can be made in an aesthetically pleasing form.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device comprises: a first cladding material; a photosensitive material having an index of refraction larger than the first cladding material index of refraction, the photosensitive material disposed adjacent the first cladding material; and a second cladding material having an index of refraction smaller than the photosensitive material index of refraction, the photosensitive material disposed between the first cladding material and the second cladding material so as to form a waveguide for confining propagating photons; and first and second electrodes in electrical contact with the photosensitive material.

Abstract: By multiplexing light-harvesting layer and complexing with hole transport films or electron transport films, a photoelectric device and a solar cell exhibiting highly efficient electricity generation property can be obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer film comprising a polymer having liquid crystallinity, having a number-average molecular weight in terms of polystyrene of 103 to 108 and having an electron mobility or hole mobility of 10?5 cm2/Vs or more, and having a film thickness in the range from 1 nm to 100 ?m. This polymer film can be used for various polymer film devices such as an organic transistor, organic solar battery, optical sensor, electrophotographic photoreceptor, spatial light modulator, photorefractive device and the like.

Abstract: To provide an antistatic film that requires low power consumption and provides satisfactory electric contact, as a measure for preventing an insulating substrate surface having an electronic device formed thereon from being charged. The electronic device includes: an insulating substrate; a conductor; and a resistance film connected with the conductor, the conductor and the resistance film being formed on the insulating substrate, characterized in that the resistance film has a larger thickness in a connection region with the conductor than a thickness in portions other than the connection region.