Photovoltaic Module with Integrated Series-Connected Stacked Solar Cells and Method for Its Manufacture

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes a photovoltaic (solar) module that integrates series-connected, strip-shaped stacked solar cells on a glass substrate, designed so that each stack includes a crystalline silicon 'bottom cell' and at least one additional subcell with different absorber materials. The innovative structure and manufacturing method allows for high-efficiency energy conversion by optimizing the use of light and heat, enables higher processing temperatures, and overcomes limitations of previous contact and module design concepts.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Commercial and residential rooftop solar panels requiring high efficiency and reliable energy output
• Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), such as solar windows or facades
• Utility-scale solar farms seeking improved land-use efficiency
• Solar modules for portable or remote power solutions where efficiency and light weight are priorities
• Applications in regions with varying sunlight conditions, leveraging the wide spectrum absorption

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Improved conversion efficiency by utilizing stacked cells with materials of increasing bandgap, capturing more of the solar spectrum
• Capability to use higher processing temperatures during manufacturing without damaging contacts, leading to better material quality and durability
• Reduces thermalization and recombination losses compared to conventional thin-film solar cells
• Simplifies integration of series connections for large-area modules, reducing manufacturing complexity and potential points of failure
• Flexibility to incorporate various absorber materials—including silicon alloys, perovskite, or organic compounds—tailored for specific performance or cost goals
• Enhanced long-term performance and reduced degradation through module structure and material selection

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

A photovoltaic module with strip-shaped stacked solar cells that are connected up in series in integrated fashion, arranged in substrate configuration on a glass substrate (1) and each have a crystalline silicon bottom cell and at least one further subcell (7). The p- and n-doped areas (3, 4) of the bottom cells are arranged next to one another on the incident-light side and the p- and n-doped areas of the subcells are arranged above one another. The bottom cells are configured so as to be contact-connected on one side and one of the two doped areas of the bottom cells has a highly electrically conductive layer (5) arranged on it that forms the absorber contact of the bottom cells and at the same time the rear contact of the stacked solar cells, the absorber contact having first isolating trenches (T0) between the strip-shaped bottom cells arranged next to one another. An electrically insulating layer (6) is applied over the extent of the highly conductive layer and has second isolating trenches (TK) between the bottom cells, which are configured with a parallel offset in the first isolating trenches. The subcells have an extensive transparent front contact (8) arranged on them with third isolating trenches (TZ) that are configured in parallel with and offset from the first and second isolating trenches and filled with the material of the front contact layer.