US Patent:
20170110603, Apr 20, 2017
Inventors:
- Santa Clara CA, US
Liguang LAN - Sunnyvale CA, US
Chris FRANCE - Sunnyvale CA, US
Gang HE - Sunnyvale CA, US
Erhong LI - Sunnyvale CA, US
Jose CORBACHO - San Jose CA, US
International Classification:
H01L 31/0224
H01L 31/18
H01L 31/05
H01L 31/0445
H01L 31/048
H01L 31/0304
Abstract:
System and method of providing a photovoltaic (PV) cell having a cushion layer to alleviate stress impact between a front metal contact and a thin film PV layer. A cushion layer is disposed between an extraction electrode and a photovoltaic (PV) surface. The cushion layer is made of a nonconductive material and has a plurality of vias filled with a conductive material to provide electrical continuity between the bus bar and the PV layer. The cushion layer may be made of a flexible material preferably with rigidity that matches the substrate. Thus, the cushion layer can effectively protect the PV layer from physical damage due to tactile contact with the front metal contact.
