Effectively transparent contacts (ETCs) for solar cells

Rebecca Saive, Colton R. Bukowsky, Sisir Yalamanchili, Mathieu Boccard, Theresa Saenz, Aleca M. Borsuk, Zachary Holman, Harry A. Atwater

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

We have developed effectively transparent contacts (ETCs) that allow for increased current in heterojunction solar cells. Micro-meter scaled triangular cross-section grid fingers with micro-meter scaled distance redirect light efficiently to the active area of the solar cell and hence, omit losses through reflection at the front finger grid. Furthermore, the grid fingers are placed close together such that only a very thin layer of transparent conductive oxides (TCO) is necessary which avoids parasitic absorption and can decrease material costs. In this paper we experimentally show current enhancement of ∼2 mA/cm 2 in silicon heterojunction solar cells using ETCs. 1 mA/cm 2 is gained through less parasitic absorption and 1 mA/cm 2 is gained by efficient redirection of light and therefore, absent shadowing losses.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2017 IEEE 44th Photovoltaic Specialist Conference, PVSC 2017
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages1-4
Number of pages4
ISBN (Electronic)9781509056057
DOIs
StatePublished - 2017
Event44th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialist Conference, PVSC 2017 - Washington, United States
Duration: Jun 25 2017Jun 30 2017

Publication series

Name2017 IEEE 44th Photovoltaic Specialist Conference, PVSC 2017

Other

Other44th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialist Conference, PVSC 2017
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityWashington
Period6/25/176/30/17

Keywords

  • Effectively Transparent Contacts
  • Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells
  • Three-Dimensional Printing

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials

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