Electrolytic etch for preventing electrical shorts in solar cells on polymer surfaces
First Claim
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1. A method for preparing an amorphous silicon p-i-n solar cell which incorporates a conductive metal layer interposed between an insulating substrate layer and the p layer of the solar cell and a transparent conductive layer overlying the n layer of the solar cell, the method comprising:
- anodically etching any exposed portions of the metal layer, after deposition of the amorphous silicon and prior to application of the transparent conductive layer, to substantially prevent shorts or shunts being formed in the solar cell.
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Abstract
A method for preventing shorts and shunts in solar cells having in order, an insulating substrate, a conductive metal layer on the substrate, an amorphous silicon layer and a transparent conductive layer. The method includes anodic etching of exposed portions of the metal layer after deposition of the amorphous silicon and prior to depositing the transparent conductive layer.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for preparing an amorphous silicon p-i-n solar cell which incorporates a conductive metal layer interposed between an insulating substrate layer and the p layer of the solar cell and a transparent conductive layer overlying the n layer of the solar cell, the method comprising:
anodically etching any exposed portions of the metal layer, after deposition of the amorphous silicon and prior to application of the transparent conductive layer, to substantially prevent shorts or shunts being formed in the solar cell. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for forming a silicon device having a metal conductive layer on an insulating substrate, a second conductive layer, and at least one interposed amorphous silicon layer, the device substantially free of shorts or shunts between the metal conductive layer and the second conductive layer, the method comprising:
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providing a conductive metal layer; depositing a silicon layer upon the conductive metal layer so as to generally cover the conductive metal layer; anodic etching of any remaining uncovered conductive metal layer; and depositing the second conductive layer. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13)
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14. A method for preparing an amorphous silicon n-i-p solar cell which incorporates a conductive metal layer interposed between an insulating substrate layer and the n layer of the solar cell and a transparent conductive layer overlying the p layer of the solar cell, the method comprising:
anodically etching any exposed portions of the metal layer, after deposition of the amorphous silicon and prior to application of the transparent conductive layer, to substantially prevent shorts or shunts being formed in the solar cell. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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