US4745078A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for integrated series connection of thin film solar cells
Assignee: Siemens AG
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Filing: 1986-12-29
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Granted: 1988-05-17
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Expires: 2006-12-29
Abstract
Abstract The present invention relates to a method for providing integrated series connections of a plurality of solar cells each of which includes a photovoltaic thin film on a common transparent substrate which involves depositing a strip pattern of a material which is readily removable from the photovoltaic thin film onto the film at intervals dependent on the size of the solar cells, the strips of the pattern being offset laterally relative to the front electrodes lying under the thin film and extending over the regions of the thin film which are not to be covered by the subsequently back electrodes. Separating grooves are then mechanically generated in the film adjacent the strips. An electrically conductive metal is deposited over the entire surface thus produced and finally the strip pattern is removed by lifting the pattern off the film, leaving gaps in the metallized layer forming the separated back electrodes of the solar cell.
Inventors
- 👤 Walter Stetter
- 👤 Winfried Peters
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 15:36
CPC Classifications
H; H10; H10F; H10F77/00; H10F77/20; H10F77/206; H10F77/211; H10F19/00; H10F19/30; H10F19/31; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/50
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
170 words
A method for providing integrated series connections of a plurality of thin film solar cells including thin photovoltaic films formed on a common insulative transparent substrate having spaced apart transparent front electrodes formed therealong with metal filled separating grooves being formed in said films as electrically conductive connectors between the individual solar cells, comprising: depositing a strip pattern of a material which is readily removable from said thin photovoltaic film onto said photovoltaic film at intervals dependent on the size of said solar cells, the strips of said pattern being offset laterally relative to the front electrodes lying under said thin films and extending over the regions of said thin film which are not to be covered by subsequently applied back electrodes; mechanically generating separating grooves in said films alongside said strips; depositing an electrically conductive metal over the entire surface thus produced; and removing said strip pattern by lifting said pattern off said film, leaving gaps in the metallized layer forming the separated back electrodes of said solar cells.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
170 words
A method for providing integrated series connections of a plurality of thin film solar cells including thin photovoltaic films formed on a common insulative transparent substrate having spaced apart transparent front electrodes formed therealong with metal filled separating grooves being formed in said films as electrically conductive connectors between the individual solar cells, comprising: depositing a strip pattern of a material which is readily removable from said thin photovoltaic film onto said photovoltaic film at intervals dependent on the size of said solar cells, the strips of said pattern being offset laterally relative to the front electrodes lying under said thin films and extending over the regions of said thin film which are not to be covered by subsequently applied back electrodes; mechanically generating separating grooves in said films alongside said strips; depositing an electrically conductive metal over the entire surface thus produced; and removing said strip pattern by lifting said pattern off said film, leaving gaps in the metallized layer forming the separated back electrodes of said solar cells.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the strips of said strip pattern are laterally offset from the marginal edges of the front electrode under said thin film by the width of the separating grooves.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said thin photovoltaic films are composed of deposited amorphous silicon.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said separating grooves are generated in said thin film by milling.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said separating grooves are generated in said thin film by sandblasting.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said separating grooves are generated in said thin film by grinding.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said separating grooves are generated in said thin film by sawing.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said separating grooves are generated in said thin film by planing.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said strip pattern is composed of self-adhesive plastic strip, a lacquer, or a foil.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method according to claim 9 wherein said thin film solar cells are part of a superimposed series of multiple cells.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said strip pattern is produced by silk screening.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said strip pattern is removed by stripping.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said strip pattern is removed by treatment with a solvent.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein removing said strip pattern further includes agitation by ultrasonic vibration.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4243432A
Cited
US4517403A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-05-17 | 1991-11-16 | 1992-05-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-05-17 | 1995-11-16 | 1996-05-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-05-17 | 1999-11-16 | 2000-05-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |