System for Selectively Filling Pin Holes, Weak Shunts and/or Scribe Lines in Photovoltaic Devices and Photovoltaic Cells Made Thereby
AssigneeThe University of Toledo
InventorDean M. Giolando
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Abstract
A system for selectively filling pin holes, weak shunts and/or scribe lines in photovoltaics devices and photovoltaic cells made thereby is described.
Claims24
A method of making a photovoltaic cell, wherein an unfinished photovoltaic cell has at least one electrode layer and at least one outer layer, the outer layer having one or more areas in which electrical current is to be prevented from flowing therethrough, the method comprising:
- at least partially filling one or more said areas with a protective material, and
- causing at least a partial polymerization of the protective material present in said areas.
A method of manufacturing a photovoltaic cell comprising:
- providing a substrate;
- placing a first electrode on the substrate,
- placing an outer layer on the first electrode, the semiconductor having an outer surface;
- and
- depositing an insulating material for a period of time sufficient for the insulating material to at least partially fill any holes, weak shunts and/or scribe lines in the outer layer.
A photovoltaic cell, comprising at least one electrode layer and at least one outer layer, the outer layer having one or more areas in which electrical current is to be prevented from flowing therethrough, wherein said areas are at least partially filled with a protective material that is at least partially polymerized.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.