Seed layers and process of manufacturing seed layers
AssigneeAMG IdealCast Solar Corporation
InventorNathan G. Stoddard
Life of this patent
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Abstract
This invention relates seed layers and a process of manufacturing seed layers for casting silicon suitable for use in solar cells or solar modules. The process includes the step of positioning tiles with aligned edges to form seams on a suitable surface, and the step of joining the tiles at the seams to form a seed layer. The step of joining includes heating the tiles to melt at least a portion of the tiles, contacting the tiles at both ends of at least one seam with electrodes, using plasma deposition of amorphous silicon, applying photons to melt a portion of the tiles, and/or layer deposition. Seed layers of this invention include a rectilinear shape of at least about 500 millimeters in width and length.
Claims10
A process for manufacturing silicon seed layers suitable for use in the manufacture of solar cells or solar modules, the process comprising:
- positioning tiles with aligned edges to form seams on a suitable surface;
- and
- joining the tiles at the seams to form a seed layer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.