US 6,552,259 B1 · Solar cell with bypass function and multi-junction stacked type solar cell with bypass function, and method for manufacturing these devices

Abstract

In this bypass-function added solar cell, a plurality of island-like p+ regions, which is third regions, are formed at a boundary between a p-type region and an n-type region layer constituting a substrate so that the p+ regions project into the region and the region and are separated away from the surface of the substrate. Therefore, in this solar cell, unlike prior art counterparts, the insulating film for isolating the p+ regions and the n electrodes constituting the np+ diode from one another is no longer necessary, thus allowing a reduction in manufacturing cost. As a result, a bypass-function added solar cell with a bypass-diode function added thereto can be provided with low cost and by simple process.

Claims38

Dependent claims

A bypass-function added solar cell comprising:

a first-conductive-type first region;
a second-conductive-type second region formed on a light-receiving surface side of the first-conductive-type first region;
a first-conductive-type third region which is formed at part of a pn junction plane where the first region and the second region abut each other so that the third region is provided over the first region and the second region and projects into both the first region and the second region, the third region being higher in impurity concentration than the first-conductive-type first region;
and
wherein the first-conductive-type third region projects into the second region but does not reach a surface of the second region that is closest to light-receiving surface side electrodes of the solar cell.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Solar cell with bypass function and multi-junction stacked type solar cell with bypass function, and method for manufacturing these devices

Life of this patent

Solar cell with bypass function and multi-junction stacked type solar cell with bypass function, and method for manufacturing these devices

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims38