Formation of stretchable photovoltaic devices and carriers
AssigneeSunlight Photonics Inc.
InventorsSergey V. Frolov, Michael Cyrus, Allan J. Bruce
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Abstract
Formation of stretchable photovoltaic devices and carriers is described. In some examples, a formation method includes: forming a stretchable carrier including a stretchable part having a given length, the given length being operable to change in response to a force being applied to the stretchable carrier; depositing a photovoltaic cell over a surface of the stretchable carrier; and interconnecting the photovoltaic cell to output terminals.
Claims18
A method of forming a stretchable photovoltaic device, comprising:
- depositing at least one of metal or plastic over a form to form a stretchable carrier including a stretchable part having a given length, the given length being operable to change in response to a force being applied to the stretchable carrier;
- depositing a photovoltaic cell over a surface of the stretchable carrier;
- and
- interconnecting the photovoltaic cell to output terminals.
A method of forming a stretchable photovoltaic device, comprising:
- forming a stretchable carrier including a stretchable part having a given length, the given length being operable to change in response to a force being applied to the stretchable carrier;
- depositing a photovoltaic cell over a surface of the stretchable carrier by forming a photovoltaic stack having a junction of n-type and p-type semiconductor layers;
- and
- wherein forming the photovoltaic stack comprises:
- depositing a back-contact layer;
- depositing the n-type and p-type semiconductor layers over the back-contact layer;
- depositing a front-contact layer over the n-type and the p-type semiconductor layers;
- and
- forming first and second conductors coupled to the front-contact layer and the back-contact layer, respectively.
A method of forming a stretchable photovoltaic device, comprising:
- forming a stretchable carrier including a mounting site and a stretchable part including at least one of corrugated foil, corrugated plastic, a spring, an elastic band, a hinge, or a rail;
- forming a photovoltaic cell;
- combining the photovoltaic cell with the stretchable carrier;
- and
- interconnecting the photovoltaic cell to output terminals.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.