Studies on backside Al-contact formation in Si solar cells : fundamental mechanisms : preprint /

Bibliographic Details
Corporate Author: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (U.S.)
Other Authors: Sopori, B.
Format: Government Document eBook
Language:English
Published: [Golden, Colo.] : National Renewable Energy Laboratory, [2009]
Series:Conference paper (National Renewable Energy Laboratory (U.S.)) ; NREL/CP-520-45001.
Subjects:
Online Access:https://purl.fdlp.gov/GPO/LPS112713
Description
Abstract:We have studied mechanisms of back-contact formation in screen-printed Si solar cells by a fire-through process. An optimum firing temperature profile leads to the formation of a P-Si/P+-Si/ Si-Al eutectic/agglomerated Al at the back contact of a Si solar cell. Variations in the interface properties were found to arise from Al-Si melt instabilities. Experiments were performed to study melt formation. We show that this process is strongly controlled by diffusion of Si into Al. During the ramp-up, a melt is initiated at the Si-Al interface, which subsequently expands into Al and Si. During the ramp-down, the melt freezes, which causes the doped region to grow epitaxially on Si, followed by solidification of the Si-Al eutectic. Any agglomerated (or sintered) Al particles are dispersed with Si. Implications on the performance of the cell are described.
Item Description:Title from title screen (viewed February 27, 2009).
"Presented at the Materials Research Society (MRS), Fall Meeting 2008, Boston, Massachusetts, December 1-5, 2008."
"February 2009."
Electronic resource.
Physical Description:6 pages : digital, PDF file.
Format:Mode of access: Internet from the NREL web site. Address as of 5/15/09: http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy09osti/45001.pdf ; current access available via PURL.