Thin single-crystal silicon solar cells mounted to a structural support member and method of fabricating

• Main Authors: Horak, David Vaclav, Mitchell, Peter H, Tonti, William R, Leas, James Marc, Hakey, Mark Charles
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 07.05.2024
• Subjects: BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS; ELECTRIC SOLID STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; ELECTRICITY; SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES

A method of fabricating a single-crystal silicon photovoltaic cell includes providing a single-crystal silicon wafer and a structural support member. The single-crystal silicon wafer has a first major surface and a second major surface. Each major surface extends along a major surface plane. The single-crystal silicon wafer has a thickness greater than 100 micrometers and a dimension greater than 50 mm. The method further includes mounting the structural support member to the first major surface or to the second major surface. The method further includes reducing thickness of the single-crystal silicon wafer to a thickness less than or equal to 100 micrometers while the single-crystal silicon wafer is mounted to the structural support member. The method further includes providing the first major surface with a diffusion and a metalization grid and providing the second major surface with a back surface contact.