U.S. patent application number 16/612369 was filed with the patent office on 2020-05-28 for thin film-type solar cell.
The applicant listed for this patent is JUSUNG ENGINEERING CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Duck Ho KIM, Yong Hyun KIM, Jung Kyun LEE, Chang Su MHA, Kyung In MIN, Chang Kyun PARK, Hyun Kyo SHIN.
Application Number | 20200168752 16/612369 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 65001705 |
Filed Date | 2020-05-28 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200168752 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SHIN; Hyun Kyo ; et
al. |
May 28, 2020 |
THIN FILM-TYPE SOLAR CELL
Abstract
The present inventive concept relates to a thin film type solar
cell including a plurality of unit cells serially connected to one
another on a substrate; and a light transmission part provided in
the plurality of unit cells, wherein the light transmission part is
provided in a discontinuous rectilinear structure including at
least one disconnection part. According to the present inventive
concept, since the light transmission part is discontinuously
formed, the repetition characteristic of the light transmission
part including a plurality of dot patterns may be reduced, thereby
effectively solving a problem where a wave pattern such as a moire
phenomenon occurs when light is passing through the light
transmission part.
Inventors: |
SHIN; Hyun Kyo; (Gwangju-si,
Gyeonggi-do, KR) ; KIM; Duck Ho; (Gwangju-si,
Gyeonggi-do, KR) ; KIM; Yong Hyun; (Gwangju-si,
Gyeonggi-do, KR) ; MHA; Chang Su; (Gwangju-si,
Gyeonggi-do, KR) ; MIN; Kyung In; (Gwangju-si,
Gyeonggi-do, KR) ; PARK; Chang Kyun; (Gwangju-si,
Gyeonggi-do, KR) ; LEE; Jung Kyun; (Gwangju-si,
Gyeonggi-do, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
JUSUNG ENGINEERING CO., LTD. |
Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do |
|
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
65001705 |
Appl. No.: |
16/612369 |
Filed: |
July 11, 2018 |
PCT Filed: |
July 11, 2018 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR2018/007831 |
371 Date: |
November 8, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01L 31/054 20141201;
H01L 31/0232 20130101; H01L 31/0465 20141201; H01L 31/05 20130101;
H01L 31/0445 20141201; H01L 31/0468 20141201 |
International
Class: |
H01L 31/0468 20060101
H01L031/0468; H01L 31/0465 20060101 H01L031/0465 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 11, 2017 |
KR |
10-2017-0087563 |
Claims
1. A thin film type solar cell comprising: a plurality of unit
cells serially connected to one another on a substrate; and a light
transmission part provided in the plurality of unit cells, wherein
the light transmission part is provided in a discontinuous
rectilinear structure including at least one disconnection
part.
2. The thin film type solar cell of claim 1, wherein the light
transmission part is provided in a plurality of continuous areas
which are apart from one another with the at least one
disconnection part therebetween, and a plurality of dot patterns
overlap one another in the plurality of continuous areas.
3. The thin film type solar cell of claim 2, wherein the at least
one disconnection part comprises a first disconnection part and a
second disconnection part, and the plurality of continuous areas
comprise a first continuous area and a second continuous area,
which are apart from one another with the first disconnection part
therebetween, and a third continuous area which is apart from the
second continuous area with the second disconnection part
therebetween.
4. The thin film type solar cell of claim 3, wherein a length of
the first disconnection part differs from a length of the second
disconnection part.
5. The thin film type solar cell of claim 3, wherein number of the
plurality of dot patterns differs in at least two continuous areas
among the first continuous area, the second continuous area, and
the third continuous area.
6. The thin film type solar cell of claim 1, wherein the light
transmission part comprises a first light transmission part and a
second light transmission part which are apart from each other in a
certain direction, and a pattern of the first light transmission
part differs from a pattern of the second light transmission
part.
7. The thin film type solar cell of claim 6, wherein each of the
first light transmission part and the second light transmission
part is provided in a plurality of continuous areas which are apart
from one another with the disconnection part therebetween, and the
disconnection part of the first light transmission part is provided
not to overlap the disconnection part of the second light
transmission part.
8. The thin film type solar cell of claim 6, wherein each of the
first light transmission part and the second light transmission
part is provided in a plurality of continuous areas which are apart
from one another with the disconnection part therebetween, and a
length of the disconnection part of the first light transmission
part differs from a length of the disconnection part of the second
light transmission part.
9. The thin film type solar cell of claim 6, wherein each of the
first light transmission part and the second light transmission
part is provided in a plurality of continuous areas which are apart
from one another with the disconnection part therebetween, and
number of the plurality of dot patterns provided in a continuous
area of the first light transmission part differs from number of
the plurality of dot patterns provided in a continuous area of the
second light transmission part.
10. A thin film type solar cell comprising: a plurality of
separation parts arranged in a first direction on a substrate to
separate a plurality of unit cells; and a plurality of light
transmission parts arranged in a second direction to intersect with
the plurality of separation parts, the plurality of light
transmission parts defining an active area along with the plurality
of separation parts, wherein a disconnection part of each of the
plurality of light transmission parts is provided at a boundary of
the active area.
11. The thin film type solar cell of claim 10, wherein the
plurality of light transmission parts comprise a first light
transmission part and a second light transmission part which are
apart from each other, and the disconnection part comprises a first
disconnection part of the first light transmission part and a
second disconnection part of the second light transmission
part.
12. The thin film type solar cell of claim 11, wherein a pattern of
the first light transmission part differs from a pattern of the
second light transmission part.
13. The thin film type solar cell of claim 11, wherein the first
disconnection part and the second disconnection part are provided
not to overlap each other.
14. The thin film type solar cell of claim 10, wherein the active
area comprises a first active area and a second active area, and
the disconnection part provided in the first active area and the
disconnection part provided in the second active area are provided
asymmetrically.
15. The thin film type solar cell of claim 1, wherein a first
electrode, a semiconductor layer, and a second electrode are
provided on the substrate, and the light transmission part is
provided in a structure where a certain area of each of the
semiconductor layer and the second electrode is removed.
16. The thin film type solar cell of claim 10, wherein a first
electrode, a semiconductor layer, and a second electrode are
provided on the substrate, and the light transmission part is
provided in a structure where a certain area of each of the
semiconductor layer and the second electrode is removed.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a thin film type solar
cell, and more particularly, to a thin film type solar cell having
a see-through structure.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Solar cells are devices that convert light energy into
electrical energy, based on a characteristic of a
semiconductor.
[0003] The solar cells have a PN junction structure where a
positive (P)-type semiconductor and a negative (N)-type
semiconductor are joined to each other. When sunlight is incident
on a solar cell having the PN junction structure, a hole and an
electron are generated in the semiconductors by energy of the
incident sunlight. At this time, due to an electric field which is
generated in a PN junction, the hole (+) moves to the P-type
semiconductor, and the electron (-) moves to the N-type
semiconductor, thereby generating an electric potential to produce
power.
[0004] The solar cells may be categorized into thin film type solar
cells and wafer type solar cells.
[0005] The thin film type solar cells are solar cells which are
manufactured by forming a semiconductor on a substrate such as
glass in a thin film type, and the wafer type solar cells are solar
cells which are manufactured by using a silicon wafer as a
substrate.
[0006] The wafer type solar cells are better in efficiency than the
thin film type solar cells, but have a limitation in minimizing a
thickness in terms of a process and use an expensive semiconductor
substrate, causing an increase in the manufacturing cost.
[0007] Since it is possible to secure a see-through light
transmission area in the thin film type solar cells, the thin film
type solar cells may be easily applied to windows of buildings,
sunroofs of vehicles, or the like.
[0008] Hereinafter, a related art see-through thin film type solar
cell will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0009] FIG. 1A is a schematic plan view of a related art
see-through thin film type solar cell, and FIG. 1B is a
cross-sectional view taken along line A-B of FIG. 1A.
[0010] As seen in FIG. 1A, a plurality of unit cells U1 to U4
including a first unit cell U1, a second unit cell U2, a third unit
cell U3, and a fourth unit cell U4 are provided on a substrate
10.
[0011] The plurality of unit cells U1 to U4 are serially connected
to one another by a first separation part P1, a contact part P2,
and a second separation part P3. The first separation part P1 and
the second separation part P3 separate a front electrode and a rear
electrode between adjacent unit cells U1 to U4, and the contact
part P2 connects the adjacent unit cells U1 to U4 in series. The
first separation part P1, the contact part P2, and the second
separation part P3 of one set are arranged in the same direction
(for example, a lengthwise direction) between the adjacent unit
cells U1 to U4.
[0012] A plurality of light transmission parts T are arranged in a
direction (for example, a widthwise direction) intersecting with
the first separation part P1, the contact part P2, and the second
separation part P3. Light may pass through the light transmission
part T, and thus, the thin film type solar cell has a see-through
type.
[0013] As seen in FIG. 1B, a plurality of front electrodes 20 are
provided on the substrate 10, a plurality of semiconductor layers
30 are provided on the plurality of front electrodes 20, and a
plurality of rear electrodes 40 are provided on the plurality of
semiconductor layers 30.
[0014] The plurality of front electrodes 20 are respectively
provided in the unit cells U1 to U3 with the first separation part
P1 therebetween.
[0015] The plurality of semiconductor layers 30 are respectively
provided in the unit cells U1 to U3 with the contact part P2 and
the second separation part P3 therebetween.
[0016] The plurality of rear electrodes 40 are respectively
provided in the unit cells U1 to U3 with the second separation part
P3 therebetween.
[0017] The rear electrode 40 of one unit cell U1 or U2 is connected
to the front electrode 20 of the unit cell U2 or U3 adjacent
thereto through the contact part P2, between adjacent unit cells U1
to U3, and thus, the plurality of unit cells U1 to U3 are connected
to one another in series.
[0018] The light transmission part T is provided in each of the
unit cells U1 to U3. For reference, only a case where the light
transmission part T is provided in the second unit cell U2 is
illustrated in FIG. 1B.
[0019] The light transmission part T is formed by removing a
certain area of each of the semiconductor layer 30 and the rear
electrode 40, and thus, light may pass through the light
transmission part T. The substrate 10 and the front electrode 20
are also formed in the light transmission part T area, but since
the substrate 10 and the front electrode 20 are formed of a
transparent material, light may pass through the light transmission
part T area.
[0020] In the related art thin film type sola cell, a wave pattern
such as a moire phenomenon is formed in the light transmission part
T area, and due to this, an object is shown like being
distorted.
[0021] The light transmission part T is formed by removing a
certain area of each of the semiconductor layer 30 and the rear
electrode 40 through a laser process generally, and thus, a fine
dot pattern is continuously provided in the light transmission part
T. In this case, when light passes through the light transmission
part T including the fine dot pattern, lights passing through the
dot pattern cause wavelength collision therebetween, and thus, a
wave pattern such as the moire phenomenon is formed. Due to this,
an object seen through the light transmission part T is distorted,
causing a reduction in visibility of the thin film type solar
cell.
DISCLOSURE
Technical Problem
[0022] The present inventive concept is devised to solve the
above-described problems of the related art, and an object of the
present inventive concept is to provide a thin film type solar cell
which solves a problem where a wave pattern such as a moire
phenomenon is formed in a light transmission part area, thereby
enhancing visibility.
Technical Solution
[0023] To accomplish the above-described object, the present
inventive concept provides a thin film type solar cell including: a
plurality of unit cells serially connected to one another on a
substrate; and a light transmission part provided in the plurality
of unit cells, wherein the light transmission part is provided in a
discontinuous rectilinear structure including at least one
disconnection part.
[0024] The light transmission part may be provided in a plurality
of continuous areas which are apart from one another with the at
least one disconnection part therebetween, and a plurality of dot
patterns may overlap one another in the plurality of continuous
areas.
[0025] The at least one disconnection part may include a first
disconnection part and a second disconnection part, and the
plurality of continuous areas may include a first continuous area
and a second continuous area, which are apart from one another with
the first disconnection part therebetween, and a third continuous
area which is apart from the second continuous area with the second
disconnection part therebetween.
[0026] A length of the first disconnection part may differ from a
length of the second disconnection part.
[0027] Number of the plurality of dot patterns may differ in at
least two continuous areas among the first continuous area, the
second continuous area, and the third continuous area.
[0028] The light transmission part may include a first light
transmission part and a second light transmission part which are
apart from each other in a certain direction, and a pattern of the
first light transmission part may differ from a pattern of the
second light transmission part.
[0029] Each of the first light transmission part and the second
light transmission part may be provided in a plurality of
continuous areas which are apart from one another with the
disconnection part therebetween, and the disconnection part of the
first light transmission part may be provided not to overlap the
disconnection part of the second light transmission part.
[0030] Each of the first light transmission part and the second
light transmission part may be provided in a plurality of
continuous areas which are apart from one another with the
disconnection part therebetween, and a length of the disconnection
part of the first light transmission part may differ from a length
of the disconnection part of the second light transmission
part.
[0031] Each of the first light transmission part and the second
light transmission part may be provided in a plurality of
continuous areas which are apart from one another with the
disconnection part therebetween, and number of the plurality of dot
patterns provided in a continuous area of the first light
transmission part may differ from number of the plurality of dot
patterns provided in a continuous area of the second light
transmission part.
[0032] Moreover, the present inventive concept provides a thin film
type solar cell including: a plurality of separation parts arranged
in a first direction on a substrate to separate a plurality of unit
cells; and a plurality of light transmission parts arranged in a
second direction to intersect with the plurality of separation
parts, the plurality of light transmission parts defining an active
area along with the plurality of separation parts, wherein a
disconnection part of each of the plurality of light transmission
parts is provided at a boundary of the active area.
[0033] The plurality of light transmission parts may include a
first light transmission part and a second light transmission part
which are apart from each other, and the disconnection part may
include a first disconnection part of the first light transmission
part and a second disconnection part of the second light
transmission part.
[0034] A pattern of the first light transmission part may differ
from a pattern of the second light transmission part.
[0035] The first disconnection part and the second disconnection
part may be provided not to overlap each other.
[0036] The active area may include a first active area and a second
active area, and the disconnection part provided in the first
active area and the disconnection part provided in the second
active area may be provided asymmetrically.
[0037] A first electrode, a semiconductor layer, and a second
electrode may be provided on the substrate, and the light
transmission part may be provided in a structure where a certain
area of each of the semiconductor layer and the second electrode is
removed.
Advantageous Effect
[0038] According to the present inventive concept, the following
effects are obtained.
[0039] According to an embodiment of the present inventive concept,
since a light transmission part is discontinuously formed, the
repetition characteristic of the light transmission part including
a plurality of dot patterns may be reduced, thereby effectively
solving a problem where a wave pattern such as a moire phenomenon
occurs when light is passing through the light transmission
part.
[0040] According to another embodiment of the present inventive
concept, since a length of a first disconnection part is set to be
different from that of a second disconnection part, the repetition
characteristic of the light transmission part including the
plurality of dot patterns may be more reduced, thereby effectively
solving a problem where a wave pattern such as the moire phenomenon
occurs when light is passing through the light transmission
part.
[0041] According to another embodiment of the present inventive
concept, since the number of laser spots LS or the number of dot
patterns is set differently in at least two continuous areas of a
plurality of continuous areas including the light transmission
part, the repetition characteristic of the light transmission part
including the plurality of dot patterns may be more reduced,
thereby effectively solving a problem where a wave pattern such as
the moire phenomenon occurs when light is passing through the light
transmission part.
[0042] According to another embodiment of the present inventive
concept, since a disconnection part of a first light transmission
part is provided not to overlap a disconnection part of a second
light transmission part, the repetition characteristic of the light
transmission part including the plurality of dot patterns may be
more reduced, thereby effectively solving a problem where a wave
pattern such as the moire phenomenon occurs when light is passing
through the light transmission part.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0043] FIG. 1A is a schematic plan view of a related art
see-through thin film type solar cell, and FIG. 1B is a
cross-sectional view taken along line A-B of FIG. 1A.
[0044] FIG. 2A is a schematic plan view of a see-through thin film
type solar cell according to an embodiment of the present inventive
concept, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-B
of FIG. 2A.
[0045] FIG. 3 illustrates a light transmission part T according to
an embodiment of the present inventive concept.
[0046] FIG. 4 illustrates a light transmission part T according to
another embodiment of the present inventive concept.
[0047] FIG. 5 illustrates a light transmission part T according to
another embodiment of the present inventive concept.
[0048] FIG. 6 illustrates a light transmission part T according to
another embodiment of the present inventive concept.
MODE FOR INVENTION
[0049] Advantages and features of the present inventive concept,
and implementation methods thereof will be clarified through
following embodiments described with reference to the accompanying
drawings. The present inventive concept may, however, be embodied
in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the
embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are
provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and
will fully convey the scope of the present inventive concept to
those skilled in the art. Further, the present inventive concept is
only defined by scopes of claims.
[0050] A shape, a size, a ratio, an angle, and a number disclosed
in the drawings for describing embodiments of the present inventive
concept are merely an example, and thus, the present inventive
concept is not limited to the illustrated details. Like reference
numerals refer to like elements throughout. In the following
description, when the detailed description of the relevant known
function or configuration is determined to unnecessarily obscure
the important point of the present inventive concept, the detailed
description will be omitted. In a case where `comprise`, `have`,
and `include` described in the present specification are used,
another part may be added unless `only.about.` is used. The terms
of a singular form may include plural forms unless referred to the
contrary.
[0051] In construing an element, the element is construed as
including an error range although there is no explicit
description.
[0052] In describing a position relationship, for example, when a
position relation between two parts is described as `on.about.`,
`over.about.`, `under.about.`, and `next.about.`, one or more other
parts may be disposed between the two parts unless `just` or
`direct` is used.
[0053] In describing a time relationship, for example, when the
temporal order is described as `after.about.`, `subsequent.about.`,
`next.about.`, and `before.about.`, a case which is not continuous
may be included unless `just` or `direct` is used.
[0054] It will be understood that, although the terms "first",
"second", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements,
these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms
are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example,
a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a
second element could be termed a first element, without departing
from the scope of the present inventive concept.
[0055] Features of various embodiments of the present inventive
concept may be partially or overall coupled to or combined with
each other, and may be variously inter-operated with each other and
driven technically as those skilled in the art can sufficiently
understand. The embodiments of the present inventive concept may be
carried out independently from each other, or may be carried out
together in co-dependent relationship.
[0056] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present inventive
concept will be described in detail with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
[0057] FIG. 2A is a schematic plan view of a see-through thin film
type solar cell according to an embodiment of the present inventive
concept, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-B
of FIG. 2A.
[0058] As seen in FIG. 2A, a plurality of unit cells U1 to U4
including a first unit cell U1, a second unit cell U2, a third unit
cell U3, and a fourth unit cell U4 are provided on a substrate
10.
[0059] The plurality of unit cells U1 to U4 are divided by a set of
a first separation part P1, a contact part P2, and a second
separation part P3. That is, a set of the first separation part P1,
the contact part P2, and the second separation part P3 is each
provided between the first unit cell U1 and the second unit cell
U2, between the second unit cell U2 and the third unit cell U3, and
between the third unit cell U3 and the fourth unit cell U4.
[0060] The plurality of unit cells U1 to U4 are serially connected
to one another by a set of the first separation part P1, the
contact part P2, and the second separation part P3.
[0061] The first separation part P1, the contact part P2, and the
second separation part P3 are arranged in the same direction (for
example, a lengthwise direction). Also, a plurality of light
transmission parts T are arranged in a direction (for example, a
widthwise direction) intersecting with the first separation part
P1, the contact part P2, and the second separation part P3.
[0062] The plurality of light transmission parts T are apart from
one another by a certain interval in a lengthwise direction. Light
may pass through the light transmission part T, and thus, the thin
film type solar cell according to an embodiment of the present
inventive concept has a see-through type.
[0063] The light transmission part T intersects with the first
separation part P1, the contact part P2, and the second separation
part P3 and is provided in a discontinuous rectilinear structure
without being provided in a continuous rectilinear structure. That
is, a disconnection part D is provided in a certain area of a
virtual rectilinear line on which the light transmission part T is
arranged.
[0064] In the present specification, the light transmission part T
being provided in the discontinuous rectilinear structure denotes
that, since the disconnection part D is included in a rectilinear
structure, the continuity of the rectilinear structure is not
provided by the disconnection part D and a plurality of straight
lines are arranged apart from one another with the disconnection
part D therebetween, and when the plurality of straight lines apart
from one another are connected, one continuous straight line is
provided.
[0065] A discontinuous rectilinear structure configuring the light
transmission part T may include one or two or more the
disconnection parts D.
[0066] As described above, according to an embodiment of the
present inventive concept, since the light transmission part T is
provided the discontinuous rectilinear structure without being
provided in the continuous rectilinear structure, a wave pattern
such as a moire phenomenon may not be formed when light is passing
through the light transmission part T, and thus, the visibility of
the thin film type solar cell may be enhanced.
[0067] The inventor has checked that, when the light transmission
part T is provided in the continuous rectilinear structure, a fine
dot pattern configuring the light transmission part T is
continuously provided, a wave pattern such as the moire phenomenon
occurs when light is passing through the continuous dot pattern,
and thus, when the continuous dot pattern is changed to a
discontinuous dot pattern, a wave pattern such as the moire
phenomenon does not occur because light passes through the
discontinuous dot pattern. Accordingly, the inventor has completed
the present inventive concept.
[0068] As seen in FIG. 2B, a plurality of first electrodes 200 are
provided on a substrate 100, a plurality of semiconductor layers
300 are provided on the plurality of first electrodes 200, and a
plurality of second electrodes 400 are provided on the plurality of
semiconductor layers 300.
[0069] The substrate 100 may use glass or plastic.
[0070] The first electrode 200 may be formed of a transparent
conductive material such as ZnO, ZnO:B, ZnO:Al, SnO.sub.2,
SnO.sub.2:F, or indium tin oxide (ITO). The first electrode 200 may
function as a front electrode of the thin film type solar cell, and
thus, sunlight may be incident on the inside through the first
electrode 200 formed of the transparent conductive material. In
this case, a concave-convex structure may be provided on a surface
of the first electrode 200 so that incident sunlight is maximally
absorbed into the solar cell.
[0071] The first electrode 200 may be patterned in each of the unit
cells U1 to U4. In detail, the plurality of first electrodes 200
are apart from one another with the first separation part P1
therebetween. The first separation part P1 may be formed by
removing, through a laser scribing process, a certain area of an
electrode layer for forming the first electrode 200.
[0072] The semiconductor layer 300 may be formed of a silicon-based
semiconductor material (for example, amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) or
micro crystalline silicon (.mu. c-Si:H)). The semiconductor layer
300 may be formed in a PIN structure where a positive (P)-type
semiconductor layer, an intrinsic (I)-type semiconductor layer, and
a negative (N)-type semiconductor layer are sequentially stacked.
As described above, when the semiconductor layer 300 is formed in
the PIN structure, the I-type semiconductor layer is depleted by
the P-type semiconductor layer and the N-type semiconductor layer,
and thus, an electric field is generated therein and a hole and an
electron each generated from sunlight are drifted by the electric
field and are collected by the P-type semiconductor layer and the
N-type semiconductor layer.
[0073] When the semiconductor layer 300 is formed in the PIN
structure, it is preferable that the P-type semiconductor layer is
provided at a position close to a portion on which sunlight is
incident, and then, the I-type semiconductor layer and the N-type
semiconductor layer are formed. The reason is for that, since the
drift mobility of a hole is lower than that of an electron
generally, the P-type semiconductor layer is formed close to a
light receiving surface so as to maximize carrier collection
efficiency based on incident light.
[0074] The semiconductor layer 300 is patterned in each of the unit
cells U1 to U4. In detail, the plurality of semiconductor layer 300
are apart from one another with the contact part P2 and the second
separation part P3 therebetween. The contact part P2 may be formed
by removing, through a laser scribing process, a certain area of a
semiconductor material layer for forming the semiconductor layer
300.
[0075] The second separation part P3 may be formed by removing,
through a laser scribing process, a certain area of each of the
semiconductor material layer for forming the semiconductor layer
300 and an electrode layer for forming the second electrode
400.
[0076] The second electrode 400 may be formed of a metal material
such as Ag, Al, Ag+Mo, Ag+Ni, or Ag+Cu, but is not limited thereto
and may be formed of a transparent conductive material such as ZnO,
ZnO:B, ZnO:Al, SnO.sub.2, SnO.sub.2:F, or indium tin oxide (ITO).
The second electrode 400 may function as a rear electrode
corresponding to a surface opposite to a surface on which sunlight
is incident, and in this case, the second electrode 400 may be
formed of an opaque conductive material. However, the present
inventive concept is not limited thereto, and the second electrode
400 may be formed of a transparent conductive material, whereby a
transparent thin film type solar cell may be implemented.
[0077] The second electrode 400 is patterned in each of the unit
cells U1 to U4. In detail, the plurality of second electrodes 400
are apart from one another with the second separation part P3
therebetween. Particularly, the second electrode 400 is
electrically connected to the first electrode 200 through the
contact part P2. In detail, the second electrode 400 of one unit
cell U1 or U2 is connected to the first electrode 200 of the unit
cell U2 or U3 adjacent thereto through the contact part P2, between
adjacent unit cells U1 to U3, and thus, the plurality of unit cells
U1 to U3 may be connected to one another in series.
[0078] In this case, the light transmission part T is provided in
each of the unit cells U1 to U3. The light transmission part T is
formed by removing, through a laser scribing process, a certain
area of each of the semiconductor layer 300 and the second
electrode 400. Therefore, external light may pass through the light
transmission part T. The substrate 100 and the first electrode 200
are also formed in the light transmission part T area, but since
the substrate 100 and the first electrode 200 are formed of a
transparent material, light may pass through the light transmission
part T area.
[0079] In the disconnection part D area described above, unlike the
light transmission part T, a certain area of each of the
semiconductor layer 300 and the second electrode 400 remains as-is
without being removed. Therefore, the disconnection part D may not
be an area through which light may pass like the light transmission
part T. In detail, when the second electrode 200 is formed of an
opaque material, the disconnection part D is an area through which
light may not pass, and when the second electrode 200 is formed of
a transparent material, the disconnection part D may transmit light
but is lower in light transmission efficiency than the light
transmission part T because a high amount of light is absorbed in
the middle of passing through the semiconductor layer 300.
[0080] Hereinafter, a structure of a light transmission part T
according to various embodiments of the present inventive concept
will be described in more detail.
[0081] FIG. 3 illustrates a light transmission part T according to
an embodiment of the present inventive concept.
[0082] As seen in FIG. 3, the light transmission part T is formed
through a laser scribing process, and thus, includes a plurality of
laser spots LS.
[0083] The laser spot LS includes a dot pattern. The dot pattern
has a shape determined based on a shape of the laser spot LS, and
as illustrated, may be provided in a circular shape but is not
limited thereto.
[0084] As described above, the plurality of laser spots LS each
including the dot pattern are arranged to overlap one another, and
thus, continuous areas A1 to A3 each including the light
transmission part T are provided. The continuous areas A1 to A3 may
each include a first electrode 200 provided on a substrate 100 by
removing a semiconductor layer 300 and a second electrode 400 as in
FIG. 2B described above.
[0085] The continuous areas A1 to A3, as illustrated, includes a
first continuous area A1, a second continuous area A2, and a third
continuous area A3, in which a plurality of dot patterns are
arranged to overlap one another. A laser may rectilinearly move in
forming the light transmission part T, and thus, the first
continuous area A1, the second continuous area A2, and the third
continuous area A3 may be arranged on a virtual straight line.
However, the present inventive concept is not limited thereto. In
this case, the number of laser spots LS or dot patterns may be the
same in the continuous areas A1 to A3.
[0086] Disconnection parts D1 and D2 are provided between the
continuous areas A1 to A3. That is, a first disconnection part D1
is provided between the first continuous area A1 and the second
continuous area A2, and a second disconnection part D2 is provided
between the second continuous area A2 and the third continuous area
A3. The disconnection parts D1 and D2, as in FIG. 2B described
above, may each include a first electrode 200, a semiconductor
layer 300, and a second electrode 400 each provided on the
substrate 100. In this case, a length of the first disconnection
part D1 is set to be different from that of the second
disconnection part D2.
[0087] According to a structure of FIG. 3, since the light
transmission part T is discontinuously provided and a length of the
first disconnection part D1 is set to be different from that of the
second disconnection part D2, the repetition characteristic of the
light transmission part T including the plurality of dot patterns
may be more reduced. Accordingly, a problem where a wave pattern
such as the moire phenomenon occurs when light is passing through
the light transmission part T may be effectively solved.
[0088] FIG. 4 illustrates a light transmission part T according to
another embodiment of the present inventive concept. The same
elements as the embodiment of FIG. 3 are referred to by like
elements, and repetitive descriptions of the same elements are
omitted.
[0089] As seen in FIG. 4, a light transmission part T is provided
in continuous areas A1 to A3 which are apart from one another with
disconnection parts D1 to D3 therebetween.
[0090] In detail, a first continuous area A1 and a second
continuous area A2 are apart from each other with a first
disconnection part D1 therebetween, and the second continuous area
A2 and a third continuous area A3 are apart from each other with a
second disconnection part D2 therebetween.
[0091] In this case, the number of laser spots LS or dot patterns
in the first continuous areas A1 differs from the number of laser
spots LS or dot patterns in the second continuous areas A2. Also,
the number of laser spots LS or dot patterns in the second
continuous areas A2 differs from the number of laser spots LS or
dot patterns in the third continuous areas A3. Also, the number of
laser spots LS or dot patterns in the first continuous areas A1
differs from the number of laser spots LS or dot patterns in the
third continuous areas A3.
[0092] As described above, the number of laser spots LS or dot
patterns in the first continuous areas A1, the number of laser
spots LS or dot patterns in the second continuous areas A2, and the
number of laser spots LS or dot patterns in the third continuous
areas A3 may be set differently.
[0093] However, the present inventive concept is not limited
thereto, in the number of laser spots LS or dot patterns in the
first continuous areas A1, the number of laser spots LS or dot
patterns in the second continuous areas A2, and the number of laser
spots LS or dot patterns in the third continuous areas A3, the
number of laser spots LS or dot patterns may be differently set in
only two of the continuous areas A1 to A3. For example, the number
of laser spots LS or dot patterns in the first continuous areas A1
may differ from the number of laser spots LS or dot patterns in the
second continuous areas A2, and the number of laser spots LS or dot
patterns in the third continuous areas A3 may be the same as the
number of laser spots LS or dot patterns in the first continuous
areas A1 or the second continuous areas A2.
[0094] A length of the first disconnection part D1 may be set to be
equal to that of the second disconnection part D2, but is not
limited thereto and may be set to be different from that of the
second disconnection part D2.
[0095] According to a structure of FIG. 4, since the light
transmission part T is discontinuously provided and the number of
laser spots LS or dot patterns is set differently in at least two
continuous areas among the first continuous areas A1, the second
continuous areas A2, and the third continuous areas A3, the
repetition characteristic of the light transmission part T
including the plurality of dot patterns may be more reduced.
Accordingly, a problem where a wave pattern such as the moire
phenomenon occurs when light is passing through the light
transmission part T may be effectively solved.
[0096] FIG. 5 illustrates a light transmission part T according to
another embodiment of the present inventive concept.
[0097] As seen in FIG. 5, a plurality of light transmission parts
T1 and T2 are arranged to intersect with a plurality of first
separation parts P1, contact parts P2, and second separation parts
P3. Hereinafter, in the present specification, for convenience, a
set of the first separation part P1, the contact part P2, and the
second separation part P3 for dividing and serially connecting unit
cells is referred to as a separation part.
[0098] Active areas AA1 and AA2 may be defined by three separation
parts adjacent to and apart from one another and two light
transmission parts T1 and T2 which intersect with the three
separation parts and are apart from each other. That is, a first
active area AA1 may be defined by a left separation part, a center
separation part, a first light transmission part T1, and a second
light transmission part T2, and a second active area AA2 may be
defined by the center separation part, a right separation part, the
first light transmission part T1, and the second light transmission
part T2.
[0099] The first light transmission part T1 is provided in
continuous areas A11 to A13 including a plurality of first laser
spots LS1 including a plurality of dot patterns, and disconnection
parts D11 and D12 are provided between the continuous areas A11 to
A13. In detail, a first disconnection part D11 is provided between
a first continuous area A11 and a second continuous area A12, and a
second disconnection part D12 is provided between the second
continuous area A12 and a third continuous area A13. The number of
first laser spots LS1 or dot patterns may be the same in the first
continuous area A11, the second continuous area A12, and the third
continuous area A13, but is not limited thereto and may differ.
Also, a length of the first disconnection part D11 may be the same
as that of the second disconnection part D12, but is not limited
thereto and may differ from that of the second disconnection part
D12.
[0100] The second light transmission part T2 is provided in
continuous areas A21 to A23 including a plurality of second laser
spots LS2 including a plurality of dot patterns, and disconnection
parts D21 and D22 are provided between the continuous areas A21 to
A23. In detail, a first disconnection part D21 is provided between
a first continuous area A21 and a second continuous area A22, and a
second disconnection part D22 is provided between the second
continuous area A22 and a third continuous area A23. The number of
second laser spots LS2 or dot patterns may be the same in the first
continuous area A21, the second continuous area A22, and the third
continuous area A23, but is not limited thereto and may differ.
Also, a length of the first disconnection part D21 may be the same
as that of the second disconnection part D22, but is not limited
thereto and may differ from that of the second disconnection part
D22.
[0101] A pattern of the first light transmission part T1 is formed
to be different from that of the second light transmission part T2.
In detail, comparing with the continuous areas A11 to A13 including
the first light transmission part T1, the continuous areas A21 to
A23 including the second light transmission part T2 are shifted to
one side (for example, a right side). Therefore, the first
disconnection part D11 provided between the first and second
continuous areas A11 and A12 including the first light transmission
part T1 does not overlap the first disconnection part D21 provided
between the first and second continuous areas A21 and A22 including
the second light transmission part T2, and the second disconnection
part D12 provided between the second and third continuous areas A12
and A13 including the first light transmission part T1 does not
overlap the second disconnection part D22 provided between the
second and third continuous areas A22 and A23 including the second
light transmission part T2.
[0102] In the present specification, that the first/second
disconnection part D11/D12 of the first light transmission part T1
does not overlap the first/second disconnection part D21/D22 of the
second light transmission part T2 denotes that the first/second
disconnection part D11/D12 of the first light transmission part T1
does not overlap the first/second disconnection part D21/D22 of the
second light transmission part T2 in a direction (for example, a
lengthwise direction) vertical to an arrangement direction (for
example, a widthwise direction) of the first continuous areas A11
to A13 or the second continuous areas A21 to A23.
[0103] On the other hand, the first disconnection part D11 provided
between the first and second continuous areas A11 and A12 including
the first light transmission part T1 overlaps the first continuous
area A21 including the second light transmission part T2, and the
second disconnection part D12 provided between the second and third
continuous areas A12 and A13 including the first light transmission
part T1 overlaps the second continuous area A22 including the
second light transmission part T2.
[0104] Moreover, the first disconnection part D21 provided between
the first and second continuous areas A21 and A22 including the
second light transmission part T2 overlaps the second continuous
area A12 including the first light transmission part T1, and the
second disconnection part D22 provided between the second and third
continuous areas A22 and A23 including the second light
transmission part T2 overlaps the third continuous area A13
including the first light transmission part T1.
[0105] Based on such a configuration, at least one of the
disconnection parts D11, D12 D21, and D22 is provided at a boundary
between the first active area AA1 and the second active area AA2.
That is, the first disconnection part D11 of the first light
transmission part T1 and the first disconnection part D21 of the
second light transmission part T2 are provided at a boundary of the
first active area AA1, and the second disconnection part D12 of the
first light transmission part T1 and the second disconnection part
D22 of the second light transmission part T2 are provided at a
boundary of the second active area AA2. In this case, the first
disconnection parts D11 and D12 provided at the boundary of the
first active area AA1 and the second disconnection parts D12 and
D22 provided at the boundary of the second active area AA2 do not
overlap one another, and thus, are provided asymmetrically.
[0106] In the present specification, the disconnection parts D11,
D12, D21, and D22 of the light transmission parts T1 and T2 denote
the disconnection parts D11, D12, D21, and D22 provided between the
continuous areas A11, A12, A13, A21, A22, and A23 including the
light transmission parts T1 and T2.
[0107] According to a structure of FIG. 5, since the light
transmission parts T1 and T2 are discontinuously provided and the
disconnection parts D11 and D12 of the first light transmission
part T1 and the disconnection parts D21 and D22 of the second light
transmission part T2 are provided not to overlap one another, the
repetition characteristic of the light transmission part T
including the plurality of dot patterns may be more reduced.
Accordingly, a problem where a wave pattern such as the moire
phenomenon occurs when light is passing through the light
transmission part T may be effectively solved.
[0108] FIG. 6 illustrates a light transmission part T according to
another embodiment of the present inventive concept. The same
elements as the embodiment of FIG. 5 are referred to by like
elements, and repetitive descriptions of the same elements are
omitted.
[0109] As seen in FIG. 6, a first light transmission part T1 and a
second light transmission part T2 are arranged apart from each
other to intersect with a plurality of separation parts, and thus,
a first active area AA1 and a second active area AA2 are
defined.
[0110] The first light transmission part T1 is provided in first to
third continuous areas A11 to A13, and first and second
disconnection parts D11 and D12 are provided between the first to
third continuous areas A11 to A13.
[0111] The second light transmission part T2 is provided in first
to third continuous areas A21 to A23, and first and second
disconnection parts D21 and D22 are provided between the first to
third continuous areas A21 to A23.
[0112] In this case, the number of first laser spots LS1 or dot
patterns in the first to third continuous areas A11 to A13
including the first light transmission part T1 differs from the
number of second laser spots LS2 or dot patterns in the first to
third continuous areas A21 to A23 including the second light
transmission part T2.
[0113] The number of first laser spots LS1 or dot patterns may be
the same in the first to third continuous areas A11 to A13
including the first light transmission part T1, but is not limited
thereto. Also, the number of second laser spots LS2 or dot patterns
may be the same in the first to third continuous areas A21 to A23
including the second light transmission part T2, but is not limited
thereto.
[0114] A length of each of the disconnection parts D11 and D12 of
the first light transmission part T1 may be the same as that of
each of the disconnection parts D21 and D22 of the second light
transmission part T2, but is not limited thereto.
[0115] A length of the first disconnection part D11 of the first
light transmission part T1 may be the same as that of the second
disconnection part D12, but is not limited thereto. Also, a length
of the first disconnection part D21 of the second light
transmission part T2 may be the same as that of the second
disconnection part D22, but is not limited thereto.
[0116] According to a structure of FIG. 6, since the light
transmission parts T1 and T2 are discontinuously provided, the
disconnection parts D11 and D12 of the first light transmission
part T1 and the disconnection parts D21 and D22 of the second light
transmission part T2 are provided not to overlap one another, and
the number of first laser spots LS1 or dot patterns in the first to
third continuous areas A11 to A13 including the first light
transmission part T1 is set to be different from the number of
second laser spots LS2 or dot patterns in the first to third
continuous areas A21 to A23 including the second light transmission
part T2, the repetition characteristic of the light transmission
part T including the plurality of dot patterns may be more reduced.
Accordingly, a problem where a wave pattern such as the moire
phenomenon occurs when light is passing through the light
transmission part T may be effectively solved.
[0117] Hereinabove, the embodiments of the present inventive
concept have been described in more detail with reference to the
accompanying drawings, but the present inventive concept is not
limited to the embodiments and may be variously modified within a
range which does not depart from the technical spirit of the
present inventive concept. Therefore, it should be understood that
the embodiments described above are exemplary from every aspect and
are not restrictive. It should be construed that the scope of the
present inventive concept is defined by the below-described claims
instead of the detailed description, and the meanings and scope of
the claims and all variations or modified forms inferred from their
equivalent concepts are included in the scope of the present
inventive concept.
* * * * *