Monolithically integrated silicon-film photovoltaic modules

Abstract

Thin crystalline silicon layers on an insulating ceramic substrate permit the realization of a serially-interconnected monolithic array. In this paper, the authors present the device design and fabrication issues relating to such a monolithically integrated device, and the latest results are presented. A novel device process is presented that involves isolating and re-interconnecting silicon solar cell elements on an insulating ceramic substrate. Device efficiencies of 7.3% have been achieved, and are presently limited by high series resistance and chemical impurities.< >