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Solar cell contactsTwo experimental contact systems were examined and compared to a baseline contact system consisting of evaporated layers of titanium, palladium, and silver and an electroplated layer of copper. The first experimental contact system consisted of evaporated layers of titanium, nickel, and copper and an electroplated layer of copper. This system performed as well as the baseline system in all respects, including its response to temperature stress tests, to a humidity test, and to an accelerated aging test. In addition, the cost of this system is estimated to be only 43 percent of the cost of the baseline system at a production level of 25 MW/year. The second experimental contact system consisted of evaporated layers of nickel and copper and an electroplated layer of copper. Cells with this system show serious degradation in a temperature stress test at 350 C for 30 minutes. Auger electron spectroscopy was used to show that the evaporated nickel layer is not an adequate barrier to copper diffusion even at temperatures as low as 250 C. This fact brings into question the long-term reliability of this contact system.
Document ID
19840040287
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Meier, D. L.
(Westinghouse Electric Corp. Pittsburgh, PA, United States)
Campbell, R. B.
(Westinghouse Electric Corp. Advanced Energy Systems Div., Pittsburgh, PA, United States)
Davis, J. R., Jr.
(Westinghouse Electric Corp. Pittsburgh, PA, United States)
Rai-Choudhury, P.
(Westinghouse Electric Corp. Pittsburgh, PA, United States)
Sienkiewicz, L. J.
(Westinghouse Research and Development Center Pittsburgh, PA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1982
Subject Category
Energy Production And Conversion
Accession Number
84A23074
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: JPL-955624
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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