Patent ID: 9362427
Filing Date: 2016-06-07
CPC Classification: H01L,Y02E,Y02P

Claim Text:
1. A method of fabricating a solar cell, the method comprising: forming a silicon oxide layer on a semiconductor region disposed in or above a substrate, the semiconductor region comprising monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon; forming a silicon nitride layer on the silicon oxide layer; forming a trench into but not through the silicon nitride layer by only partially recessing a portion of the silicon nitride layer; forming a conductive paste layer in the trench; forming a conductive layer from the conductive paste layer, wherein forming the conductive layer comprises extending the trench through the silicon nitride layer and through the silicon oxide layer to expose the semiconductor region; and forming a contact structure in direct electrical contact with the semiconductor region of the solar cell, the contact structure comprising at least the conductive layer.