Patent ID: 7718347
Filing Date: 2010-05-18
Classification: H01L,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A method for processing a thin film photovoltaic module comprising: preparing a stack of photovoltaic module layers on a top surface of a substrate; coating the stack with a first photoresist; defining an isolation groove pattern in the first photoresist; etching completely through the stack, using the defined isolation groove pattern, to form an isolation groove having first and second substantially parallel edges; defining a contact step pattern in the first photoresist; etching though one or more layers of the stack, using the defined contact step pattern, to form a contact step adjacent the first edge of the groove; forming an insulator on the second edge of the isolation groove; coating the stack, insulator and contact step with a second photoresist; defining a contact groove pattern in the second photoresist, the contact groove pattern overlying the isolation groove and extending laterally over a portion of the contact step, the insulator, and a portion of the stack adjacent the second edge of the isolation groove; creating a contact groove by clearing portions of the second photoresist corresponding to the contact groove pattern; forming a connector by depositing metal in the contact groove; and removing remaining portions of the second photoresist.