Patent Description:
In recent years, with increased concerns about environmental problems and depletion of nonrenewable energy sources, solar cells have drawn attention as an alternative energy source which uses abundant energy resources, is free of problems associated with pollution and has high energy efficiency.

Solar cells may be classified into solar thermal cells which generate steam energy necessary to rotate a turbine using solar heat and photovoltaic solar cells which convert photons into electric energy using properties of semiconductors. In particular, a great deal of research has focused on photovoltaic solar cells which absorb light, generating electrons and holes and thereby converting light energy into electric energy.

<FIG> is a view typically illustrating the structure of such a photovoltaic solar cell (hereinafter, simply referred to as a "solar cell"). Referring to <FIG>, the solar cell includes a first conduction type semiconductor layer <NUM> and a second conduction type semiconductor layer <NUM>, which is opposite to the conduction type of the first conduction type semiconductor layer <NUM>, formed on first conduction type semiconductor layer <NUM>. A pin junction is achieved at the interface between the first conduction type semiconductor layer <NUM> and the second conduction type semiconductor layer <NUM>. A rear electrode <NUM> is disposed in contact with at least a portion of the first conduction type semiconductor layer <NUM>, and a front electrode <NUM> is disposed in contact with at least a portion of the second conduction type semiconductor layer <NUM>. According to circumstances, an anti-reflective film <NUM> to disturb light reflection may be formed at the top of the second conduction type semiconductor layer <NUM>.

A p-type silicon substrate is usually used as the first conduction type semiconductor layer <NUM>, and an n-type emitter layer is used as the second conduction type semiconductor layer <NUM>. Also, the front electrode <NUM> is usually formed at the top of the emitter layer <NUM> using a silver (Ag) pattern, and the rear electrode <NUM> is usually formed at the bottom of the semiconductor layer <NUM> using an aluminum (Al) layer. The front electrode <NUM> and the rear electrode <NUM> are generally formed using a screen printing method. The front electrode generally includes two current collection electrodes (also referred to as 'bus bars') having a large width and grid electrodes (also referred to as 'fingers') having a small width of approximately <NUM>.

In the solar cell having the above structure, when solar light is incident on the front electrode <NUM>, free electrons are generated. The electrons move to the n-type semiconductor layer <NUM> according to a pin conjunction principle. Such movement of the electrons generates current.

The performance of the solar cell which directly converts light energy into electric energy is expressed by a ratio of electric energy output from the solar cell to solar energy incident on the solar cell. This ratio indicates a performance index of the solar cell and is generally referred to as "energy conversion efficiency," or simply "conversion efficiency. " Theoretically, conversion efficiency is limited by a material constituting a solar cell and is controlled according to matching of a spectrum of solar light energy and a sensitivity spectrum of a solar cell. For example, a single crystal silicon solar cell has a conversion efficiency of approximately <NUM> to <NUM> %, a noncrystalline silicon solar cell has a conversion efficiency of approximately <NUM> %, and a compound semiconductor solar cell has a conversion efficiency of approximately <NUM> to <NUM> %. On the present laboratory level, however, a solar cell has a conversion efficiency of approximately <NUM> %.

Loss may include loss caused by light reflected from a surface, loss caused by recombination of a carrier at the surface or an electrode interface, loss caused by recombination of the carrier in a solar cell, and loss caused by internal resistance of the solar cell.

Power loss caused by electrodes may include resistance loss caused by movement of light current at an n-type semiconductor layer, loss caused by contact resistance between the n-type semiconductor layer and grid electrodes, resistance loss caused by photoelectric current flowing in the grid electrodes, and loss caused by an area covered by the grid electrodes.

Consequently, there is a high necessity for technology that is capable of minimizing power loss caused by such electrodes and maximizing light absorption, thereby providing a solar cell exhibiting high efficiency.

<CIT> discloses a solar cell according to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

<CIT> describes an electrode arrangement for a solar cell in which a plurality of grid electrodes arranged in parallel have a width of <NUM> at their free ends and a width of <NUM> at the ends at which they are connected to a current collection electrode.

In the electrode arrangement of <CIT>, the width of grid electrodes increases towards a current collection electrode. A similar electrode configuration is known from the publication "<NPL>une. <CIT> shows an arrangement of grid electrodes which merge into larger grid electrodes which are in contact with collection electrodes.

Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and other technical problems that have yet to be resolved.

Specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide a front electrode for solar cells wherein the width of grid electrodes is adjusted to minimize power loss caused by the electrodes and maximize light absorption.

As a result of a variety of studies and experiments on a front electrode for solar cells, the inventors of the present application have found that, when the front electrode is configured so that the width of grid electrodes at a current collection electrode side is relatively large, electrode loss of the front electrode according to the present invention is much less than that of a conventional front electrode. The present invention has been completed based on these findings.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the above and other objects can be accomplished by the provision of a solar cell comprising the features of claim <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, conventional grid electrodes have a very large and uniform width of approximately <NUM> to <NUM> µm with the result that the area of regions (shadows) covered by the grid electrodes is large, resulting in high electrode loss. The inventors of the present application have considered a relationship between a loss of the grid electrodes and the size of the grid electrodes and the current collection electrode so as to develop a structure that is capable of minimizing a loss caused by the grid electrodes.

As previously discussed, electrode loss includes (<NUM>) a loss (loss I) caused when current flows in the n-type semiconductor layer, (<NUM>) a loss (loss II) caused when the current flows from the n-type semiconductor layer to the grid electrodes, (<NUM>) a loss (loss III) caused when the current flows in the grid electrodes, and (<NUM>) a loss (loss IV) caused by an area covered by the grid electrodes. The loss may be calculated as follows with reference to <FIG>. <MAT> <MAT> <MAT> <MAT>.

(In the above expressions, b indicates the intervals of the grid electrodes, n indicates the number of the grid electrodes, ρc indicates contact specific resistance between the grid electrodes and the n-type semiconductor layer, La indicates the length of the front electrode, ta indicates the thickness (height) of the grid electrodes, and Wa indicates the width of the grid electrodes.

From the above expressions, it can be seen that there are pairs of (n, La, Wa) in which the sum of the number (n) of the grid electrodes, the width (Wa) of the grid electrodes and the length (La) of the front electrode is minimized.

That is, as the width of the grid electrodes increases, the area of the shadows increases with the result that loss IV (hereinafter, also referred to as 'shadow loss' according to circumstances) increases, and therefore, light absorption is reduced. On the other hand, when the width of the grid electrodes is excessively small, electrode resistance increases with the result that loss III increases.

Meanwhile, since the amount of current flowing in the grid electrodes increases in an integral mode based on the length of the grid electrodes, it may be advantageous for the width of the grid electrodes to be small. When the length of the grid electrodes is equal to or greater than a predetermined length, however, it is preferable for the width of the grid electrodes to be small in consideration of resistance.

According to the present invention, therefore, the grid electrodes are configured to have a structure in which the width of the grid electrodes is increased toward the current collection electrode at which the amount of current increases. Also, it is preferable for the grid electrodes to be at right angles to the current collection electrode in consideration of efficiency per unit area.

The width of each of the grid electrodes may be increased so that the width of each of the grid electrodes at one end thereof adjacent to the current collection electrode is preferably <NUM> to <NUM> %, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM> %, greater than the width of each of the grid electrodes at the other end thereof distant from the current collection electrode.

According to the invention, the width of each of the grid electrodes is discontinuously increased in inverse proportion to the distance from the current collection electrode.

The width of each of the grid electrodes may be discontinuously increased, for example, in a stair type structure or in a basin type structure.

The pattern includes a first pattern part at which the width of each of the grid electrodes is <NUM> µm or less and a second pattern part at which the width of each of the grid electrodes is less than that of each of the grid electrodes at the first pattern part.

Seeing as the front electrode is configured to have such a combination type structure having a first pattern part at which the width of each of the grid electrodes is relatively large and a second pattern part at which the width of each of the grid electrodes is relatively small as described above, it is possible to effectively deal with the amount of current cumulatively increasing based on the length of the grid electrodes, thereby minimizing loss due to the increase in current resistance.

To this end, it is preferable to form the first pattern part at the grid electrodes located at the current collection electrode at which the amount of current increases so that the first pattern part has a predetermined length. Also, it is preferable for the grid electrodes to be at right angles to the current collection electrode in consideration of efficiency per unit area. Preferably, the width of the current collection electrode is approximately <NUM> to <NUM>, and two current collection electrodes are provided so that the current collection electrodes are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance.

The second pattern part is configured to have a structure in which two or more grid electrodes are joined to each other. As a result, the grid electrodes, having the relatively small width, of the second pattern part are connected to the grid electrodes of the first pattern part while the grid electrodes of the second pattern part are joined to each other, and therefore, it is possible to lower power loss caused during movement of current between the first pattern part and the second pattern part to a negligible level.

The structure in which the grid electrodes are joined to each other at the second pattern part is a dendrite structure in which end connection is achieved between the grid electrodes of the first pattern part and the grid electrodes of the second pattern part. Hereinafter, the electrodes to interconnect the grid electrodes of the first pattern part and the grid electrodes of the second pattern part will be referred to as dendrite electrodes.

It is preferable for the width of the grid electrodes at the first pattern part and the second pattern part to be adjusted so that the increase of resistance due to current accumulation is minimized while shadow loss due to the grid electrodes is minimized.

The second pattern part is a portion to which current is introduced, and therefore, current accumulation is low. In order to minimize the shadow loss, therefore, it is preferable for the grid electrodes to have a relatively small width. If the width of the grid electrodes is excessively small, however, it is difficult to form the grid electrodes and, in addition, resistance increases.

Also, the first pattern part is a portion from which current is discharged to the current collection electrode (also functioning as a current introduction portion according to circumstances). In order to minimize the increase of resistance due to current accumulation, therefore, it is preferable for the grid electrodes to have a relatively large width. If the width of the grid electrodes is excessively large, however, shadow loss is caused and materials are wasted.

In consideration of the above matters, therefore, the width of each of the dendrite electrodes may be one to two times, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> times, that of each of the grid electrodes of the second pattern part.

Also, the width of each of the grid electrodes of the first pattern part may be <NUM> to <NUM> times, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> times, that of each of the grid electrodes of the second pattern part within a range greater than that of each of the dendrite electrodes.

In a preferred example, the width of each of the grid electrodes of the second pattern part may be <NUM> to <NUM> µm, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> µm, and the width of each of the grid electrodes of the first pattern part may be <NUM> to <NUM> µm, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> µm, within a range greater than that of each of the grid electrodes of the second pattern part.

The width of each of the dendrite electrodes may be equal to that of each of the grid electrodes of the second pattern part or <NUM> to <NUM> µm, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> µm, within a range greater than that of each of the grid electrodes of the second pattern part.

Meanwhile, if the intervals of the grid electrodes are large, movement distance of current from the n-type semiconductor layer to the grid electrodes is increased, resulting in current loss. If the intervals of the grid electrodes are excessively small, on the other hand, shadow loss is increased.

Since the width of each of the grid electrodes at the second part is less than that of each of the conventional grid electrodes, shadow loss is not increased even when the intervals of the grid electrodes, which are approximately <NUM> to <NUM> in the conventional art, are reduced. Furthermore, the movement distance of current is decreased, thereby further improving efficiency. Since the grid electrodes of the first pattern part have a greater width than those of the second pattern part, on the other hand, it is preferable to set the intervals of the grid electrodes at the first pattern part so that the intervals of the grid electrodes at the first pattern part are not much less than those of the grid electrodes at the second pattern part in order to minimize shadow loss. For example, the intervals of the grid electrodes of the first pattern part may be <NUM> to <NUM> times, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> times, those of the grid electrodes of the second pattern part.

In a preferred example, the intervals of the grid electrodes of the second pattern part may be <NUM> to <NUM>, and the intervals of the grid electrodes of the first pattern part may be equal to those of grid electrodes of the second pattern part or <NUM> to <NUM> within a range greater than those of the grid electrodes of the second pattern part.

The dendrite electrodes are preferably inclined at an angle of <NUM> to <NUM> degrees to the longitudinal direction of the grid electrodes.

Also, if the length of the second pattern part is greater than <NUM> % the total length of the grid electrodes or the length of the first pattern part is less than <NUM> % the total length of the grid electrodes, current resistance is excessively increased. On the other hand, if the length of the second pattern part is less than <NUM> % the total length of the grid electrodes or the length of the first pattern part is greater than <NUM> % the total length of the grid electrodes, shadow loss is increased.

Consequently, the length of each of the grid electrodes of the second pattern part is preferably <NUM> to <NUM> % the total length of each of the grid electrodes. Also, it is preferable for the length of each of the grid electrodes of the first pattern part to be <NUM> to <NUM> % the total length of each of the grid electrodes. If the length of each of the dendrite electrodes is large, the length of each of the grid electrodes is excessively increased. Consequently, the length of each of the dendrite electrodes is preferably <NUM> % or less of the total length of each of the grid electrodes.

The semiconductor substrate may include an n-type semiconductor layer formed of crystalline silicon. According to circumstances, various kinds of layers may be added to the semiconductor substrate. For example, an anti-reflective film may be applied to the top of a dopant layer of an N+ semiconductor layer. Silicon nitride or silicon oxide may be used as the anti-reflective film.

Also, it is preferable to increase the resistance of the n-type semiconductor layer in order to reduce surface recombination velocity of photoelectric current. The resistance of the n-type semiconductor layer may be <NUM>Ω or more, preferably <NUM>Ω or more.

In the solar cell according to the present invention, the structure of the grid electrodes is optimized with the result that the solar cell has an electrode loss of <NUM> mW/cm<NUM> or less. Consequently, the solar cell according to the present invention has an advantage in that conversion efficiency is very high.

The solar cell may be formed of a bulk type material. Preferably, the solar cell is formed of crystalline silicon in consideration of efficiency. The structure and manufacturing method of the solar cell are well known in the art to which the present invention pertains, and therefore, a detailed description thereof will not be given.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a front electrode for solar cells. Conventional front electrodes are manufactured using a screen printing method. In the screen printing method, ink is pushed between screen masks to print the front electrodes. The screen printing method has a precision of approximately <NUM> µm, and therefore, it is not possible to achieve a pattern of less than <NUM> µm using the screen printing method, with the result that electrode loss is high. Also, ink is pushed through squeezing with the result that the screen printing method is not suitable for a continuous process.

In order to solve such problems, upon forming a pattern including a plurality of grid electrodes arranged in parallel and a current collection electrode intersecting the grid electrodes on a semiconductor substrate, the manufacturing method according to the present invention includes printing paste on a semiconductor substrate using a gravure printing method or an offset printing method so that the grid electrodes have a width of <NUM> µm or less and (b) heating and/or pressurizing the paste to harden the paste.

When the front electrode is formed using the gravure printing method or the offset printing method as described above, it is possible to easily form a micrometer scale pattern and to form the pattern through a continuous process, thereby greatly improving process efficiency.

As a concrete example, the offset printing method may include (i) preparing a printing substrate having grooves formed in a predetermined pattern corresponding to that of the front electrode, (ii) filling the grooves formed at the printing substrate with paste for electrode formation, (iii) rotating a printing roll on the printing substrate to transfer the paste placed in the grooves to the printing roll, and (iv) rotating the printing roll on a semiconductor substrate to transfer the paste from the printing roll to the semiconductor substrate.

The offset printing method has a patterning precision of approximately <NUM> to <NUM> µm, and the thickness of a pattern formed using the offset printing method is merely several µm. Consequently, the offset printing method has an advantage of forming a pattern having a sub-micrometer size. Also, in the offset printing method, the paste is transferred to the substrate using the printing roll. Consequently, it is possible to form a pattern through a single transfer process using a printing roll having a size corresponding to the area of the substrate even when the area of the substrate is large.

As another example, the gravure printing method may include (i) preparing a blanket cylinder having grooves formed in a predetermined pattern corresponding to that of the front electrode, (ii) filling the grooves formed at the blanket cylinder with paste for electrode formation, and (iii) rotating the blanket cylinder on a semiconductor substrate to transfer the paste from the blanket cylinder to the semiconductor substrate.

It is also possible to print a pattern having a sub-micrometer size using the gravure printing method. Consequently, the gravure printing method has an advantage of suitably forming a micrometer scale pattern and of simultaneously patterning a large area in the same manner as the offset printing method.

In the method of manufacturing the front electrode according to the present invention, the paste contains a material used to form the grid electrodes and the current collection electrode constituting the front electrode. Preferably, the paste contains silver (Ag) powder.

Meanwhile, the step of curing the paste may include preliminarily drying the paste at a temperature of <NUM> to <NUM>, removing a binder at a temperature of <NUM> to <NUM>, and sintering the paste at a temperature of <NUM> to <NUM>. The total time necessary to cure the paste may be <NUM> to <NUM> minutes.

Now, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted, however, that the scope of the present invention is not limited by the illustrated embodiments.

<FIG> are partial plan views typically illustrating front electrodes according to embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to these drawings, each grid electrode <NUM> includes a first pattern part A adjacent to a current collection electrode <NUM>, a second pattern part B distant from the current collection electrode <NUM>, and a dendrite electrode C located between the first pattern part A and the second pattern part B. The first pattern part A. At the first pattern part A, grid electrodes each having a relatively large width are arranged at large intervals. At the second pattern part B, on the other hand, grid electrodes each having a relatively small width are arranged at small intervals.

In the above structure, the amount of current introduced is maximized by the second pattern part B, whereas current resistance and shadow loss are minimized by the first pattern part A.

At the front electrode shown in <FIG>, every two grid electrodes of the second pattern part are joined to each other via each dendrite electrode C. At the front electrode shown in <FIG>, all grid electrodes of the second pattern part are joined to each other via the corresponding dendrite electrodes C. For the front electrode of <FIG>, the grid electrodes at the first pattern part are arranged at relatively small intervals. In consideration of a shadow loss, therefore, the grid electrodes may have a smaller width than the grid electrodes at the first pattern part of <FIG>.

<FIG> is a typical view illustrating a process of manufacturing a front electrode using an offset printing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, first, grooves <NUM> having a shape corresponding to a pattern of a front electrode to be formed at a semiconductor substrate are formed at a printing substrate <NUM>. At this time, a method of forming the grooves <NUM> is not particularly restricted. For example, the grooves <NUM> may be formed using a well-known method, such as photolithography. Subsequently, the interiors of the grooves <NUM> are filled with paste <NUM> for electrode formation. To this end, the paste <NUM> is applied to the surface of the printing substrate <NUM>, and a doctor blade <NUM> is moved in a state in which the doctor blade <NUM> is in contact with the printing substrate <NUM>. With the movement of the doctor blade <NUM>, the interiors of the grooves <NUM> are filled with the paste <NUM>. On the other hand, the remaining paste <NUM> may be removed from the printing substrate <NUM> by the doctor blade <NUM>.

Subsequently, the paste <NUM> placed in the grooves <NUM> of the printing substrate <NUM> is transferred to the surface of a printing roll <NUM>, which is rotated in a state in which the printing roll <NUM> is in contact with the printing substrate <NUM>. The printing roll <NUM> may have the same width as a semiconductor substrate <NUM> at which a pattern is to be formed. Also, the printing roll <NUM> may have a circumference equal to the length of the semiconductor substrate <NUM>. Consequently, all of the paste <NUM> placed in the grooves <NUM> of the printing substrate <NUM> is transferred to the circumferential surface of the printing roll <NUM> by a single rotation of the printing roll <NUM>.

Subsequently, the printing roll <NUM> is rotated in a state in which the printing roll <NUM> is in contact with the surface of the semiconductor substrate <NUM>. As a result, the paste <NUM> is transferred from the printing roll <NUM> to the semiconductor substrate <NUM>. Subsequently, the paste transferred to the semiconductor substrate <NUM> is cured to form a pattern.

When the front electrode is patterned using the offset printing method as described above, it is possible to easily form a micrometer scale pattern. In addition, the printing substrate <NUM> and the printing roll <NUM> are manufactured so as to correspond to the size of the semiconductor substrate <NUM>. Consequently, it is possible to form the pattern through a single transfer process, thereby greatly improving process efficiency.

<FIG> is a partial perspective view typically illustrating a solar cell having the front electrode of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the solar cell include a p-type semiconductor layer <NUM> and an n-type semiconductor layer <NUM>, which is opposite to the conduction type of the p-type semiconductor layer <NUM>, formed on the p-type semiconductor layer <NUM>. A pin junction is achieved at the interface between the p-type semiconductor layer <NUM> and the n-type semiconductor layer <NUM>. A rear electrode <NUM> is formed at the bottom of the p-type semiconductor layer <NUM>. An anti-reflective film <NUM> having a honeycomb structure to disturb light reflection is formed at the top of the n-type semiconductor layer <NUM>. A front electrode <NUM> including grid electrodes and a current collection electrode <NUM> is formed on the anti-reflective film <NUM> in a state in which the front electrode is in contact with at least a portion of the n-type semiconductor layer <NUM>.

A p-type silicon substrate is usually used as the p-type semiconductor layer <NUM>, and a phosphorous (P)-doped n-type emitter layer is used as the n-type semiconductor layer <NUM>. Also, the front electrode <NUM> is usually formed of a silver (Ag) pattern, and the rear electrode <NUM> disposed at the bottom of the p-type semiconductor layer <NUM> is usually formed of an aluminum (Al) layer.

The front electrode includes a first pattern part 110A including grid electrodes perpendicularly connected to the current collection electrode <NUM>, which has a large width, each of the grid electrodes having a width of <NUM> µm or less, a second pattern part 110B including grid electrodes having a smaller width than the grid electrodes of the first pattern part A, and dendrite electrodes 110C including grid electrodes interconnecting the grid electrodes of the first pattern part 110A and the grid electrodes of the second pattern part 110B.

In the above structure, the increase in resistance of current, introduced from the n-type semiconductor layer <NUM> to the second pattern part B, flowing in the grid electrodes <NUM> is minimized by the first pattern part A. In addition, the intervals of the grid electrodes at the first pattern part 110A are configured to be large, and the intervals of the grid electrodes at the second pattern part 110B are configured to be small, thereby minimizing power loss.

<FIG> is a plan view typically illustrating a front electrode of a solar cell according to the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, the front electrode is configured to have a structure in which grid electrodes are arranged between two current collection electrodes <NUM> so that the grid electrodes are perpendicular to the current collection electrodes <NUM>. First pattern parts 110A having a relatively large thickness are connected to the respective current collection electrodes <NUM> so that the first pattern parts 110A are perpendicular to the current collection electrodes <NUM>. Also, second pattern parts 110B are connected to the respective first pattern parts 110A. The first pattern parts 110A and the second pattern parts 110B are connected to each other in a middle portion defined between the two current collection electrodes <NUM>.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the following examples. These examples are provided only for illustrating the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

Phosphorous (P) was diffused on a crystalline p-type silicon substrate to form an n layer having a resistance of <NUM> ohm, and an anti-reflective silicon nitride (SiNx) layer was deposited at the front of the n layer. Aluminum (Al) paste was screen printed and hardened on the rear of the substrate having the p-n junction as described above to form a rear electrode layer, and an electrode was formed at the front of the n layer in the shape shown in <FIG> through an offset printing method using silver (Ag) paste. Specifically, grid electrodes of a first pattern part A were formed to have a length of <NUM>, and grid electrodes of a second pattern part B were formed to have a length of <NUM>. The grid electrodes of the first pattern part A were formed to have a width of <NUM> µm and intervals of <NUM>. Dendrite electrodes C were formed to have a length of <NUM>. A solar cell having a resistance of <NUM> ohm at the n layer was manufactured using the electrode formed as described above.

A solar cell having a resistance of <NUM> ohm at an n layer was manufactured using the same method as in Example <NUM> except that the grid electrodes of the first pattern part were formed to have a length of <NUM>, the grid electrodes of the second pattern part were formed to have a length of <NUM>, the grid electrodes of the first pattern part were formed to have a width of <NUM> µm and intervals of <NUM>, and the dendrite electrodes C were formed to have a length of <NUM>.

Grid electrodes were formed into a shape as shown in <FIG> to have a width of <NUM> µm and intervals of <NUM>, thereby manufacturing a solar cell having a resistance of <NUM> ohm at an n layer.

Grid electrodes were formed to have a width of <NUM> µm and intervals of <NUM> into a shape as shown in <FIG>, thereby manufacturing a solar cell having a resistance of <NUM> ohm at an n layer.

Power losses of the solar cells manufactured according to Examples <NUM> and <NUM> and Comparative examples <NUM> to <NUM> were calculated. The results are indicated in <FIG> and Table <NUM> below.

In Table <NUM>, the n-type loss (loss I) is caused when current flows in the n-type semiconductor layer, the contact loss (loss II) is caused when the current flows from the n-type semiconductor layer to the grid electrodes, the finger loss (loss III) is caused when the current flows in the grid electrodes, and the shadow loss (loss IV) is caused by an area covered by the grid electrodes.

Also, in Table <NUM>. the differences of loss between Examples and Comparative examples were based on the same resistance of the emitter (the same resistance of the n layer). That is, Example <NUM> was compared with Comparative examples <NUM> and <NUM> having an emitter resistance of <NUM> ohm, and Example <NUM> was compared with Comparative examples <NUM> and <NUM> having an emitter resistance of <NUM> ohm.

First, referring to <FIG> and Table <NUM>, it can be seen that the power loss of the solar cell of Example <NUM> having the front electrode according to the present invention was much less than that of the solar cell of Comparative examples <NUM> and <NUM>.

Specifically, it can be seen that, for the battery of Comparative example <NUM>, the grid electrodes were excessively thin and arranged at small intervals, and therefore, the resistance of current flowing in the grid electrodes was increased with the result that loss III was very high, whereas loss III was greatly reduced for the battery of Example <NUM>. Also, it can be seen that, for the battery of Comparative example <NUM>, the grid electrodes had a large width and large intervals, and therefore, shadow loss was very high, whereas the shadow loss was greatly reduced for the battery of Example <NUM>.

The power loss of the battery of Example <NUM> was <NUM> % lower than that of battery of Comparative example <NUM> and <NUM> % lower than that of battery of Comparative example <NUM>.

Also, referring to <FIG> and Table <NUM>, it can be seen that, when the n-type semiconductor layer having a resistance of <NUM> ohm was formed, power loss of the battery according to the present invention was much less (<NUM> % less) than that of the conventional battery (Comparative example <NUM>). Consequently, it can be seen that the front electrode according to the present invention can be preferably applied to even in a case in which a high-resistance n-type semiconductor layer is used so as to reduce surface recombination velocity of current.

Claim 1:
A solar cell comprising a front electrode (<NUM>), wherein the front electrode (<NUM>) is configured in a structure in which a pattern comprising a plurality of grid electrodes arranged in parallel and at least one current collection electrode (<NUM>) intersecting the grid electrodes is formed on a semiconductor substrate (<NUM>, <NUM>), current introduced to the grid electrodes is moved to and collected in the current collection electrode (<NUM>), and the width of each of the grid electrodes is increased toward the current collection electrode (<NUM>),
wherein the width of each of the grid electrodes is discontinuously increased in inverse proportion to the distance from the current collection electrode (<NUM>), and wherein
the pattern comprises a first pattern part (110A) and a second pattern part (<NUM>10B) at which the width of each of the grid electrodes is less than that of each of the grid electrodes at the first pattern part (<NUM>10A),
characterized in that
the grid electrodes of the first pattern part (110A) and the grid electrodes of the second pattern part (110B) extend along a longitudinal direction of the grid electrodes,
at the first pattern part (110A), the width of each of the grid electrodes is <NUM> µm or less, and
dendrite electrodes (110C) are located between the grid electrodes of the first pattern part (110A) and the grid electrodes of the second pattern part (110B) to interconnect two or more grid electrodes of the second pattern part (110B) with each grid electrode of the first pattern part (<NUM>10A).