Some features of thick film technology for the back metallization of solar cells

Abstract The results of a study on the structural and electrical properties of aluminium-based thick film metallization for the back contact of n + /p silicon solar cells are reported. The study takes advantage of observations with a scanning electron microscope and analyses with an electron microprobe and Auger electron spectroscopy. The phases of AlSi formation and densification are described as well as the AlSi interactions. Some insights into the proper choice of aluminium-based inks are discussed and it is shown how the ink firing conditions are correlated with the efficiency of the solar cells.