Realization of Self-Aligned Back-Contact Solar Cells

Among high-efficiency cells, interdigitated back-contact (IBC) solar cells present many advantages over conventional structures. In most cases, fabrication processes involving many masks and alignments are needed. In this paper, we present an alternative approach to simplify the IBC solar cell fabrication process. Here, only one mask without alignment was used to define the total solar cell. Separation between emitter and base comb is reached by cantilevers which prevent interconnections during Al deposition. Cantilevers are formed by a low-cost chemical etching solution. With this process, we have obtained cells with a fill factor of 77%.