Solar cells with thick aluminum contacts

摘要

An improved photovoltaic cell and method of making same is disclosed. The invention involves formation of a thick aluminum rear contact (12). In the preferred embodiment the cell is made by a single fire process that involves forming a glass layer (18) over the aluminum contact (12) so as to protect it against oxidation and corrosion. Also in the preferred embodiment of the invention, the rear side of the substrate preferably includes silver soldering pads (16) that extend through openings (28) in the thick aluminum rear contact (12), and the glass layer (18) has windows (28) exposing portions of the soldering pads (16) for solder attachment of connecting wire ribbons.