First Solar patented a method for annealing an absorber layer in photovoltaic devices using a gel containing cadmium chloride and a thickening agent. The method involves applying a coating of the gel, drying it to form a film, and processing it at specific temperatures for improved efficiency. GlobalData’s report on First Solar gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on First Solar, Photovoltaic roof tiles was a key innovation area identified from patents. First Solar's grant share as of March 2024 was 39%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Method for treating absorber layer in photovoltaic device
A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11929447B2) discloses a method for treating an absorber layer on a layer stack for a photovoltaic device. The method involves preparing an annealing material containing cadmium chloride and a thickening agent, with a specific ratio between the two components. The annealing material is then applied as a coating on the absorber layer, which consists of cadmium, tellurium, and a group V dopant. A film is formed by drying the applied material, and the absorber layer is processed at a defined annealing temperature for a specific duration.
Furthermore, the method includes additional steps such as exposing the annealing material to a particular temperature range, measuring the gel of the annealing material for viscosity, and automatically determining the density of the gel. The application of the annealing material can be done through roll coating, with overflow material being recirculated. The gel is transformed into a film by heating before annealing the absorber layer, and the method also involves exposing the absorber layer to a reducing environment during annealing. Different thickening agents like Methyl Cellulose, HydroxyPropyl Methyl Cellulose, or Propylene Glycol can be used, each with specific ratios in the annealing material. These detailed steps and components aim to enhance the treatment process of the absorber layer, ultimately improving the efficiency and performance of the photovoltaic device.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
