First Solar patented a method for annealing an absorber layer in a photovoltaic device using an annealing material gel with cadmium chloride and a thickening agent. The method involves applying a coating, drying, and processing the layer at specific temperatures and times for optimal 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 February 2024 was 39%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Method for annealing 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 by weight and viscosity range. This annealing material is then applied to the absorber layer, which consists of cadmium, tellurium, and a group V dopant. By forming a film with a specific area density through drying and processing the absorber layer at a defined annealing temperature, the method aims to enhance the performance of the photovoltaic device.
Furthermore, the method includes additional steps such as exposing the annealing material to a specific temperature range, measuring the gel of the annealing material for viscosity, roll coating the surface of the absorber layer, capturing overflow of the gel for recirculation, and transforming the gel into a film through heating. The method also involves mixing the annealing material solution at a particular temperature, exposing the absorber layer to a reducing environment during annealing, and utilizing different thickening agents like Methyl Cellulose, HydroxyPropyl Methyl Cellulose, or Propylene Glycol with specific weight ratios. These detailed steps and components aim to optimize the treatment process of the absorber layer for improved efficiency and performance of the photovoltaic device.
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