Locally contacted thin-film solar cells

Concepts for locally contacted thin-film solar cells are presented. The approach is motivated by device simulations for the case of thin-film silicon solar cells with p-i-n structure. Our devices based on microcrystalline silicon have local contacts on either the p- or n-side made by photolithography, laser techniques or self organised etch masks. So far, no improvement in the open-circuit voltage could be obtained. Possible reasons are discussed.