Electrochemically passivated contacts for silicon solar cells

Electrochemically passivated Ti(Pd)Ag contacts for Si solar cells have been developed. The passivation is accomplished by shifting the electrochemical exchange potential of the Ti/Ag couple into positive direction by the addition of a layer of Pd between the Ti and the Ag layers. The new contacts do not degrade during humidity stress tests. They withstand temperature cycling from -- 196°C to +150°C, can be subjected to high temperatures, and are compatible with solderless interconnection schemes.