Thin Film Article and Method for Forming a Reduced Conductive Area in Transparent Conductive Films for Photovoltaic Modules

Abstract

A method for forming a reduced conductive area in transparent conductive. The method includes providing a transparent, electrically conductive, chemically reducible material. A reducing atmosphere is provided and concentrated electromagnetic energy from an energy source is directed toward a portion of the transparent, electrically conductive, chemically reducible material to form a reduced conductive area. The reduced conductive area has greater electrical conductivity than the transparent, electrically conductive, chemically reducible material. A thin film article and photovoltaic module are also disclosed.

1 . A thin film article having selectively modified electrical conductivity:
 a substrate including a transparent, electrically conductive, chemically reducible material; and   a reduced conductive area selectively disposed within the electrically conductive, chemically reducible material;   wherein the reduced conductive area has greater electrical conductivity than the transparent, electrically conductive, chemically reducible material.   
     
     
         2 . The article of  claim 1 , wherein the reduced conductive area is metallic. 
     
     
         3 . The article of  claim 1 , wherein the reduced conductive area further includes a reduced organometallic gas additive. 
     
     
         4 . The article of  claim 1 , wherein the thin film article forms a portion of a photovoltaic module. 
     
     
         5 . The article of  claim 1 , wherein the reduced conductive area is disposed within a dead area of the photovoltaic module. 
     
     
         6 . The article of  claim 1 , wherein the thin film article includes a photovoltaic cell including CdTe. 
     
     
         7 . A thin film photovoltaic module having a transparent conductive oxide layer comprising:
 a selectively disposed reduced conductive area within the transparent conductive oxide layer;   wherein the reduced conductive area has greater electrical conductivity than the transparent conductive oxide layer.   
     
     
         8 . The photovoltaic module of  claim 7 , wherein the reduced conductive area is metallic. 
     
     
         9 . The photovoltaic module of  claim 7 , wherein the reduced conductive area further includes a reduced organometallic gas additive. 
     
     
         10 . The photovoltaic module of  claim 7 , wherein the reduced conductive area is disposed within a dead area of the photovoltaic module.