System and method for eliminating short and latent short circuit current paths in photovoltaic devices

摘要

Systems (54) and methods for detecting and eliminating latent (58,59) and existing short circuit current paths through photovoltaic devices (55) of the type including at least one semiconductor region (62) overlying a substrate (61) and a layer of conductive light transmissive material (64) overlying the at least one semiconductor region (62) are disclosed. The latent paths (58, 59) are first converted to existing short circuit current paths by applying a bias voltage to the devices. The short circuit current paths which are eliminated extend through the at least one semiconductor region (62) from the substrate (61) to the layer of conductive light transmissive material (64). The resistivity of the short circuit current paths is increased substantially at the interface between the conductive light transmissive material (64) and the semiconductor region (62) by isolating electrically the conductive light transmissive material (64) from the short circuit current path.