Ultrastretchable Corrugated Monocrystalline Silicon Solar Cells with Interdigitated Back Contacts

In this work, ultrastretchability is demonstrated in naturally rigid silicon solar cells using a corrugation technique. The corrugation is achieved by producing deep channels within the solar cell using the interdigitated back contacts technology. Stretchability is achieved by initially coating the back side of the photovoltaic cell using a bio-friendly elastomer. Moreover, the stretchability is shown to be dependent on the corrugated pattern which relieves the generated strain when applying a tensile stress. Finally, a stretching cycling test is performed on the solar cell to confirm its mechanical resilience.