Large area photovoltaic cell and method for producing same
A large area photovoltaic cell tolerant of puncture damage to small area segments thereof, and exhibiting only a proportional loss of electrical output from low resistance current paths formed through those small area segments. The small area segments are arrayed in a plurality of rows and columns upon an electrically insulating substrate. The small area segments in each of the rows or columns are electrically connected in series, while the series connected rows or columns of small area segments are electrically connected in parallel. The large area cell also includes a pressurized sealant which is released when the surface of the cell is pierced. The sealant flows through the damaged portion and protects the edges thereof from degradation by ambient conditions. Also disclosed is a method for the manufacture of such defect-tolerant large area photovoltaic cells.
- Assignee:
- Energy Conversion Devices Inc.
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4514579
- OSTI ID:
- 5349187
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
140501* -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Photovoltaic Conversion
DAMAGE
DESIGN
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
EQUIPMENT
FABRICATION
FAILURES
MATERIALS
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
REPAIR
RUPTURES
SEALING MATERIALS
SEMICONDUCTOR MATERIALS
SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SURFACE AREA
SURFACE PROPERTIES