Photovoltaic cell and process

Patent · Tue Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1991

OSTI ID:5663080

Nowlan, M J

This patent describes an improved photovoltaic cell. It comprises a solar cell formed of a semiconductor material having a front surface and a back surface; a front contact grid of a predetermined pattern provided on the front surface of the solar cell; a cover plate formed of a glass material having parallel front and back surfaces and a thermal expansion coefficient matching that of the semiconductor material; the back surface of the cover plate provided with a plurality of V-grooves each formed with facets diverging at a predetermined angle toward a base located at the back surface of the cover plate and mirroring the predetermined pattern of the front contact grid; the back surface of the cover plate being electrostatically bonded to the front surface of the solar cell; the V-grooves serving as clearance slots for the front contact grid such that the grid is fully contained therein by projecting into the V-grooves from their the respective bases, and the diverging facets thereof serving as reflecting surfaces for light rays incident on the front surface of the cover plate to direct the rays onto the front surface of the solar cell in between the front contact grid; the diverging facets being provided with a layer of reflective material.

• Assignee: Spire Corp., Bedford, MA (United States)
• Patent Number(s): A; US 5076857
• Application Number: PPN: US 7-573467
• OSTI ID: 5663080
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140501* -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Photovoltaic Conversion
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTROSTATICS
EQUIPMENT
EXPANSION
FABRICATION
GLASS
MATERIALS
MODIFICATIONS
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
PLATES
REFLECTION
SEMICONDUCTOR MATERIALS
SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SURFACES
THERMAL EXPANSION