Monolithic series-connected solar cell

Patent · Tue Jul 14 04:00:00 EDT 1981

OSTI ID:6382931

Borden, P G

A monolithic series-connected solar cell comprises a series of cells each having a mesa-like structure which is electrically interconnected from the top of each cell to a contact ledge formed in the base region of the adjoining cell. The individual cells are supported on an insulating substrate. The monolithic series-connected solar cell is fabricated from a fully formed single junction solar cell by forming a series of breaks down to an insulating substrate, forming a contact ledge in the base region on one side of the mesa defined by each break, applying a layer of insulating material along the opposite side of each mesa and forming a conductive lead between the top region of individual cells and the contact ledge of the adjoining cell.

• Assignee: Varian Associates Inc
• Patent Number(s): US 4278473
• OSTI ID: 6382931
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140501* -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Photovoltaic Conversion
DC SYSTEMS
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTRIC CONTACTS
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
ENERGY SYSTEMS
EQUIPMENT
FABRICATION
GERMANIUM COMPOUNDS
HVDC SYSTEMS
JUNCTIONS
LOW TEMPERATURE
MATERIALS
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
POWER SYSTEMS
SEMICONDUCTOR MATERIALS
SILICON COMPOUNDS
SOLAR CELL ARRAYS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SUBSTRATES
THERMAL INSULATION