Abstract: The specification discloses a photovoltaic device comprising a transparent, electrically insulating substrate, a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements using thin-layer technology, disposed as a stack on the substrate, these photoelectric conversion elements comprising a layer of material forming an opaque electrode traversed by cuts or openings, the latter advantageously exhibiting a groove shape which is elongate in a transverse direction of the cell and forming between them bands of material which are favorably oriented in the direction of the photogenerated current lines. A reinforced insulation of the cuts by a protective shoulder between layers may be provided. The invention permits partial-transparency solar cells or modules to be obtained.

Abstract: Panel structure suitable for forming a photovoltaic device, comprising an electrically insulating transparent support substrate; photosensitive elements constituted by thin layers stacked on a first face of the said substrate and comprising an opaque electrically conducting layer, openings being formed through this opaque layer in order to allow a portion of the light received by the structure to traverse the said photosensitive elements; an electrically insulating transparent potting layer covering the same photoactive conversion elements; and, over the top, a protecting plate. This plate may be curved. In this case, the potting layer will be constituted by an adhesive sheet.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing thin film materials in a plasma deposit process. An enclosure is provided including a plasma zone. The apparatus removes non-deposited, residual gaseous reagents from the enclosure after heating the plasma zone for a predetermined time. An airtight chamber surrounds the enclosure and is kept at a pressure lower than the pressure within the enclosure. A screen is provided for directing heat to the enclosure, while maintaining the chamber walls at a lower temperature. In one embodiment of the invention, metal bellows are provided to apply a substrate support plate against a side wall of the enclosure sealing the substrate support with one of the side walls of the enclosure.

Abstract: Thin-layered conductive or semi-conductive electric circuits are made on a thin conductive or semi-conductive layer that was previously deposited on an electric insulating substrate. The electric circuits are produced by attacking with an electro-erosion tool the thin layer so as to form insulated paths thereon.