Abstract: A solar cell module contains a thin film silicon (TFS) semiconductor panel positioned above a copper indium dieselenide (CIS) semiconductor panel. The combination of the TFS panel and the CIS panel is effective to utilize a substantial proportion of the light energy of the solar spectrum.

Abstract: A flash compression process for the manufacture of photovoltaic cells wherein a powder of photovoltaic material is compressed under high pressure between upper and lower compression members and is simultaneously melted in place by means of an electric discharge supplied through the compression members. The photovoltaic material is subjected to a controlled solidification process by which impurities are confined to one side of the photovoltaic cell. The photovoltaic cell may be formed directly on a substrate and may be surface doped during the formation process.