Abstract: In a photovoltaic cell which comprises a first electrode, a first layer of cadmium sulfide, a second layer of cuprous sulfide forming a barrier junction with said first layer, and a second electrode, the improvement wherein said second electrode is formed by coating a conducting metal wire with a solid polymer containing electrically conductive particles, and attaching the coated wire to the cuprous sulfide layer by the application of moderate heat and/or pressure.
Abstract: A photovoltaic cell having improved stability and lifetime comprising a cadmium sulfide film, an overlying copper sulfide film and deposited on the copper sulfide film, a film selected from the group consisting of a film of chromium, a film of chromium having deposited thereon a film of copper, a film of copper having deposited thereon a film of chromium and a film of an admixture of chromium and copper. A method for making such a photovoltaic cell is also disclosed.
Abstract: In a photovoltaic cell which comprises: a substrate, a bottom electrode, a first layer of cadmium sulfide, a second layer of cuprous sulfide forming a barrier junction with said first layer and a top electrode, the improvement wherein said substrate is an insulative ceramic material and the bottom electrode is a conductive ceramic layer fused to said substrate. Said conductive layer is optionally coated with a metal having a high electrical conductivity.
Abstract: Improved selective black particles for use in solar receivers are described. The improved selective blacks comprise small particles of a metal having a low emissivity which are coated with a thin layer of an optically dark material having high absorptivity and low reflectivity for solar wavelengths and which is transparent for higher wavelengths in the thermal range. The improved selective black particles can be applied, e.g., as a paint, to any surface suitable for a solar heat receiver.