Abstract: A photovoltaic device includes a semi-continuous metal layer having an uneven surface, which is not uniform, formed on a substrate, a reflective continuous metal layer having a substantially uniform thickness formed to cover the semi-continuous metal layer, a semiconductor film for photoelectric conversion formed on the reflective continuous metal layer, and a transparent electrode formed on the semiconductor film.

Abstract: An amorphous semiconductor solar cell includes an i type layer which is an at least partially alloyed, substantially intrinsic semiconductor, an n type layer formed on one side of the i type layer, and a p type layer formed n the other side of the i type layer, and the i type layer has its energy bandgap varied in a thickness direction to have a bandgap larger than the bandgap of the p type layer in the vicinity of the interface with the p type layer.

Abstract: An amorphous solar cell is provided having a junction structure of a p layer, an i layer and n layer where an electromotive force is generated when the cell is irradiated by light. The amorphous solar cell includes an upper cell and a lower cell which each have an i layer. The upper and lower cells are stacked so that the upper cell is located on the light incident side. An output end of the upper cell and an output end of the lower cell are connected in parallel. The thickness of the i layer of the lower cell is 3000 .ANG. or less. Because the thickness of the i layer of the lower cell is 3000 .ANG. or less, the amorphous solar cell has a high initial photoelectric conversion efficiency and properties which are unlikely to be degraded by light.

Abstract: A process for compacting and solidifying solid waste materials to effect the volume reduction thereof simultaneously with the solidification thereof with thermoplastic resins originally contained in the waste materials and, if necessary, supplementary thermoplastic resins externally supplied thereto, thus facilitating the waste materials for temporary storage or final disposal thereof; an appartus for carrying out said process; and an overall system for disposal of the waste materials.

Abstract: An apparatus for compacting a solid waste material includes a hollow cylindrical body having a charging inlet for charging the solid waste material therethrough into the hollow cylindrical body, a heating portion for heating the solid waste material in the hollow cylindrical body, and a discharging outlet for discharging the solid waste material from the hollow cylindrical body; a rotatable shaft disposed in the hollow cylindrical body and having a helical screw blade thereon, the screw blade and an inner wall surface of the hollow cylindrical body being spaced from each other with a clearance provided therebetween for allowing the solid waste material in the hollow cylindrical body to form a bridge therein; a support for radially movably supporting an end of the rotatable shaft; a prime mover coupled to the end of the rotatable shaft through the support; and an outlet nozzle coupled to the discharging outlet for compressing the solid waste material discharged from the discharging outlet.