Abstract: An improved photovoltaic cell and a method for making such cells is provided. In a generic sense, the preferred method comprises the step of (1) applying a coating of an aluminum metal paste onto the rear surface of the substrate in a suitable rear contact pattern, (2) applying a layer of a glass frit paste so as to envelop the rear contact, and (3) firing those pastes so as to form a rear contact protected by a glass overcoating. A front contact also is formed by applying a silver metal/glass frit paste onto the anti-reflection coating in a related front contact pattern. The front and rear contacts may be fired simultaneously or in two different steps. However, a single firing method is preferred because thicker aluminum contacts are possible.

Abstract: A solar cell is provided which has a front electrode which wraps around the edge of the cell and onto a portion of the back of the cell. A second electrode is also provided on the back of the cell thereby permitting all electrical connections to be made on one side of the cell. A method for making such a cell also is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention teaches an improved bus for current collection in photovoltaic solar cells. The bus is prefabricated from a highly conductive metal and is corrugated to compensate for differences in thermal coefficients of expansion between the bus and the solar cell body.

Abstract: A solar cell module is provided having a plurality of circular solar cells arrayed on a support structure in which at least the land areas between the cells have facets with light reflecting surfaces. An optical cover medium couples the facets and the cells. Importantly the angular relationship of the facet surfaces is such that light impinging thereon will be reflected upwardly into the optical medium and then internally reflected downwardly toward an active cell area thereby effectively increasing the output of the module.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of high purity solar grade silicon from common rice hulls. A unique process for material purification and reduction includes leaching the rice hulls in acid followed by treatment with high purity water, coking the acid-cleaned hulls in a non-oxidizing ambient, compensating the carbon or silica content of the coked hulls to obtain a desired carbon to silica ratio and reducing the silica to produce high purity silicon.

Abstract: A method for electroplating amorphous silicon from a non-aqueous solution containing a silicon solute wherein a heat treatment is requisite to producing stable coatings of photoconductive amorphous silicon.