Abstract: Solar cells, particularly GaAs/GaSb tandem solar cells, are mounted on a honeycomb light weight panel in optical alignment with solar energy concentrators mounted on a front panel side. The cells are mounted on metallized surfaces of the heat spreader that is attached to a panel wall rear panel side. A circuit carrier has conductors which are bonded to metallization islands that are on one side only of the heat spreader. The circuit carrier is adhered to the rear panel side.

Abstract: Electrical charging control apparatus regulates the charging of a rechargeable battery by a solar panel. The control of the charging is through a relay which when closed directly connects the output and charging terminal of the solar panel to the output and charging terminal of the battery to permit the charging of the battery by the solar panel. Such coupling is in turn under the control of signal-tester apparatus which prevents the coupling when the signals at the uncoupled terminals are in a coupling prevention relationship chosen to prevent significant discharging of the battery through the solar panel; of breaker apparatus which breaks a coupling after a predetermined period of time; and of additional signal-tester apparatus which causes a termination of the coupling when the signal at the connected terminals reaches a chosen charging termination threshold. The breaking of the coupling, which can result in a periodic breaking, permits the testing for discharging prevention.

Abstract: A solar module comprising a solar cell string laminated between layers of pottant material and a transparent superstrate and a steel substrate. The steel substrate is roll formed to provide stiffening flanges on its edges while simultaneously forming a pan-shaped structure to hold other portions of the laminate in position during the laminating process. An improved terminal provides high voltage protection and improved mechanical strength. A conduit element provides protected raceways for external wires connected to module terminals.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling the charging of an electrical energy storage device by an electrical energy source and controlling the discharging of the device through a load involve a relay actuable between a first condition coupling the storage device to the load and a second condition coupling the storage device to the source. When the electrical signal from the source reaches a preselected threshold level, the relay is actuated from the first condition to the second condition thereof for charging of the storage device by the signal. When the electrical signal generated by the storage device reaches a preselected charged level, the relay is reset from the second condition to the first condition to supply power to the load. In a preferred embodiment, an additional regulated source electrical signal may be applied to the storage device independently of the relay for float charging of the device.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device composed of a luminescent member having a plurality of large area sides connected by an edge face, and at least one photovoltaic means carried by at least one of said sides.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device for collecting solar radiation and converting it to electrical energy has a luminescent collector shaped in a way that maintains collecting area efficiency while allowing the photovoltaic cell to be entirely shadowed or protected from the direct rays of solar energy. The shape of the luminescent collector is also especially suited to air cooling and to placement of insulation between the collector surface and the cell. The collector has a first extension which receives and absorbs the light energy and at least one side extension which extends away from the sun collecting part of the collector. The side extension or extensions conduct the collected light energy to the protected cell or cells. For example, the luminescent collector may have an inverted U-shape or L-shape. A photovoltaic cell is coupled to the side extension, preferably at the end surface of the side extension.

Abstract: A luminescent solar collector comprising at least one luminescent member which has at least one photovoltaic means operably associated therewith, the luminescent member having a side which is to be essentially oriented toward the sun when in operation, and an optically transparent member on the sun-facing side of the luminescent member, the transparent member being spaced from the sun-side to provide space between the luminescent member and the transparent member, the transparent member being essentially coextensive with the luminescent member.

Abstract: A silicon solar cell having a body of boron doped P-type silicon material with a shallow P/N junction formed therein through diffusion of phosphorous into one surface thereof. A contact pattern of conductive material is formed on the surface of the solar cell in which the P/N junction is formed. The pattern is formed by first depositing a metallic layer upon the entire surface of the body and then applying the contact pattern by printing upon the surface of the metal. The metal has a characteristic such that when heated in the presence of oxygen to an appropriate temperature to fire the conductive material, it oxidizes and forms an anti-reflective layer on the surface of the cell except in those areas where the printed contact pattern is disposed. In the areas of the printed contact pattern the metal forms an ohmic contact between the surface of the silicon and the printed contact pattern and provides a barrier to preclude the conductive contact pattern material from punching through the shallow P/N junction.

Abstract: A luminescent solar collector containing at least one luminescent member having a pair of opposed surfaces and at least one photovoltaic means embedded in the luminescent member and extending essentially from one of said surfaces to the opposing surface of the luminescent member so that a portion of the photovoltaic means of a first conductivity is adjacent one of said surfaces while a portion of the same photovoltaic means that is of a second conductivity is adjacent the opposing surface.

Abstract: A luminescent solar collector having a luminescent member with at least two types of photovoltaic cells, each type of cell operating efficiently for the generation of electricity over a wavelength range which is different from the efficient wavelength range of the other types of photovoltaic cells present on the luminescent member, each type of photovoltaic cell carrying intermediate to it and the luminescent member a filter means which allows only light within the efficient wavelength range for that type of photovoltaic cell to pass from the luminescent member into the photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing solar cells. Silicon wafers are assembled in a holding jig such as a diffusion boat in pairs with adjacent surfaces of each of the pairs in contact. The thus assembled wafers are subjected to a chemical vapor deposition diffusion step during which a phosphorous pentoxide glass layer is formed predominantly on the exposed surfaces and side edges of the wafers along with a PN junction thereunder. A small amount of the phosphorous pentoxide glass is also formed on the surfaces which are in contact with each other particularly at the outer edges thereof. The wafers are then reassembled in such a manner that the surfaces having the phosphorous pentoxide layer thereon are placed in contact with each other and again the wafers are placed in a holding jig.

Abstract: A photovoltaic array composed of a light transmitting member having a plurality of sides, at least one photovoltaic means carried by at least one of said sides, and a diffusive member covering a portion of said device.

Abstract: A silicon solar cell having a body of boron doped P-type silicon material with a shallow P/N junction formed therein through diffusion of phosphorous into one surface thereof. A contact pattern of conductive material is formed on the surface of the solar cell in which the P/N junction is formed. The pattern is formed by first depositing a metallic layer upon the entire surface of the body and then applying the contact pattern by printing upon the surface of the metal. The metal has a characteristic such that when heated in the presence of oxygen to an appropriate temperature to fire the conductive material, it oxidizes and forms an anti-reflective layer on the surface of the cell except in those areas where the printed contact pattern is disposed. In the areas of the printed contact pattern the metal forms an ohmic contact between the surface of the silicon and the printed contact pattern and provides a barrier to preclude the conductive contact pattern material from punching through the shallow P/N junction.