Abstract: A silicon solar energy cell having an antireflective coating on its light impinging surface. The coating consists essentially of a suboxide of tantalum having the generic formula Ta.sub.2 O.sub.y, in which y is a number between about 2.5 and 4.8 on an atomic ratio basis.

Abstract: A hybrid solar energy collecting device adapted to generate an electrical current from sunlight and also to collect in an electrically insulating fluid thermal energy generated by such cells. The solar energy collecting device comprises a duct adapted for guiding the flow of an electrically insulating fluid such as air, and one or more photovoltaic cells mounted on an electrically insulated portion of the exterior surface of the duct. At least one of the photovoltaic cells has a heat sink which extends into the interior of the duct and is adapted to be contacted by the electrically insulating fluid.

Abstract: A solar panel is formed with a frame defining channels adapted to receive and retain a solid body of resin therein. The body of resin forms a matrix that encapsulates photovoltaic cells. Part of the frame may be disassembled to permit the matrix to be inserted into or removed from the channels.

Abstract: A silicon solar energy cell producing electricity at substantially constant voltage despite significant increases in illumination, in which the back surface junction of the cell is formed by alloying with gallium.

Abstract: Solar cell having a contact formed from a titanium group element in contiguous relationship with the cell, a mixture of a titanium group element and a platinum group element overlying the titanium group layer, and a layer of a platinum group element overlying that layer. A body of silver or other contact metal is adhered to the platinum group layer. The three layers may be vapor deposited on the semiconductor body, while the silver layer is more advantageously applied by plating or electroplating.

Abstract: A silicon solar energy cell having a substantially constant voltage despite significant increases in illumination, which cell has a back surface junction that is discontinuous and has spaced, shorted portions formed therein.

Abstract: A method of forming a silicon solar energy cell, which comprises forming an electron generating junction on a single crystal silicon wafer and thereafter using a saw having a diamond blade to cut through the wafer and the junction formed therein.

Abstract: A solar panel including photovoltaic cells encapsulated in a silicone resin containing an ultraviolet light absorber that will inhibit corrosion of metallic cell parts and resin delamination while having no substantial, adverse effect on curing of the resin.

Abstract: Solar cell having a contact formed from a titanium group element in contiguous relationship with the cell, a mixture of a titanium group element and a platinum group element overlying the titanium group layer, and a layer of a platinum group element overlying that layer. A body of silver or other contact metal is adhered to the platinum group layer. The three layers may be vapor deposited on the semiconductor body, while the silver layer is more advantageously applied by plating or electroplating.

Abstract: A method to manufacture thin film solar cell in which a solar cell to convert directly light to electricity is formed by depositing silicon material on a carrier substrate having a coating which is liquid on the deposition temperature. An article manufactured according to this method. A machine for the manufacture of thin film solar cells.

Abstract: A silicon solar energy cell having a diffusant junction extending inwardly from one surface, an aluminum-silicon junction of the opposite polarity extending inwardly from the other surface, and a film of aluminum-oxygen-diffusant formed over the aluminum-silicon junction. The structure is formed by diffusing an unprotected wafer, coating the diffusant glass so formed on one side of the wafer with aluminum, and heating the wafer.

Abstract: A solar panel having solar cells adhered to the base surface thereof by a single component, room temperature vulcanizing silicone resin and encapsulated in a multicomponent silicone resin with desirable optical properties.

Abstract: Crystalline silicon wafers have an electrical junction formed at a surface thereof by impregnating the surface with a diffusant, such as phosphorus, in an atmosphere that includes significant quantities of helium.

Abstract: A silicon solar energy cell having a diffusant junction extending inwardly from one surface, an aluminum-silicon junction of the opposite polarity extending inwardly from the other surface, and a film of aluminum-oxygen-diffusant formed over the aluminum-silicon junction. The structure is formed by diffusing an unprotected wafer, coating the diffusant glass so formed on one side of the wafer with aluminum, and heating the wafer.

Abstract: An improvement in a fine geometry solar cell having a top surface contact comprising substantially more and finer metallic fingers spaced close together for collecting photo current is disclosed. The improvement comprises a reduction in the ohmic contact area of the fine metallic fingers with the light-incident surface of the solar cell. The improved solar cell is constructed by etching a fine line pattern into the anti-reflective coating of the solar cell and then depositing a fine line electrode onto the surface of the solar cell but oriented perpendicular to the etched fine line pattern in the anti-reflective coating. Due to the 90.degree. rotation between the etched fine line pattern in the anti-reflective coating and the fine line electrode, only point contacts are made between the fine line electrode and the exposed light-incident surface of the solar cell.

Abstract: A niobium pentoxide (Nb.sub.2 O.sub.5) anti-reflective coating for use on a solar cell responsive to light in the short wavelength region.

Abstract: A method of applying an anti-reflective coating, particularly a metal oxide coating to a solar cell during the manufacture of such cell.