Abstract: A solar cell attaining high efficiency in photoelectric conversion is provided. A method of manufacturing a solar cell having a grid electrode and a main electrode for external output of electric power from the grid electrode includes the steps of forming a small-width grid electrode on a light-receiving surface of a substrate having a pn junction by sintering a metal paste material, and forming a bar-shaped main electrode electrically connected to the grid electrode.

Abstract: A solar cell attaining high efficiency in photoelectric conversion is provided. A method of manufacturing a solar cell having a grid electrode and a main electrode for external output of electric power from the grid electrode includes the steps of forming a small-width grid electrode on a light-receiving surface of a substrate having a pn junction by sintering a metal paste material, and forming a bar-shaped main electrode electrically connected to the grid electrode.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a first n.sup.+ type layer formed on the upper surface of a p type silicon substrate, a p type layer formed on the back surface of the substrate and having a dopant impurity concentration higher than that of the substrate, and a second n type layer formed at least on the edge face of the substrate so as to connect the first n type layer and the p type layer. The second n type layer has an impurity concentration lower than that of the first n.sup.+ layer proximate the region in contact with the p type layer.

Abstract: A solar battery module according to the present invention includes interconnectors for series-connecting a plurality of solar battery cells, and one or more bypass diodes which allow output currents of the cells to be bypassed with respect to one or more cells, wherein each of those diodes is a chip shaped thin diode and is attached on an electrode or a cell or between interconnectors.

Abstract: A solar cell having a by-pass diode includes a second conductivity type layer and a second conductivity type well formed on the front surface of a first conductivity type semiconductor substrate, and a first conductivity type layer formed in a second conductivity type well. A comb-shaped front electrode is formed over the front surface of the substrate and includes a plurality of narrow grid fingers and a bus portion to which the grid fingers are connected. At least a part of the bus portion of the electrode covers the entire first conductivity type layer. A back electrode is formed on the back surface of the substrate. The first conductivity type substrate and the second conductivity type layer constitute the solar cell, and the second conductivity type well and the first conductivity type layer constitute the by-pass diode. The solar cell and the by-pass diode are electrically connected in parallel between the front electrode and the back electrode with their polarities being opposite to each other.

Abstract: A solar cell including a semiconductor substrate, a diffused layer provided in the semiconductor substrate by diffusion of dopant impurities, and a contact made of metal paste formed on the diffusion layer. The metal paste includes metal powder which functions as the main contact material, glass frits, an organic binder, a solvent, and an element belonging to the fifth group of the periodic table.