Abstract: The invention relates to a solar cell assembly comprising at least one first solar cell and at least one discrete protective diode (101) that is connected to the solar cell. The aim of the invention is to comprehensively protect a solar cell, a solar cell composite or a string of cells by means of one or more protective diodes, without resorting to the use of the material of the solar cells. To achieve this, in addition to a front and a rear contact (13, 15), the protective diode comprises an additional contact (14) that is placed at a distance from the front contact and is electrically connected to said contact via a p/n junction. A connector leads from the additional contact to a second solar cell, the latter in turn being connected to the first solar cell in a string.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solar cell assembly comprising at least one first solar cell and at least one discrete protective diode (101) that is connected to the solar cell. The aim of the invention is to comprehensively protect a solar cell, a solar cell composite or a string of cells by means of one or more protective diodes, without resorting to the use of the material of the solar cells. To achieve this, in addition to a front and a rear contact (13, 15), that is placed at a distance from the front contact and is electrically connected to said contact additional contact to a second solar, the latter in turn being connected to the first solar cell in a string.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar cell (10) comprising a semiconductor body (12) having an n+p junction. In order that the solar cell exhibits a good EOL behavior, it is proposed that the solar cell (10) comprise first and second areas (28, 30, 32, 34, 48) having differing thicknesses (d1, d2), the first area (28, 30, 48) forming a support structure of the solar cell and the second area (32, 34) having a considerably lower thickness than the first area.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a silicon body with a first anti-reflection layer on its front side. The first anti-reflection layer has elongated window openings which extend parallel to one another. Parallel contact fingers made of metal extend over the first anti-reflection layer at right angles to the window openings. The contact fingers make electrical contact with the silicon body through the window openings. A second anti-reflection layer is deposited on top of the contact fingers and the first anti-reflection layer. The second anti-reflection layer reduces reflection losses at the window openings, in addition to providing further reflection protection where it overlaps the first anti-reflection layer. Highly doped zones can be provided in the silicon body beneath the window openings.