Abstract: A solar cell includes a semiconductor substrate having a first main surface. On the first main surface, a bus bar electrode and a plurality of linear finger electrodes extending from the bus bar electrode are provided. The bus bar electrode includes a first connecting portion to be connected to an interconnector and a first non-connecting portion without connected to the interconnector. The first connecting portion and the first non-connecting portion are alternately arranged. An interconnector-equipped solar cell, a solar cell string and a solar cell module use this solar cell.

Abstract: An interconnector includes a strip-shaped and electrically conductive member for electrically connecting respective electrodes to each other of solar cells adjacent to each other. The conductive member includes a stress relief part that is planer and has a notch forming an obtuse angle at a lateral end or has a linear lateral end. This structure remarkably alleviates a stress due to a difference in thermal expansion coefficient between the interconnector and the solar cells, so that a warp occurring to the solar cells is reduced and the reliability of connection between the interconnector and the solar cells is improved.

Abstract: In a solar cell, at least one of reinforcing material and buffering material is provided at least partially on at least one of a back surface, a front surface and a side surface of the solar cell. With these reinforcing material and/or buffering material, occurrence of cell fracture due to load imposed by external force can be decreased.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a solar panel and a method for manufacturing the same, wherein the manufacture of the solar panel for use in space and repair work thereon can be performed easily and in little time. An entirety of the solar panel is configured by detachably linking a plurality of unit solar cell modules, which include a plurality of solar cells and connection wires for connecting the solar cells, and electrically connecting the unit solar cell modules to one another. Thus, a solar panel can be easily fabricated by combining standardized unit solar cell modules. Moreover, by simply mechanically connecting the unit solar cell modules, they can be electrically connected, and thus the time necessary for manufacture or repair of solar panels can be shortened.

Abstract: In a solar cell, at least one of reinforcing material and buffering material is provided at least partially on at least one of a back surface, a front surface and a side surface of the solar cell. With these reinforcing material and/or buffering material, occurrence of cell fracture due to load imposed by external force can be decreased.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a solar panel and a method for manufacturing the same, wherein the manufacture of the solar panel for use in space and repair work thereon can be performed easily and in little time. An entirety of the solar panel is configured by detachably linking a plurality of unit solar cell modules, which include a plurality of solar cells and connection wires for connecting the solar cells, and electrically connecting the unit solar cellmodules to one another. Thus, a solar panel can be easily fabricated by combining standardized unit solar cellmodules. Moreover, by simply mechanically connecting the unit solar cell modules, they can be electrically connected, and thus the time necessary for manufacture or repair of solar panels can be shortened.

Abstract: A solar cell module includes a substrate, a plurality of solar cells arranged in a plane on the substrate, a connection member for electrically connecting the plurality of solar cells to each other to form a power generating circuit, and a single transparent cover sheet for covering the plurality of solar cells and the connection member.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a first semiconductor region of a P type, a second semiconductor region of an N type in contact with the first semiconductor region so as to form a PN junction therebetween, and a third semiconductor region of a P.sup.+ type in contact with both the first and second semiconductor regions and having a higher impurity concentration than that of the first semiconductor region.