Abstract: A thin-film solar cell has a two-layered transparent electrode formed on a transparent substrate, a photoelectric conversion section formed on the transparent electrode, and a back electrode formed on the photoelectric conversion section. The first layer of the transparent electrode is formed on the transparent substrate and is constituted of crystal grains having a large average diameter, while the second layer thereof is formed on the first layer and is constituted of crystal grains having a small average grain diameter. The sharp pointed tips of the coarse crystal grains of the first layer are covered by the fine crystal grains of the second layer so that the side of the transparent electrode in contact with the photoelectric conversion section presents a relatively smooth surface with rounded irregularities. Each layer is separately deposited on the respective transparent substrate.

Abstract: An amorphous silicon solar battery is formed by applying a sequence of layers on a transparent substrate, preferably of glass. A transparent electrode film of conductive material is applied on the substrate, followed by an amorphous silicon semi-conductor, which is in turn followed by a back electrode film of transparent conductive film. In addition, a metallic film may be formed on the back electrode. The surface roughness of the first transparent conductive film is such that the average grain diameter is in the range of 0.1-0.9 micron. Impinging light rays are refracted at random by this uneven surface. The result is an increase in the current density of the solar battery, due to the increased optical paths of the light rays through the semi-conductor material and the increased reflection effect at the second transparent conductive film.

Abstract: A photoelectric transducer comprising at least a light-transmissive substrate having a relatively flat surface provided on its light-receiving side and an uneven surface provided on its opposite side, and a photoelectric transducing layer provided on the uneven surface of the substrate. The photoelectric transducing layer comprises at least a light-transmissive conductive layer, a semiconductor layer, and a back conductive electrode layer. The back conductive electrode layer comprises a second light-transmissive conductive layer and a conductive layer. The uneven surface on the substrate includes numerous projections, each projection having a triangular section and a shape of pyramidal, ridged roof, or conical type. The projections and the second light-transmissive conductive layer of the uneven back conductive electrode layer elongate the optical path of light beams in the photoelectric transducing layer, and prevent the adherence of dust particles and the abrasion of the photoelectric transducing layer.

Abstract: A flexible, glass-covered substrate useful for use in fabrication of electronic elements or solar cells. The substrate comprises a thin metal plate, a first glass layer formed on at least one side of the metal plate and having a multitude of pores therein, and a second glass layer formed on the first glass layer is described. The method for making such substrates is also described.

Abstract: An amorphous semiconductor solar cell which comprises a glass substrate and a transparent electrode coated on the substrate. The device also comprises an amorphous semiconductor layer on the transparent electrode, and a rear electrode on the amorphous layer, wherein the average grain diameter of the surface of the transparent electrode ranges from 0.1 .mu.m to 2.5 .mu.m.