Monolithic, parallel connected photovoltaic array and method for its manufacture

摘要

A monolithic array of photovoltaic devices includes a plurality of subcells electrically interconnected in a parallel relationship. The subcells are disposed upon a common, electrically conductive substrate and each includes an insulating region disposed upon the substrate and an electrode body disposed upon the insulating region. The subcells each include a photovoltaic semiconductor body disposed upon the electrode body and the array includes a continuous body of top electrode material disposed so as to cover each of the semiconductor bodies and to fill the space therebetween and establish electrical communication between the substrate and the semiconductor bodies. The substrate forms one terminal of the array and the conductive bodies are in electrical communication with a bus bar which forms the other terminal of the array. Also disclosed herein is a method for the fabrication of the array.