IMPROVED LARGE AREA PHOTOVOLTAIC CELL AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING SAME

摘要

A large-area photovoltaic cell tolerant of puncture damage to its small-area segments and exhibiting only a proportional loss of electrical output from low resistance current paths formed through those small-area segments. The small-area segments are electrically connected in series in rows that are electrically connected in parallel. Columns of the small-area segments are connected by bridges of semiconductor material simplifying manufacture. The lateral resistance of the semiconducting material electrically isolates the columns from each other. The large-area cell also includes a pressurized sealant that is released when the cell is pierced. The sealant flows through the damaged portion and protects the edges of the puncture from degradation by ambient conditions.