Integrated multicell photovoltaic generator - uses semiconductor wafer with two major surfaces, one having several discrete areas covered by oxide layer

摘要

The integrated photovoltaic generator contains a number of photovoltaic cells, the generator capable of producing a voltage greater than that generated by a single photovoltaic cell of comparable chemical compsn. The generator comprises a wafer of semiconductor material having two major surfaces. At least one of the major surfaces includes a number of discrete areas contg. an impurity of one type of conductivity. At least the portion of the remainder of the wafer contiguous to the areas contg. an impurity of an opposite conductivity type. An electrical conductor is positioned between >=1 area and the portion of the wafer contg. the impurity of the opposite conductivity type.