Silicon solar cell array hardened to space nuclear blast radiation

Claim 1

The improvement in a solar cell array to provide a hardened solar cell array for use in outer space that will withstand and operate after exposure to nuclear blasts, the said array comprising: a. a substrate fabricated from a metal having an atomic number less than 14; b. an insulating material composed of elements having individual atomic numbers not greater than 14 covering the said substrate; c. a plurality of silicon solar cells each having aluminum contacts, a silicon oxide interference layer, and an integral silicon dioxide cover; d. means for positioning the said plurality of so cells on the said insulating material covering the substrate; e. metallic electrical connectors having an atomic number less than 14 welded to the said cell contacts providing an electrical series-parallel arrangement of the plurality of solar cells; f. a metallic cover grid having an atomic number less than 14 cooperating with the said substrate for supporting the said plurality of solar cells; g. metallic means having an atomic number less than 14 for making external connection to the said series-parallel arrangement of solar cells; and h. the said solar cell array containing only materials composed of elements having atomic numbers no greater than 14.