Integrated series-connected solar cell

Claim 1

An integrated solar cell array in which, in a semiconductor substrate, a number of solar cells having p-n transitions are arranged to form a series of semiconductor junctions, built up normal to the plane of the semiconductor substrate, spaced at intervals and in a row parallel to the plane of the semiconductor substrate, and in which the solar cells are series-connected by printed circuit tracks deposited on the semiconductor substrate in contact with the semiconductor junctions, characterized in that, on each of the two surfaces of a semiconductor substrate possessing a high ohmic resistance, a row of strip-shaped semiconductor junctions is arranged, these junctions having p + - and n + -conduction characteristics in alternation and being parallel to each other and spaced at intervals, in such a way that a unit solar cell comprising a semiconductor junction forming layer having a p + -conduction characteristic on one surface of the semiconductor substrate is, in each case, located opposite a semiconductor junction forming layer having an n + -conduction characteristic on the other surface, in that said printed circuit tracks are arranged, in alternation, on one surface and on the other surface of the semiconductor substrate, these tracks connecting, in each case, one solar cell unit with a neighboring unit, in series-connection, and means for electrically separating neighboring junctions which are not interconnected by said printed circuit tracks said separating means being located in the spaces between said unconnected junctions.