SOLAR CELL AND ITS MANUFACTURING PROCESS Russian patent published in 1998 - IPC

FIELD: microelectronics; solar-to-electric energy conversion. SUBSTANCE: solar cell manufacturing process involves formation of structure of parallel grooves separated by bulges contracting towards tops in at least one surface of semiconductor substrate by mechanical removal or etching of semiconductor material. Entire structure-formation surface is covered with passivating layer and then tops of bulges are cut through depth equal to at least passivating layer thickness to form plateau-like parallel regions with bevels running from them. Plateau-like regions and at least one of bevels of each region are covered with material forming electric contacts. Solar cell has semiconductor substrate with structure of bulges and plateau- shaped tops with side bevels formed on at least one of its surfaces. Plateau-like tops and partially bevels carry electric contacts. Substrate surfaces between contacts are covered with passivating material. EFFECT: increased short-circuit current, no-load voltage, and duty factor of cell. 28 cl, 23 dwg