Concentrated photovoltaic system modules using iii-v semiconductor solar cells

PHOTOVOL SYSTEM CONCENTRATION SYSTEM MODUES USING

SOLAR CELLS OF SEMICONDUCTORS III-V

Background

Solar cells are used to convert solar or radiant energy into electricity. Historically, solar energy (both in space and on land) has been predominantly provided with silicon solar cells. In recent years, however, the high volume of high-efficiency solar cell manufacturing based on multi-junction III-V semiconductor compounds has allowed consideration of this alternative technology for ground power generation. Compared to those of Si, the cells of semiconductor compounds III-V multi-union are, in general, more resistant to radiation and have higher yields in energy conversion, although they tend to be more expensive. Some cells of semiconductor compounds III-V have an energy efficiency that exceeds 27%, while, in general, those of silicon technology only reach a yield of approximately 17%. In concentration, some of the current multi-junction III-V semiconductor compound cells have energy yields that exceed 37%. When the most important thing is to generate high power or smaller solar assemblies in a spacecraft or other solar energy system, multi-junction semiconductor compound cells are often used instead of, or in hybrid combinations with, silicon-based cells to reduce the mounting size.

In general, multi-junction semiconductor compound cells are of n-en-p polarity and consist of INGaP / (ln) GaAs / Ge compounds. Solar cell layers of multi-junction semiconductor III-V compounds can be grown by deposition. vapor phase chemistry of metalorganic compounds (MOCVD) on Ge substrates. As a solar cell system for terrestrial applications it has an output voltage that is normally in the hundreds of volts range, and its output current is in the range of tens of amps. At these output power levels, if the solar cell terminals are not protected, uncontrollable electric shocks tend to occur in the form of sparks, and this can cause damage to the solar cells and the entire system.

Brief Description of the Invention

The present application is directed to a solar cell module to convert light into electricity. The module may include a housing with a first side and a second side separated and opposite. A plurality of lenses can be placed on the first side of the housing, and a plurality of solar cell receivers can be placed on the second side of the housing. Each of the plurality of solar cell receptors may include a solar cell of multi-junction III-V semiconductor compounds. Each can also include a bypass diode coupled with the solar cell. At least one optical element can be placed on the solar cell to guide the light from one of the lenses on the solar cell. Each of said single cell receptors can be placed in the optical path of one of the lenses. The lens and the at least one optical element can concentrate the light on the respective solar cell by a factor of 500 or more to allow the solar cell to generate more than 15 watts of peak DC power in full illumination.

Brief description of the figures

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an implementation of a solar cell module. Figure 2 is a perspective view of an implementation of a secondary optical element. Figure 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of an implementation of a solar cell receiver.

Figure 4 is a partially exploded perspective view illustrating the solar cell and the metallized ceramic substrate of Figure 3 in more detail.

Figure 5 is a sectional view along line XX 'of Figure 3, of the solar cell, the metallized ceramic substrate and the heat sink

Preferred Embodiment of the Invention

Figure 1 illustrates an implementation of a solar cell module 200 comprising a matrix of lenses 210 and corresponding solar cell receivers 300. Each of the lenses 210 is aligned with one of the solar cell receivers 300. The module of solar cells 200 can include various numbers of 210 lenses and solar cell receivers

300 Figure 1 includes a module 200 with 15 lenses 210 and solar cell receivers 300 aligned in a 3 x 5 matrix.

The lenses 210 are formed on a plate 211 of optical material (for example, acrylic). In some implementations, the areas of the plate 211 not formed as lenses 210 are partially or completely opaque. By forming the lenses 210 from a continuous plate 211 the costs can be substantially reduced. First, producing the lenses 210 on large plates reduces production costs. Secondly, the assembly costs decrease because only one element (that is, the lens plate 211) with the solar cell receivers 300 has to be linear. In this implementation, the plate 211 rests on top of an alignment frame 221 of a housing 220.

One or more ventilation openings 228 may be arranged to facilitate the flow of air through the housing 200. In one embodiment, the openings 228 are positioned on the side walls of the housing 220 and approximately 7.62 cm below of lenses 210. The size of apertures 228 may vary. In one embodiment, each opening has a circular shape with a diameter of approximately 2.54 cm. A cover 229 can be extended through the openings 228 and act as a filter to prevent the introduction of moisture and dirt in the housing 220. The cover 229 can be constructed with a variety of materials, including, among others, GORETEX, nylon and polyvinylidene.

The frame 221 may include a plurality of frame alignment elements, such as holes. The alignment elements may be threaded or otherwise adapted to receive a fastener. The plate 211 may include plate alignment elements, such as pins, screws, or other elements that align and engage the frame alignment elements. The alignment elements of the frame and

. The alignment elements of the iron are positioned such that by coupling the alignment elements of the iron with the alignment elements of the frame, each of the lenses 210 is aligned with the corresponding solar cell receiver 300. The alignment elements they are generally located at a central point defined by four of the lenses 210. In one embodiment, an alignment element is located at a point

central defined by lenses 210a, 210b, 210c and 210d. Another alignment element may be located at a central point defined by four others. lenses 210. This pattern of locating the alignment elements at a central point defined by four lenses can continue throughout the entire length of the

iron 211.

In some implementations, the surface 222 of the housing 220

It includes alignment devices that ensure that each of the

300 solar cell receptors is located in a position

default These devices can be attached to each of the

300 solar cell receptors.

In some implementations, each of the lenses 210 is a glass Fresnel lens, commercially available from various manufacturers. The corresponding solar cell receiver 300 is located on the surface 222 at an opposite end of the housing 220. Each of the solar cell receivers 300 includes a corresponding solar cell 310 arranged in the optical path of the corresponding lens 210, that is, so that the corresponding solar cell 310 receives light passing through the corresponding lens 210. In Some implementations use additional optical elements to place the solar cell in the optical path of the lens. For example, secondary optical elements 400 correspond to each pair of solar cell receivers 300 and to lenses 210. Secondary optical elements 400 collect the light from lens 210 and direct it to solar cell 310 of solar cell receiver 300 In some implementations, each of the solar cell receivers 300 is provided with the corresponding secondary optical element 400.

Another optical element includes a concentrator 450 that is located between each of the pairs of solar cell receivers 300 and lens 210. The concentrator concentrates the light on the solar cell 310. The concentrator is an optical component that can be manufactured as specified by A number of different manufacturers.

Although some Fresnel lenses can concentrate more sunlight than some convex lenses, implementations can use any type of lens 210 that concentrates incident sunlight. For example, any of the lenses 210 may take the form of a biconvex lens, a flat convex lens or a concave-convex lens. The lenses 210 may also comprise a multi-layer anti-reflective coating. In a module 200, each of the lenses 210 may be the same, or the module 200 may include two or more different types of lenses 210.

You can choose a measured distance X between the plate 211 that

. it comprises the lenses 210 and the solar cells 310 of the corresponding solar cell receivers 300 as a function of the focal length of the lenses 210. In some implementations, the housing 220 is arranged so that the solar cell 310 of each solar cell receiver Corresponding 300 is arranged at or near the focal point of the respective lens 210. In some implementations, the focal length of each of the lenses 210 is between approximately 2.54 cm and 7.62 cm. In some implementations, the focal length of each lens 210 is between approximately 3.81 cm and 5.08 cm. In some implementations, the focal length of each lens 210 is approximately 40,085 cm. In some implementations, the focal length of each lens 210 varies and the housing 220 provides multiple different distances (e.g., those that are greater and / or less than the distance X) between the plate 211 and the surface

222.

The housing 220 and the lens plate 211 can form a closed interior space that protects the solar cell receivers 300 from the environment.

Some implementations, the lenses 210 concentrate the incident sunlight up to 1,000 times the normal concentration (that is, 1000 soles) or more. Other implementations may include other concentrations. In general, the efficiency in the conversion of solar energy into electricity is increased under concentrated lighting. For example, at approximately 1000 soles, a single solar cell receiver can generate 25 watts or more of electrical power. In another example, at approximately 470 soles or more, a module with a single solar cell can generate 14 watts or more of electrical power. The amount of electrical power that a module can produce can vary depending on, for example, the combination of solar cell characteristics (for example, size, composition) and the properties of the associated optics (for example, concentration, focus, alignment ).

In some implementations, the solar cells 310 of each of the respective solar cell receptors 300 is a triple-junction solar cell III-V, with each of the three sub cells arranged in series. In applications where multiple solar cell modules 200 are used, the receivers 210 of the solar cell modules 200 are normally electrically connected to each other in series. However, other applications may use parallel or serial-parallel connections. For example, the receivers 300 within a given module 200 may be electrically connected to each other in series, but the modules 200 are connected to each other in parallel.

As explained previously, a secondary optical element ("EOS") 400 can be placed between the lens 210 and the corresponding solar cell 310. An implementation of an EOS is shown in Figure 2. The EOS 400 is disposed within the housing 220 of the solar cell module 200 and, in general, is designed to collect concentrated solar energy by one of the corresponding lenses 210. In some implementations, each of the solar receivers 300 has a corresponding EOS 400.

The EOS 400 comprises an optical element 401 with an optical input 402 and an optical output 403, a body 404 and mounting lugs 405. The EOS 400 is mounted such that the optical element 401 is arranged above the solar cell. 310 of the corresponding solar cell receiver

300 Although it may vary depending on the implementation, the EOS 400 is mounted such that the optical output 403 is approximately 0.5 mm from the solar cell 310 (for example, the dimension 406 is approximately 0.5 mm). In some implementations, the mounting lugs 405 are attached to the face 222 of the housing 220. The EOS 400 may be formed of metal, plastic, glass or other materials.

In some implementations, the optical element 401 has a generically square cross section that tapers from the input 402 to the exit 403. The inner surface 407 of the optical element reflects the descending light towards the outlet 403. In some implementations the inner surface is coated 407 with silver or other material to achieve high reflectivity. In some cases, the reflective coating is protected by a passivation coating such as Si02 as a protection against oxidation, tarnish or corrosion. The path from the optical input 402 to the optical output 403 forms a tapered optical channel that captures the solar energy of the corresponding lens 210 and guides it to the corresponding solar cell 310. As shown in this implementation, the EOS 400 comprises an optical element 401 having four reflecting walls. In other implementations, different shapes can be used (for example with three sides forming a triangular section).

Ideally, the corresponding lens 210 associated with the EOS 400 focuses the light directly on the solar cell 310, without the light hitting the SOE 400. In most circumstances, the lens 210 does not focus the light directly on the solar cell 310. This can happen due to a variety of causes, including, but not limited to, the chromatic aberration of a refractive lens design, the misalignment of the solar cell 310 with respect to the lens 210 during construction, the misalignment during operation due to a follower error, structural flexion and wind load. Therefore, in most conditions, the lens 210 focuses the light so that it is reflected in the EOS 400. The difference between an ideal installation and a misaligned installation may be a minor variation in the position of the lens 210 of less than 10. Therefore, the EOS 400 acts as a scattered light collector and causes more light to reach the cell. solar 310. In circumstances where the corresponding lens 210 does not focus the light directly on the solar cell 310. The EOS 400 may include a multilayer reflective intermediate region, such as that disclosed in US Pat. No. 12 / 402,814 filed on March 12, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference, in its entirety.

The intermediate multilayer reflector region may be formed from different materials and may have different optical characteristics such that the reflectivity of the light rays on the EOS 400 and transmitted to the solar cell 310 optimizes the aggregate irradiance on the surface of the solar cell 310 with respect to the incident solar spectrum. For example, in some implementations, the inner surface of the 407 can be coated with silver or other material to achieve a high reflectivity. In some cases, the reflective coating is protected by a passivation coating such as Si02 to protect the EOS 400 against oxidation, tarnishing or corrosion. The EOS 400 can also

homogenize (for example, mix) the light. In some cases, it also has

Some concentrating effect.

In some implementations, optical input 402 is shaped

square and measures approximately 49.60 mm x 49.60 mm (dimension 408), the

Optical output is square in shape and measures approximately 9.9 mm x 9.9 mm

(dimension 409) and the height of the optical element is approximately 70,104

mm (dimension 410). The dimensions 408, 409 and 410 may vary with the

design of the solar cell module 200 and the solar cell receiver 300. By

example, in some implementations, the dimensions of the optical output 403

they are approximately the same as the dimensions of solar cell 310.

For an EOS 400 that has these dimensions, the angle of half inclination

It is 15.8 °.

Each of the solar cells 310 can be a solar cell of

III-V triple junction semiconductor compounds comprising a cell . upper, an intermediate cell and a lower cell arranged in series. In another embodiment, solar cells 310 are multi-junction solar cells having polarity n in p and composed of compounds of InGaP / (ln) GaAs III-V on a substrate of Ge. In each case, solar cells 310 are positioned to receive focused solar energy from the EOS 400 and / or the

corresponding lens 210.

An anti-reflective coating can be arranged in the solar cell

310. The anti-reflective coating may be a multi-layer anti-reflective coating that provides low reflectivity over a given wavelength range, for example, from 0.3 to 1.8 µm -1m. A non-reflective coating compound is a dielectric stack of TiOjAI20 3 double layer.

As illustrated in Figure 3, the lugs 405 of the EOS 400 can be configured to secure the EOS 400 to a support 230 by means of one or more fasteners 231. The support 230 is provided for mounting the EOS 400 on a heat sink. heat 350 by means of one or more fasteners 232. The support 230 is a thermal conductor so that the energy generated by the operating EOS 400 can be transferred to the heat sink 350 and dissipated.

In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, a concentrator is arranged between the outlet 403 of the EOS 400 and the solar cell 310. The concentrator 450 is preferably glass, and has an optical input 451 And an optical output 452. In one embodiment, the concentrator 450 is solid glass. The concentrator 450 amplifies the light exiting the EOS 400 and directs the amplified light towards the solar cell 310. In some implementations, the hub 450 has a generically square cross-section that tapers from the entrance 451 to the exit

452 In some implementations, the optical input 451 of the hub 450 is square in shape and is approximately 2 cm x 2 cm and the optical output 452 is approximately 0.9 cm x 0.9 cm. The dimensions of the hub 450 may vary with the design of the solar module 200 and the solar cell receiver 300. For example, in some implementations, the dimensions of the optical output 452 are approximately the same as the dimensions of the solar cell 310. In one embodiment, the hub 450 is a 2X hub. The lower surface of the concentrator 450 can be fixed directly to the upper surface of the solar cell 310 using an adhesive such as a silicone adhesive. Solar cell 310 converts incoming sunlight into electricity directly, by the photovoltaic effect.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 3, both an EOS 400 and a hub 450 are positioned along the optical path between the corresponding lens 210 and the solar cell 310. Other embodiments may include only one of these optical elements located in the optical path. Other embodiments may include any of these elements along the optical path. Within a module 200, each of the couples lens 210 / solar cell 310 can include the same

or different combination of elements to direct the light.

As illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, there is a bypass diode connected 360 in parallel connected with solar cell 310. In some implementations, diode 360 ​​is a semiconductor device, such as a Schottky bypass diode or a pn junction. That has grown epitaxially. For illustration purposes, the bypass diode 360 ​​is a Schotiky bypass diode. Connection terminals 361 and 362 are provided for the external connection of solar cell 310 and diode 360 ​​to other devices, for example, adjacent solar cell receivers (not shown).

The functionality of the bypass diode 360 ​​can be appreciated by considering multiple solar cells 310 connected in series. Each solar cell 310 can be viewed as a battery, with the cathode of each of the diodes 360 connected to the positive terminal of the associated "battery" and the anode of each of the diodes 360 connected to the negative terminal of the associated "battery" . When one of the solar cell receivers 300 connected in series is damaged or shaded, its output voltage is reduced or eliminated (for example, at a value lower than the threshold voltage of the associated diode 360) Therefore, the associated diode 360 it becomes polarized directly, and the derived current flows only through diode 360 ​​(and not through solar cell 310). In this way, the undamaged or shadowless solar cell 300 receivers continue to generate electricity from the solar energy received by said solar cells. If it were not for the 36 · 0 bypass diode, virtually all of the electricity produced by the other solar cell receivers would pass through the damaged solar cell receiver

or shading, destroying it, and creating an open circuit within, for example, the panel or assembly.

The solar cell receiver 300 also includes a ceramic substrate 370 such as alumina substrate for mounting the solar cell 310 and the heat sink 350 to dissipate the heat generated by the solar cell 310 in

. functioning.

Figure 4 illustrates solar cell 310 and ceramic substrate 370 in more detail. The ceramic substrate 370 has the upper and lower surfaces 371 and 372 metallized. Both surfaces 371 and 372 of the ceramic substrate 370 are metallized to increase the heat transfer capacity of the ceramic substrate 370, which allows the solar cell receiver 300 to more adequately manage the rapid temperature changes that occur due to the variation abrupt operating conditions of solar cells. For example, solar cell 310 generates heat energy when it converts light into electricity. Having both upper and lower surfaces 371 and 372 of the ceramic substrate 370 metallized, a faster heat energy exchange is provided from the solar cell 310 to the heat sink 350 for its dissipation. The opposite condition occurs when cell 310 is suddenly shaded. That is, the solar cell 310 stops generating electricity and quickly cools, just as the EOS 400 does. The metallized upper and lower surfaces 371 and 372 of the ceramic substrate 370 prevent the solar cell 310 from cooling too quickly by transferring heat energy from the heat sink 350 to the solar cell 310 and, depending on the thermal conditions, also at EOS 400 The increased ability to transfer heat from the solar cell receiver 300 reduces the amount of voltage applied to the interface between the solar cell 310 and the ceramic substrate 370 during rapid temperature changes, ensuring a reliable solar cell-substrate interface.

The metallic top surface 371 of the ceramic substrate 370 is in contact with the solar cell 310 Y has separate conduction regions 375 and 376 to provide electrically insulated conductive paths to the solar cell 310, The first conductive region 375 provides an anodic electrical contact for the solar cell 310 and the second conductive region 376 provides a cathodic connection point to solar cell 310. The solar cell 310 has a lower conductive surface 372, hidden in Figure 4, but visible in the cross section of Figure 5, which is located at ', and connected to, the first conductive region 375 of the upper metallized surface 371 of the ceramic substrate 370. The opposite upper surface 311 of the solar cell 310 has a conductive contact area 312 connected to the second conductive area 376 of the ceramic substrate 370.

In one embodiment, the lower conductive surface 313 of the solar cell 310 forms an anodic terminal of the solar cell 310 and the conductive contact area 312 disposed on the upper surface 311 of the solar cell 310 forms a cathodic terminal. with this embodiment, the lower conductive surface 313 of the solar cell 310 is positioned in the first conductive region 375 of the ceramic substrate 370 and electrically isolated from the second conductive region 376, to ensure proper operation of the solar cell 310. In one embodiment, the First conductive region 375 of ceramic substrate 370 is at least partially surrounded on three sides by the second conductive region in a peripheral area of ​​ceramic substrate 370.

In one embodiment, the conductive contact area 312 disposed on the upper surface 311 of the solar cell 310 occupies the perimeter of the solar cell 310. In some implementations, the upper contact surface 312 may be smaller or larger to allow Type of connection desired. For example, the upper contact area 312 may touch only one, two or three sides (or parts thereof) of the solar cell 310. In some implementations, the upper contact area 312 is made as small as possible to maximize the area that converts solar energy into electricity, while allowing the electrical connection. While the particular dimensions of the solar cell 310 will vary depending on the application, the normal dimensions are approximately 1 cm2. For example, a set of standard dimensions can be approximately 12.58 mm x 12.58 mm in total, approximately 0.160 mm thick, and a total active area of ​​108 mm2 • For example, in a solar cell 310 that is approximately 12.58 mm x 12.58 mm, the upper conductive contact surface 312 can be about 0.98 mm wide and the active area can be around 10 mm x 10 mm.

The conductive upper contact area 312 of the solar cell 310 may be formed of various conductive materials, for example, copper, silver, and / or gold-coated silver. In this implementation, the side of the solar cell 310 that receives the light is the n-conductor cathode (that is, the emitter) and, therefore, the upper contact conductive area 312 is disposed on the cathode side of the cell solar 310. In one embodiment, the upper contact conductive area 312 of the solar cell 310 is connected by wire to the second conductive region 376 of the upper metallized surface 371 of the ceramic substrate 370 by means of one or more connecting wires 365. The number of connecting wires 365 used in one embodiment may be related, among other things, to the amount of current generated by the solar cell 310. In general, the higher the current, the greater the number of connecting wires 365 used.

Bypass diode 360 ​​engages in the first conductive region 375 of the metallized upper surface 371 of the ceramic substrate 370 to the second conductive region 376. In one embodiment, a cathode terminal of the bypass diode 360 ​​is connected to the anode terminal of the solar cell 310 through the first conductive region of the ceramic substrate 370 and an anodic terminal of the bypass diode 360 ​​is electrically connected to the cathodic terminal from the solar cell 310 through the second conductive region 376 of the ceramic substrate 370. The anodic terminal of the solar cell 310 is formed by the lower conductive surface 313 of the solar cell 310 as described above and is hidden in Figure 4, but is seen in the cross section of Figure 5. The cathodic terminal of the solar cell

<dl><dt>310 it is formed by the conductive upper contact area 312 of the cell </dt><dd /></dl>

<dl><dt>solar as also described above. The terminals of</dt><dd /></dl>

<dl><dt>external connection 361 and 362 arranged on the metallic top surface 371 </dt><dd /></dl>

<dl><dt>of the ceramic substrate 370 provide the electrical coupling of a </dt><dd /></dl>

<dl><dt>'5 </dt><dd>device to solar cell 310 and bypass diode 360. In some </dd></dl>

<dl><dt>embodiments, connection terminals 361 and 362 correspond to the </dt><dd /></dl>

<dl><dt>anode and cathode terminals, and are designed to accept connectors from </dt><dd /></dl>

<dl><dt>plug (not shown) for connection to solar cell receivers </dt><dd /></dl>

<dl><dt>adjacent. </dt><dd /></dl>

<dl><dt>10 </dt><dd>The upper surface 371 of the ceramic substrate 370 can be metallized </dd></dl>

<dl><dt>fixing the metallization layers 375 and 376 to the substrate. In a form of</dt><dd /></dl>

<dl><dt>embodiment, holes 377 are formed in the layers of metallization 375 and </dt><dd /></dl>

<dl><dt>376 Figure 4 shows the ceramic substrate with two layers of metallization </dt><dd /></dl>

<dl><dt>375 and 376 fixed to the upper surface of the substrate 371 (the lower surface </dt><dd /></dl>

<dl><dt>15 </dt><dd>metallized is hidden in Figure 4, but is visible in the cross section </dd></dl>

<dl><dt>of Figure 5). 370 ceilings 378 can be formed on the ceramic substrate</dt><dd /></dl>

<dl><dt>corresponding (hidden in Figure 4 but visible in cross section </dt><dd /></dl>

<dl><dt>of Figure 5). The stops 378 are at least partially seated in the</dt><dd /></dl>

<dl><dt>377 holes formed in the metallization layers 375 and 376. The holes </dt><dd /></dl>

<dl><dt>20 </dt><dd>377 in the metallization layers 375 and 376 are then filled with welding </dd></dl>

<dl><dt>or other type of bonding material such as an adhesive, fixing the layers of </dt><dd /></dl>

<dl><dt>metallization 375 and 376 to the upper surface 371 of the ceramic substrate 370. </dt><dd /></dl>

<dl><dt>The lower surface 372 of the ceramic substrate 370 can be metallized in the same way </dt><dd /></dl>

<dl><dt>shape. As an alternative, 378 stops are not produced on the ceramic substrate</dt><dd /></dl>

<dl><dt>25 </dt><dd>370 And the substrate is relatively flat within the tolerances of </dd></dl>

<dl><dt>normal manufacturing </dt><dd /></dl>

<dl><dt>Figure 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the solar cell </dt><dd /></dl>

<dl><dt>310, the ceramic substrate 370 and the heat sink 350 of the cell receiver </dt><dd /></dl>

<dl><dt>solar 300 along the line marked XX 'in Figure 3. The EOS 400, the </dt><dd /></dl>

<dl><dt>30 </dt><dd>Light concentrator 450 and terminals 361, 362 are not shown in Figure </dd></dl>

<dl><dt>5 to simplify the representation. The upper and lower surfaces 371 and</dt><dd /></dl>

<dl><dt>372 of the ceramic substrate 370 may have stops 378 that are at least </dt><dd /></dl>

<dl><dt>partially seated in holes 377 formed in the layers of </dt><dd /></dl>

<dl><dt>metallization 375, 376 and 379 to fix the metallization layers to the substrate </dt><dd /></dl>

<dl><dt>35 </dt><dd>ceramic 370 as described above. Alternatively,</dd></dl>

Ceramic substrate 370 is relatively flat within normal manufacturing tolerances. In both cases, the upper and lower surfaces 371 and 372 of the ceramic substrate 370 are metallized. The metallized upper surface 371 of the substrate 370 has separate conductive regions 375 and 376 to provide electrically isolated anodic and cathodic connections for solar cell 310 as described above.

The solar cell 310 has a lower conductive surface 313 connected to the conductive region 375 of the metallized upper surface 371 of the ceramic substrate 370. In one embodiment, the lower conductive surface 313 of the solar cell 310 forms the anode terminal of the cell solar 310 And the conductive contact area 312 disposed on the upper surface 311 of the cell 310 forms the cathodic terminal of the solar cell 310. The lower conductive surface 313 of the solar cell is located in the first conductive region 375 of the metallized upper surface 371 of the ceramic substrate 370 and is electrically isolated from the second conductive region 376 to ensure proper operation of the solar cell 310.

The lower surface 372 of the ceramic substrate 370 also has a metallization layer 379 that is attached to the heat sink 350 by means of a joining means 380 of high thermal conductivity, such as an epoxy adhesive with metallic or weld loading. Loading an epoxy adhesive such as silicone, with a metal increases the thermal conductivity of the interface between the ceramic substrate 370 and the heat sink 350, further improving the thermal transmission characteristics of the solar cell receiver 300. In a form of embodiment, the high thermal conductivity fixing means is an epoxy adhesive with metal fillers having a fepoxy thickness of about 0.0254 mm to 0.0762 mm. The epoxy adhesive with metallic charges can be applied to the metallized bottom surface 372 of the ceramic substrate 370, the heat sink 350 or both and then cured to bond the heat sink 350 to the substrate 370. In one embodiment, the heat sink Heat 350 is a heat sink extruded into a single piece of aluminum as shown in Figure 3.

The solar cell receiver 300 can be manufactured by providing the metallized ceramic substrate 370 and connecting the lower conductive surface 313 of the solar cell 310 to the first conductive region 375 of the metallized upper surface 371 of the substrate 370. The conductive contact area 312 disposed on the upper surface 311 of the solar cell 310 is connected to the second conductive region 376 of the metallized upper surface 371 of the ceramic substrate 370, for example, by one or more contact wires 365. The heatsink of heat 350 is attached to the surface

5 metallized bottom 372 of the ceramic substrate by means of the adhesive with metallic charge 380.

In various implementations described herein, a triple-junction semiconductor composite III-V solar cell is used, but other types of solar cells could be used depending on the

10 application. Solar cells 310 may be formed of, for example, silicon (including amorphous, nanocrystalline or protocrystalline) cadmium tellurium, CIGS (gallium Indian copper diselenide), CIS (indium copper and copper selenide chalcopyrite films (CulnSe2)), Gallium arsenide (for example, GaAs multi-junctions), light-absorbing dyes (for example metalorganic ruthenium dye) or

fifteen organic semiconductors (for example, polyphenylene vinyl, copper phthalocyanide or carbon fulerenes). Since a single solar module 200 cannot produce enough electricity for a given application, two or more solar cell modules 200 can be grouped together to give a set. These sets are

twenty Sometimes referred to as "panels" or "solar panels."