Solar cell modules

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Generally speaking, the present invention is based on the discovery that the electric output of a solar cell module can be enhanced by providing light scattering surfaces in the land areas between the solar cells and which is optically coupled therewith by an optical medium such that light impinging on the light scattering surfaces will be internally reflected toward an active cell area.
Indeed, it is particularly preferred that the light scattering surface have a specular component of less than about 5% as determined by goniophotometry.
Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a solar cell module comprising a plurality of solar cells arrayed on the bottom surface of a rigid light transparent material in which at least the land areas between the cells are light scattering surfaces and which surfaces are coupled to the cells by an optical medium typically having an index of refraction in the range of 1.
5 to 3.
0.
In another embodiment of this invention, an improved solar cell module comprises a plurality of solar cells arrayed on the top surface of a support structure in which at least the land areas between the solar cells are light scattering surfaces having a specular component of less than 5% as determined by goniophotometry, which surfaces are coupled by an optical medium to said solar cells.
Advantages and other features of the invention will be apparent from the specification which follows and from the drawings wherein like numerals are used throughout to identify like parts.