ИСТИНА

A photovoltaic cell whose purpose is to convert light energy to electrical energy, and a battery made from a plurality of such cells connected in a serial manner or a parallel manner, or both, is provided. The photovoltaic cell comprises a semiconductor wafer of photosensitive material, conductive current collecting contacts arranged on each side of the semiconductor wafer, and protective coatings arranged on each side of the semiconductor wafer. The conductive current coating collecting contacts are connected to current collectors. The conductive current collecting contacts at least on the front side of the semiconductor wafer are configured so as to be electrically connected intermittent sections, where alternate sections are respectively in contact or out of contact with the surface of the photosensitive barrier semiconductor wafer. A variety of configurations is provided, particularly as to the conductive current collecting contacts. A variety of materials for the assembly and protection of the photovoltaic cell is contemplated. The cells exhibit relatively high energy conversion efficiencies, and exceptional life.