The electric charges accumulating on the n- and p-type surfaces of the solar cell are 

 gathered and siphoned off by means of metallic collectors fused to both surfaces. The collector 

 on the back side of the silicon wafer completely covers the entire area, while the one on the 

 top covers the area only partially so that light can impinge upon the n-type silicon surface 

 with only a minimum of obstruction from the metallic grid (figure 1). The configuration, 

 composition, and method of applying the collectors to cell surfaces vary from one manufacturer 

 to another. To increase the power output further, the lighted surface is covered with an anti- 

 reflective coating. 



