| abstract |
A solar cell assembly comprising a plurality of elongated solar cells, each respective solar cell comprising (i) a core configured as a first electrode, (ii) a semiconductor junction circumferentially disposed on the core, (iii) a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer disposed on the semiconductor junction, and (iv) an elongated counter-electrode disposed lengthwise on a first side of the respective solar cell and extending outward from the TCO layer. On a second side of each cell, approximately opposite the counter-electrode, is a notch or other disruption extending through the semiconductor junction and the transparent oxide layer, thereby exposing the core of the solar cell. The solar cell assembly may further comprise conductive internal reflectors configured between a first and second elongated solar cell in the plurality of solar cells such that a portion of the solar light reflected from the respective internal reflector is reflected onto the solar cells. |