Solar cell with integrated bypass function

A solar cell with integrated bypass function, comprising:

• a first conductivity type substrate selected from P-type and N-type substrates;
• a region of a second conductivity type which is opposite from said first conductivity type, said region being formed on a light receiving side of said substrate;
• at least one region of the first conductivity type, having a higher dopant impurity concentration than said substrate and being formed in a portion of the light receiving side of said substrate so as to be in contact with both said substrate and said region of the second conductivity type;
• an insulator film formed on at least a part of said at least one region;
• and
• a light receiving side electrode formed on said insulator film so as to be in partial contact with said region of the second conductivity type, said electrode being electrically insulated from said at least one region by said insulator film.