Modular glass covered solar cell array

A method of assembling an AM0 radiation tolerant solar cell array module suitable for use in space, said method comprising:

• selecting at least two discrete shallow junction solar cells, each of said two discrete shallow junction solar cells having corresponding front sides and back sides;
• selecting a ceria-doped cover having a cover back side and a cover front side;
• placing an adhesive on at least one of said front sides of said two discrete shallow junction solar cells and said cover back side;
• and
• overlaying at least a portion of each of said two discrete shallow junction solar cells with said cover so that said adhesive bonds said cover to said at least two discrete shallow junction solar cells.

An AM0 radiation tolerant solar cell assembly for use in a space environment, said solar cell assembly comprising:

• a first solar cell;
• a second solar cell interconnected to said first solar cell;
• a first ceria-doped cover overlaying at least a portion of each of said first and second solar cells;
• a third solar cell;
• a fourth solar cell interconnected to said third solar cell;
• a second ceria-doped cover overlaying at least a portion of each of said third solar cell and said fourth solar cell;
• and
• a first interconnect coupled to at least one of said first solar cell and said second solar cell and at least one of said third solar cell and said fourth solar cell.

An AM0 radiation tolerant solar cell array module means for assembly into a larger solar panel, said radiation tolerant solar cell array module means comprising:

• a first means for converting solar energy into electrical energy, said first means having a first radiation resistant structure, wherein said first means for converting solar energy is useable in an AM0 spectrum;
• a first contact means for coupling said first means for converting solar energy to a means for interconnection, said first contact means disposed on said first means for converting solar energy;
• a second means for converting solar energy into electrical energy, said second means having a second radiation resistant structure, wherein said second means for converting solar energy into electrical energy is useable in an AM0 spectrum;
• a second contact means for coupling said second means for converting solar energy into electrical energy to said means for interconnection, said second contact means disposed on said second means for converting solar energy into electrical energy;
• an AM0 radiation tolerant ceria-doped cover glass for protecting said first means for converting solar energy into electrical energy and said second means for converting solar energy into electrical energy;
• and
• an AM0 radiation tolerant means for adhering said AM0 radiation tolerant cover glass to at least a portion of said first means for converting solar energy into electrical energy and said second means for converting solar energy into electrical energy.