Solid-state photovoltaic power and battery unit

The feasibility of an integrated battery/solar module system is demonstrated using a rechargeable lithium battery and a commercially available polycrystalline silicon solar module. The solar module was parallel connected to a prismatic 500 mAh battery and a constant resistance load. This arrangement was subsequently tested under conditions which simulated daylight and night conditions. The combined system was cycled 20 times without severe degradation of the battery or solar module performance.