NOVELTY - A photovoltaic device (10) comprises: a metallic substrate (22); electrically insulating layer (24); an electrically conductive bottom electrode layer (26); holes in the bottom electrode and insulating layer; a semiconductor body disposed atop the back electrode layer; high electrical conductivity channels (38a, 38b); and a layer of transparent electrically conductive material (30).    USE - The photovoltaic devices (10) are used for providing a nonpolluting, solid and reliable source of electrical power.    ADVANTAGE - The invention provides a nonpolluting, solid and reliable source of electrical power.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - The photovoltaic device (10) comprises: (a) a metallic substrate (22); (b) electrically insulating layer (24); (c) an electrically conductive bottom electrode layer (26); (d) holes in the bottom electrode and insulating layer; (e) a semiconductor body disposed atop the back electrode layer; (f) high electrical conductivity channels (38a, 38b); and (g) a layer of transparent electrically conductive material (30). Each hole passes through the bottom electrode and insulating layer to expose the edge portion (36a, 36b) of the bottom electrode layer and a contact portion (34a, 34b) of the substrate to the hole. The semiconductor body having a first electrical resistivity at least partially fills the holes (20a, 20b) to cover the exposed edge portions of the bottom electrode layer. The channel consists a portion of the semiconductor body and extends through the semiconductor body from the top to the bottom surface. The channel is provided to establish electrical contact with the exposed contact portion of the substrate. An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is also included for a method of manufacturing a large area photovoltaic cell.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows a cross-sectional view of the device.    Photovoltaic device (10)    Holes (20a, 20b)    Substrate (22)    Insulating layer (24)    Bottom electrode layer (26)    Electrically conductive layer (30)    Encapsulant (32)    Contact portion (34a, 34b)    Edge portion (36a, 36b)    Channels (38a, 38b)