NOVELTY - A solar cell assembly comprises a photovoltaic conversion layer to produce an electrical current when receiving photons; first and second electrical contact layers electrically coupled to top and bottom surfaces of the conversion layer, respectively; and a transparent electrically conductive layer configured to receive electrons from an outer space environment and to conduct the electrons away from the conversion layer.    USE - For use in an outer space environment or a non-earth environment.    ADVANTAGE - The inventive assembly can route electrons contacting the solar cell assembly away from the solar cells to prevent electro-static discharge through the solar cells. It is configured to radiate excess heat energy from the solar cell assemblies from the backside of the assemblies. An operating temperature of the solar cell assembly can be maintained within an optimal operating temperature range in the space environment or the non-earth environment.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - A solar cell assembly for use in an outer space environment or a non-earth environment, comprises a photovoltaic conversion layer (33) configured to produce an electrical current when receiving photons; a first electrical contact layer (36) electrically coupled to a top surface of the conversion layer; a second electrical contact layer (38) electrically coupled to a bottom surface of the conversion layer; and a transparent electrically conductive layer disposed proximate the first electrical contact layer configured to receive electrons from the outer space environment and to conduct the electrons away from the conversion layer. An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is also included for a method of reducing electro-static discharges in a solar cell assembly used in an outer space environment or a non-Earth environment, comprising receiving electrons from the outer space environment in a transparent electrically conductive layer covering a portion of a solar cell (32); and conducting the electrons through the transparent electrically conductive layer away from the solar cell so that the electrons do not pass through the solar cell.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure is an enlarged portion of a solar cell assembly of a solar cell array.    Solar cell (32)    Photovoltaic conversion layer (33)    Internal grid line (34)    First electrical contact layer (36)    Second electrical contact layer (38)