NOVELTY - A solar cell unit comprises a substrate (102) having at least one non-planar surface; and several photovoltaic cells linearly arranged on the substrate. The substrate has a first end and a second end. Each photovoltaic cell comprises a back-electrode (104) circumferentially disposed on a first portion of substrate; a semiconductor junction layer (106) circumferentially disposed on the back-electrode; and a transparent conductive layer circumferentially disposed on the semiconductor junction.    USE - In a solar cell assembly (claimed) for converting solar energy into electrical energy useful in power generating applications.    ADVANTAGE - The solar cell unit has improved solar cell design; and enhances light absorption. In solar cell assembly, the solar cell units are arranged in coplanar rows to form plane having a first face and a second face. This surface can collect light through either of their two faces thus, increasing light absorption.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - A solar cell unit comprises a substrate (102) having at least one non-planar surface; and several photovoltaic cells linearly arranged on the substrate. The substrate has a first end and a second end. Each photovoltaic cell comprises a back-electrode (104) circumferentially disposed on a first portion of substrate; a semiconductor junction layer (106) circumferentially disposed on the back-electrode; and a transparent conductive layer circumferentially disposed on the semiconductor junction. The first transparent conductive layer is in serial electrical communication with the second back-electrode. The first transparent conductive layer is electrically isolated from the second transparent conductive layer. The first back-electrode is electrically isolated from the second back-electrode. The photovoltaic cells comprises at least three (preferably at least hundred) photovoltaic cells. The substrate comprises plastic, metal or glass. The substrate is configured so that a fluid is passed through the substrate. The substrate comprises a rigid solid rod. The photovoltaic cells contains a back-electrode. The solar cell unit has a length of 2-300 (preferably 2-30 or 30-300) centimeters. An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is included for a solar cell assembly comprising several solar cell units arranged in coplanar rows, transparent electrically insulating substrate, and a transparent insulating covering that is bonded to the substrate by a sealant.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows a schematic view of the solar unit.    Substrate (102)    Back electrode (104)    Semiconductor junction layer. (106)