NOVELTY - The photovoltaic cell (1001) comprises a semiconductor substrate that includes a first surface, a first electrically conductive layer that is adhered to the first surface of the semiconductor substrate, a second electrically conductive layer that is adhered to the first conductive layer, and spaced apart pinning regions (1010) that are distributed at the interface between the first and second conductive layers. The second electrically conductive layer has a different composition from the first conductive layer, and is more electrically conductive than the first conductive layer.    USE - The photovoltaic cell is useful in a solar receiver that is useful in a solar energy collector (claimed).    ADVANTAGE - The photovoltaic cell can be easily, rapidly, efficiently and economically manufactured with high reliability and without delamination, deformation and cracking effect.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - The photovoltaic cell (1001) comprises a semiconductor substrate that includes a first surface, a first electrically conductive layer that is adhered to the first surface of the semiconductor substrate, a second electrically conductive layer that is adhered to the first conductive layer, and spaced apart pinning regions (1010) that are distributed at the interface between the first and second conductive layers. The second electrically conductive layer has a different composition from the first conductive layer, and is more electrically conductive than the first conductive layer. The pinning regions: locally anchor the first conductive layer to the second conductive layer; occupy less than 5% of the interface between the first and second layers; are defined by adhesive pinning elements (1008) positioned between the first and second layers; are formed by treating selected areas of the first layer such that the adhesive properties of the selected areas are greater than in adjacent to untreated areas; are less electrically conductive than the first and second conductive layers; are arranged at a periphery of the photovoltaic cell; and have gaps between the pinning elements that are filled with portions of the second layer. The adhesive strength of the pinning regions to the second conductive layer is greater than the adhesive strength of the first conductive layer to the second conductive layer. The centers of the pinning regions are spaced apart by a distance (d) that is less than an estimated minimum size of a buckling feature in the interface, when the interface lacks the pinning regions. The adhesive pinning elements are deposited by spraying, electroplating, vapor deposition, electron beam deposition, sputtering, screen printing, electroless plating and chemical deposition, and define the pinning regions. The spacing between the pinning regions is based in part of: the stiffness of the second conductive layer, the strength of adhesion between the first and second conductive layers and an estimation of force that is applied to the second conductive layer; and a minimum radius of a circular buckle based on an expression as given in the specification. Adjacent regions of the pinning regions are uniformly spaced apart. The pinning elements are formed on and extend out of a surface of the first conductive layer. The thickness of each of the first and second conductive layers is 1-35 mu m. INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are included for:    (1) a method of forming a photovoltaic cell;    (2) a component; and    (3) a solar receiver for use in a solar energy collector.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The diagram shows a schematic perspective view of a photovoltaic cell with pinning regions.    Photovoltaic cell (1001)    Pinning elements (1008)    Pinning regions (1010)    Front surface. (1030)