Integrated thin film solar cell interconnection

Abstract

Photovoltaic modules may include multiple flexible thin film photovoltaic cells electrically connected in series, and laminated to a substantially transparent top sheet having a conductive grid pattern facing the cells. Methods of manufacturing photovoltaic modules including integrated multi-cell interconnections are provided. Methods may include steps of coordinating, integrating, and registering multiple rolls of substrates in continuous processes.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications [0002] This application claims priority from US Provisional Application No. 61 / 625,553, filed April 17, 2012, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. This application also incorporates by reference the following patents and applications in their entirety: US Patent No. 8,062,922, US Patent No. 7,194,197, US Patent No. 6,690,041, US Patent No. 6,372,538, US Patent No. 6,310,281, and US Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0000502. Background technique [0003] The field of photovoltaic materials is generally concerned with multilayer materials that can directly convert sunlight into DC electricity. The basic mechanism for this conversion is the photovoltaic effect, first discovered by Antoine-César Becquerel in 1839 and correctly explained by Einstein in a 1905 Symposium Scientific paper for which Einstein was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics . In the United States, photovoltaic devices are commonly known as s...

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Problems solved by technology

What's more, all of these methods (however stable) require covering at least some part of the PV string with a conductive tab, thereby blocking sunlight rays from hitting this part of the string, thus reducing the efficiency of the system

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