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.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to providing a collection grid suitable for use in PV modules. The disclosed collection grid may be at least partially applied to a protective laminate sheet in a manner that removes the high temperature requirements of conventional screen printed collection grids, to avoid unwanted heat-related deformation of the laminate sheet.

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.

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.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for forming thin-film buffer layers of chalcogenide on a substrate web. Solutions containing the reactants for the buffer layer or layers may be dispensed separately to the substrate web, rather than being mixed prior to their application. The web and/or the dispensed solutions may be heated by a plurality of heating elements.

Abstract: Photovoltaic modules may include multiple flexible thin film photovoltaic cells electrically connected in series by a substantially transparent top sheet having an embedded conductive wire grid pattern. Methods of manufacturing photovoltaic modules including integrated multi-cell interconnections are provided.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for forming thin-film layers of chalcogenide on a substrate web. Solutions containing the reactants for the chalcogenide layer may be contained substantially to the front surface of the web, controlling the boundaries of the reaction and avoiding undesired deposition of chalcogenide upon the back side of the web.

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.

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.

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 5 provided. Methods may include steps of coordinating, integrating, and registering multiple rolls of substrates in continuous processes.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for forming thin film layers of chalcogenide on a substrate web. According to the present teachings, a feedback control system may be employed to measure one or more properties of the web and/or the chalcogenide layer, and to adjust one or more parameters of the system or buffer layer deposition method in response to the measurement.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for forming thin-film layers of semiconductor material absorber layers on a substrate web. According to the present teachings, a semiconductor layer may be formed in a multi-zone process whereby various layers are deposited sequentially onto a moving substrate web.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to providing a collection grid suitable for use in PV modules. The disclosed collection grid may be at least partially applied to a protective laminate sheet in a manner that removes the high temperature requirements of conventional screen printed collection grids, to avoid unwanted heat-related deformation of the laminate sheet.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for forming thin-film layers of semiconductor material absorber layers on a substrate web. According to the present teachings, a semiconductor layer may be formed in a multi-zone process whereby various layers are deposited sequentially onto a moving substrate web. At least one layer is deposited from a mixed gallium indium source.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to providing a collection grid suitable for use in PV modules. The disclosed collection grid may be at least partially applied to a protective laminate sheet in a manner that removes the high temperature requirements of conventional screen printed collection grids, to avoid unwanted heat-related deformation of the laminate sheet.

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.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for forming thin-film layers of semiconductor material absorber layers on a substrate web. According to the present teachings, a semiconductor layer may be formed in a multi-zone process whereby various layers are deposited sequentially onto a moving substrate web.

Abstract: Photovoltaic modules may include multiple flexible thin film photovoltaic cells electrically connected in series by a substantially transparent top sheet having an embedded conductive wire grid pattern. Methods of manufacturing photovoltaic modules including integrated multi-cell interconnections are provided.

Abstract: Mounting systems for PV modules and assemblies of modules, including apparatus and methods of use. The disclosed systems generally involve mounting a flexible photovoltaic module in a slight arch, bending it with a large radius around one axis of the module.

Abstract: Thin film PV cells and strings of such cells that may be electrically joined with electrical conductors or electroconductive patterns are disclosed. The electrical conductors wrap or fold around the PV cells to form an electrical series connection among those cells. The electrical conductors may be formed or deposited on an electrically insulating sheet, which is then wrapped or folded around those cells. By constructing the electrical conductor and positioning the cells appropriately, an electrical connection is formed between one polarity of a given cell and the opposite polarity of the adjacent cell when the sheet is folded over. One or more dielectric materials may be applied or attached to exposed edges of the cells or conductive traces prior to folding the electrical conductors and/or electrically insulating sheet to prevent shorts or failure points.