Abstract: An improved method for interconnecting thin film solar cells to form solar cell modules is provided, the method comprising using a flat metallic mesh formed from a thin metallic strip to provide a current collection grid over a thin film solar cell. The method is particularly useful for forming interconnections between thin film solar cells deposited on flexible substrates. The rectangular cross sectional shape of the mesh elements provides an increased area of electrical contact to the solar cell compared to the small tangential area provided by elements of circular cross section. Mesh elements can be made higher rather than wider to improve conductivity without proportionally increasing shading loss. Various coatings can be applied to the mesh to improve its performance, provide corrosion resistance, and improve its cosmetic appearance.

Abstract: An improved method for interconnecting thin film solar cells to form solar cell modules is provided, the method comprising using a flat metallic mesh formed from a thin metallic strip to provide a current collection grid over a thin film solar cell. The method is particularly useful for forming interconnections between thin film solar cells deposited on flexible substrates. The rectangular cross sectional shape of the mesh elements provides an increased area of electrical contact to the solar cell compared to the small tangential area provided by elements of circular cross section. Mesh elements can be made higher rather than wider to improve conductivity without proportionally increasing shading loss. Various coatings can be applied to the mesh to improve its performance, provide corrosion resistance, and improve its cosmetic appearance.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a photovoltaic module array mounting system comprising a photovoltaic module array comprising a plurality of photovoltaic modules. An individual photovoltaic module of the plurality can include one or more photovoltaic cells that can be configured to generate electricity upon exposure to light. The system can further comprise a first mounting structure comprising a frame that mounts the photovoltaic module array. The first mounting structure can permit rotation of an individual photovoltaic module of the plurality of photovoltaic modules of the photovoltaic module array. The system can further comprise a second mounting structure mounted to the first mounting structure with the aid of a plurality of posts.

Abstract: An improved method for interconnecting thin film solar cells to form solar cell modules is provided, the method comprising using a flat metallic mesh formed from a thin metallic strip to provide a current collection grid over a thin film solar cell. The method is particularly useful for forming interconnections between thin film solar cells deposited on flexible substrates. The rectangular cross sectional shape of the mesh elements provides an increased area of electrical contact to the solar cell compared to the small tangential area provided by elements of circular cross section. Mesh elements can be made higher rather than wider to improve conductivity without proportionally increasing shading loss. Various coatings can be applied to the mesh to improve its performance, provide corrosion resistance, and improve its cosmetic appearance.

Abstract: A photovoltaic system comprises one or more shingle-like photovoltaic (PV) modules, each having a layer of optically transparent material adjacent to a layer of photoactive material configured to generate electricity upon exposure to light from the layer of optically transparent material. In some cases the layer of optically transparent material of each of the one or more shingle-like PV modules has a pattern of depressions in a shingle-like configuration.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module includes a support member for securing a photovoltaic cell. The support member includes a plurality of holes extending through at least a portion of the support member. A mounting system includes a buss bar for coupling the photovoltaic module to a power transmission system.

Abstract: An improved method for interconnecting thin film solar cells to form solar cell modules is provided, the method comprising using a flat metallic mesh formed from a thin metallic strip to provide a current collection grid over a thin film solar cell. The method is particularly useful for forming interconnections between thin film solar cells deposited on flexible substrates. The rectangular cross sectional shape of the mesh elements provides an increased area of electrical contact to the solar cell compared to the small tangential area provided by elements of circular cross section. Mesh elements can be made higher rather than wider to improve conductivity without proportionally increasing shading loss. Various coatings can be applied to the mesh to improve its performance, provide corrosion resistance, and improve its cosmetic appearance.

Abstract: An anti-piracy system reduces the opportunity for piracy and illicit use of software products by requiring each software product to be registered for a single computer. If a user attempts to install the software product on another computer, the software product will recognize a different hardware composition and disable itself. During installation, the software product generates a hardware ID that identifies the set of hardware components and sends it and a product ID to a registration authority. The registration authority computes a registration ID from the product ID and the hardware ID and sends the registration ID back to the software product. Each time the software product is subsequently launched, the software product computes its own test ID from the product ID and hardware ID using the same algorithm employed by the registration authority. The software product then compares the test ID to the registration ID.

Abstract: An apparatus in accordance with the present invention provides a single or multi-layer coating to the surface of a plurality of substrates. The apparatus may include a plurality of buffer and sputtering chambers, and an input end and an output end, wherein said substrates are transported through said chambers of said apparatus at varying rates of speed such that the rate of speed of a pallet from said input end to said output end is a constant for each of said plurality of pallets.