Abstract: Improvements for a photovoltaic module (PVM) include the use of a micro-embossed, reflective optical film located in areas of the PVM not covered by the solar cells. The optical film is configured to reflect light incident upon the PVM onto the solar cells and may be formed from a polymeric material. Further enhancements include the use of a compliant heat conducting polymeric film on back sides of the solar cells and a heat conductive polymeric film deposited on an aluminum foil to form a composite film, which effects heat transfer from the solar cell junctions and improves cell efficiency. A top glass with selective frequency and anti-reflective coatings may also be used. Further, improved interconnects for the solar cells eliminate sharp edges, helping to avoid any potential for encapsulant tearing or tab “push-through” and resultant shorting during lamination.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for integrated, in-line metrology of solar cells involve three distinct inspection and testing operations, prior to string and module assembly. Two of the inspections are performed by image analysis using bright field illumination. The third inspection involves electroluminescence imaging, where luminescence in the solar cell is achieved by inducing a forward bias in the solar cell, and analyzing a resulting grayscale image for defects.

Abstract: A method for stringing photovoltaic (PV) cells together and a system for the combined tabbing and stringing of photovoltaic (PV) cells for assembly into solar cell arrays. Multiple ribbons are first soldered simultaneously (or nearly so) to the front and back surfaces of individual PV cells (tabbing). After tabbing, PV cells are then loaded into a stringer subsystem which solders the front side ribbons of a first PV cell to the back side ribbons of the neighboring PV cell to form strings of PV cells wired in series. The tabber stringer system then loads completed strings into a frame containing a solar cell array being manufactured. The dual-ribbon method of PV cell interconnection reduces the electrical resistance between the cells in a string, thereby raising the solar cell array output power.