Abstract: A solar cell simulator that is cylindrically symmetrical to test photovoltaic devices that are flexible. A particular embodiment would be made from plexiglass or similar acrylic material. The present invention produces a spectrum that simulates the spectral distribution of solar light that we observe on the Earth's surface. The simulator would be comprised of a tubular pulsed light source, a pulsed power supply, a tubular light spectrum filter, an IV electrical measurement station, a cylinder-shaped module holder to place the flexible large-area module during the measurement. All cylinders share the same central axis. This maintains radial uniformity of all light intensity and can be used for electrical measurements (IV curves under illumination) of flexible large-area PV modules.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for the continuous, roll-to-roll formation of photovoltaic (PV) cells. Apparatuses include reel-to-reel transport chambers, one or more deposition chambers, a differential process isolation unit and a chamber for obtaining real time quality data, including IV data, yield data and uniformity data.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module is provided. The photovoltaic module comprises a first solar cell in an electrical series connection with a second solar cell. The first and second solar cells each have an first edge portion, a center portion, and a second edge portion. The photovoltaic module also comprises a flexible diode assembly having an anode side, a first diode, and a cathode side. The flexible diode assembly is in an electrical parallel connection with the first solar cell and positioned so that the cathode side, the diode, and a portion of the anode side are within an edge portion of the first solar cell. The portion of the anode side that is outside of the edge portion of the first solar cell is disposed for electrical connection with the second solar cell. A method of making a flexible photovoltaic module using a flexible diode assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A solar cell simulator that is cylindrically symmetrical to test photovoltaic devices that are flexible. A particular embodiment would be made from plexiglass or similar acrylic material. The present invention produces a spectrum that simulates the spectral distribution of solar light that we observe on the Earth's surface. The simulator would be comprised of a tubular pulsed light source, a pulsed power supply, a tubular light spectrum filter, an IV electrical measurement station, a cylinder-shaped module holder to place the flexible large-area module during the measurement. All cylinders share the same central axis. This maintains radial uniformity of all light intensity and can be used for electrical measurements (IV curves under illumination) of flexible large-area PV modules.

Abstract: The invention provides series interconnected thin-film photovoltaic module and method of preparation thereof. The photovoltaic module includes photovoltaic cells that may be interconnected by a conductive member. The conductive member may electrically connect a top surface of a photovoltaic cell with the bottom surface of another photovoltaic cell, while contacting the photovoltaic cells along the bottom surfaces of the photovoltaic cells. The conductive member may connect the photovoltaic cells without coming between the cells. A photovoltaic cell may include an insulating layer and a collector electrode that may wrap around the side of the cell to cover at least a portion of the bottom of the cell.

Abstract: Hybrid chemical vapor deposition systems for depositing a semiconductor-containing thin film over a substrate comprise a reaction space, a substrate support member configured to permit movement of a substrate in a longitudinal direction and a plasma-generating apparatus disposed in the reaction space and configured to form plasma-excited species of a vapor phase chemical. The systems further comprise a hot wire unit disposed in the reaction space and configured to heat and decompose a vapor phase chemical. The hot wire unit can be a filament. The systems can further comprise an additional reaction space proximate the reaction space. The additional reaction space can comprise a plasma-generating apparatus configured to form plasma-excited species of a vapor phase chemical and a hot wire unit configured to heat and decompose a vapor phase chemical.

Abstract: Methods for forming series-interconnected solar cells that use metal foils as substrates are provided. In an embodiment of the invention, a metallic substrate-type solar cell having the following structure is provided: a metal substrate, a semiconductor, and a transparent conducting front contact. In another embodiment of the invention, optional current collecting grids may be provided. An insulating carrier material layer may be provided bonded to the metal substrate.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for the continuous, roll-to-roll formation of photovoltaic (PV) cells. Apparatuses include reel-to-reel transport chambers, one or more deposition chambers, a differential process isolation unit and a chamber for obtaining real time quality data, including IV data, yield data and uniformity data.

Abstract: Hybrid chemical vapor deposition systems for depositing a semiconductor-containing thin film over a substrate comprise a reaction space, a substrate support member configured to permit movement of a substrate in a longitudinal direction and a plasma-generating apparatus disposed in the reaction space and configured to form plasma-excited species of a vapor phase chemical. The systems further comprise a hot wire unit disposed in the reaction space and configured to heat and decompose a vapor phase chemical. The hot wire unit can be a filament. The systems can further comprise an additional reaction space proximate the reaction space. The additional reaction space can comprise a plasma-generating apparatus configured to form plasma-excited species of a vapor phase chemical and a hot wire unit configured to heat and decompose a vapor phase chemical.

Abstract: A photovoltaic electrolysis (IPE) cell has a photovoltaic component and an electrolysis component which integrated, through an interconnect design, into a single unit.

Abstract: A method of passivating current-shunting defects in a photovoltaic device and such passivated photovoltaic devices are described. The photovoltaic device includes a thin film body with a superposed electrode comprised of a layer of transparent electrically conductive electrode material. The method includes converting the transparent, electrically conductive electrode material to a material having a higher electrical resistivity than the transparent electrically conductive electrode material or by removing the transparent conducting electrode material, by simultaneously: 1) immersing at least a portion of the electrode in a conversion reagent, 2) illuminating the immersed electrode with a suitable source of illumination, and 3) applying an appropriate electrical bias to activate the conversion.