Abstract: Cells of a thin film solar module having opposed upper and lower electrodes are connected in series by a plurality of discrete conductive regions extending between each upper electrode and the lower electrode of an adjoining cell. In a preferred embodiment, the opposite electrodes of adjoining cells overlap one another and one of the electrodes is a transparent conductive pad with a thickened metal-containing portion to aid in interconnection. In another embodiment, the conductive regions are formed by applying laser pulses to spaced locations along the areas of electrode overlap, after which a conductor may be deposited into cavities formed by the laser pulses.

Abstract: A deposited film is processed in a preselected pattern by discharging electric energy through the film across a gas dielectric. In a preferred embodiment, a voltage pulse chain is applied to a moving probe spaced a preselected distance from the film. The discharge either removes the film material over the pattern to expose underlying material, or produces a conductive path from the top to the bottom of the film.