Abstract: A photovoltaic module may include a plurality of photovoltaic shingles disposed on and electrically interconnected by an integrated backsheet, to which are attached a plurality of electrically conductive shingle connectors. A plurality of photovoltaic shingles may be installed upon a roof and electrically interconnected in a single step by aligning openings in the shingles with apertures in the backsheet, simplifying module installation. The photovoltaic module may mimic the appearance of asphalt shingles and may be integrated within a roof of a house or other structure. Photovoltaic shingles or arrays of photovoltaic shingles can be pre-manufactured for easier installation or constructed at the application site.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module may include a plurality of photovoltaic shingles disposed on and electrically interconnected by an integrated backsheet, to which are attached a plurality of electrically conductive shingle connectors. A plurality of photovoltaic shingles may be installed upon a roof and electrically interconnected in a single step by aligning openings in the shingles with apertures in the backsheet, simplifying module installation. The photovoltaic module may mimic the appearance of asphalt shingles and may be integrated within a roof of a house or other structure. Photovoltaic shingles or arrays of photovoltaic shingles can be pre-manufactured for easier installation or constructed at the application site.

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: Improved BIPV materials configured to meet various long-term requirements including, among others, a high degree of water resistance, physical durability, electrical durability, and an ability to withstand variations in temperature and other environmental conditions. In some embodiments, the disclosed BIPV materials include modules wherein two or more layers of the module are configured to be joined together during lamination to protect edge portions of the top sheet and/or back sheet of the module, such as in the vicinity of any multi-layer vapor barrier structure(s) of the module.

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: 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 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, 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 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 BIPV materials configured to meet various long-term requirements including, among others, a high degree of water resistance, physical durability, electrical durability, and an ability to withstand variations in temperature and other environmental conditions. In some embodiments, the disclosed BIPV materials include modules wherein two or more layers of the module are configured to be joined together during lamination to protect edge portions of the top sheet and/or back sheet of the module, such as in the vicinity of any multi-layer vapor barrier structure(s) of the module.