Abstract: A connector and method for electrically connecting adjacent solar cells together in a solar module. The terminals of the cells are connected with individual lengths of an electrically conductive material such as an electrically conductive metal ribbon. A substantial portion of the mid section of the ribbons remain unsoldered to thereby provide a stress relief zone in the ribbon between the cells to alleviate stress failures in the ribbons.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module comprising a first superstrate, a back sheet, a photovoltaic cell or a plurality of photovoltaic cells, each photovoltaic cell encapsulated and positioned between the superstrate and the back sheet, where the back sheet comprises a polyester material.

Abstract: A process for making a photovoltaic cell using a semiconductor wafer doped with a first dopant, the wafer comprising a front surface and a back surface, the process comprising the steps of forming a first layer on the front surface of the wafer, the first layer comprising a second dopant of a conductivity type opposite the first dopant; depositing a surface coating on the front surface over the first layer; forming grooves in the front surface after depositing the surface coating thereon; adding a second dopant to the grooves; depositing a doping material on the back surface; treating the wafer having the doping material deposited thereon to form a back surface field, masking at least a portion of the back surface of the wafer after the treating; and adding a conductive material to the grooves to form an electrical contact.