Abstract: Provided are novel building integrable photovoltaic (BIP) modules having specially configured attachment structures for securing these modules to building structures and other BIP modules. In certain embodiments, a BIP module includes a base sheet supporting photovoltaic cells and having a rigid polymer portion and a flexible polymer portion. The flexible portion is designed to be penetrated with mechanical fasteners during installation. The flexible portion may include fastening pointers and/or through holes for identifying specific penetration locations. The rigid portion provides necessary structural rigidity and support to the module and more specifically to the photovoltaic cells. In certain other embodiments, a BIP module includes an adhesive bumper strip disposed along one edge of the module and configured for secure this module with respect to another module. During installation, the strip is positioned between a back sealing sheet of one module and a front sealing sheet of another module.

Abstract: Provided are novel building integrable photovoltaic (BIP) modules having specially configured attachment structures for securing these modules to building structures and other BIP modules. In certain embodiments, a BIP module includes a base sheet supporting photovoltaic cells and having a rigid polymer portion and a flexible polymer portion. The flexible portion is designed to be penetrated with mechanical fasteners during installation. The flexible portion may include fastening pointers and/or through holes for identifying specific penetration locations. The rigid portion provides necessary structural rigidity and support to the module and more specifically to the photovoltaic cells. In certain other embodiments, a BIP module includes an adhesive bumper strip disposed along one edge of the module and configured for secure this module with respect to another module. During installation, the strip is positioned between a back sealing sheet of one module and a front sealing sheet of another module.

Abstract: Provided are methods and apparatuses for processing photovoltaic cell metallic substrates to remove various surface defects. In certain embodiments, a thin stainless steel foil is polished using a proposed method leading to a substantial, e.g., twice or more, increase in its surface gloss. In certain embodiments, a method in accordance with the present invention involves contacting a substrate surface with a fixed-abrasive filament roller brush. The brush may be a close-wound coil brush. The brush includes filaments carrying 5-20 micrometer abrasive particles that are permanently fixed in the brush filaments, for example a polymer base material, such as nylon. The particles may be made of silicon carbide and/or other abrasive materials. In certain embodiments, a substrate surface is polished using a series of roller brushes, at least two of which rotate in different directions with respect to that surface.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a solar cell. The method includes providing a thin metallic substrate in roll form. The method also includes applying an abrasive grit to a surface of the thin metallic substrate. The method includes mechanical-polishing the surface with the abrasive grit such that the surface is polished to remove at least one defect from the surface. Mechanical-polishing the surface of the thin metallic substrate is by a roll-to-roll polishing process of the surface of the thin metallic substrate. Moreover, the method includes depositing an absorber layer of the solar cell on the thin metallic substrate.

Abstract: A power-loss-inhibiting current-collector. The power-loss-inhibiting current-collector includes a trace for collecting current from a solar cell. The power-loss-inhibiting current-collector further includes a current-limiting portion of the power-loss-inhibiting current-collector. The current-limiting portion of the power-loss-inhibiting current-collector is coupled to the trace. The current-limiting portion of the power-loss-inhibiting current-collector is configured to regulate current flow through the power-loss-inhibiting current-collector.