Abstract: A system for converting and attaching material strips to a substrate includes a dispenser configured to advance an elongated tape having length l1 and width w1 with l1>w1 relative to a surface of a substrate. A cutting tool cuts the elongated tape transversely along the width w1 of the tape to produce a strip having length l2 and width w2. During the cutting, a portion of the cutting Stool pushes a first surface of the strip against a gripper while cutting the tape. The gripper holds the first surface of the strip against the gripper while moving to position an opposing, second surface of the strip over the surface of the substrate. The gripper releases the strip after positioning the strip.

Abstract: An automated photovoltaic (PV) subassembly manufacturing method involves in-line cutting of material strips. A tape is cut longitudinally into multiple strips. The strips are separated and guided into spaced apart positions relative to a surface of the PV cell subassembly comprising one or more PV cells. The multiple strips remain attached to the tape while the strips are guided to the spaced apart positions. The multiple strips are positioned at attachment locations on the surface of a PV cell subassembly.

Abstract: An automated photovoltaic (PV) subassembly manufacturing method involves in-line cutting of material strips. A tape is cut longitudinally into multiple strips. The strips are separated and guided into spaced apart positions relative to a surface of the PV cell subassembly comprising one or more PV cells. The multiple strips remain attached to the tape while the strips are guided to the spaced apart positions. The multiple strips are positioned at attachment locations on the surface of a PV cell subassembly.

Abstract: A system for converting and attaching material strips to a substrate includes a dispenser configured to advance an en elongated tape having length l1 and width w1 with l1>w1 relative to a surface of a substrate. A cutting tool cuts the elongated tape transversely along the width w1 of the tape to produce a strip having length l2 and width w2. During the cutting, a portion of the cutting Stool pushes a first surface of the strip against a gripper while cutting the tape. The gripper holds the first surface of the strip against the gripper while moving to position an opposing, second surface of the strip over the surface of the substrate. The gripper releases the strip after positioning the strip.

Abstract: A light redirecting film defining a longitudinal axis, and including a base layer, an ordered arrangement of a plurality of microstructures, and a reflective layer. The microstructures project from the base layer, and each continuously extends across the base layer to define a corresponding primary axis. The primary axis of at least one of the microstructures is oblique with respect to the longitudinal axis. The reflective layer is disposed over the microstructures opposite the base layer. When employed, for example, to cover portions of a PV module tabbing ribbon, the films of the present disclosure uniquely reflect incident light.

Abstract: The inventors of the present disclosure recognized that elimination or reduction of the silver paste and/or silver busbars on the front and/or rear surfaces of solar cells and solar modules would advantageously lower the total cost of the solar cell and/or solar module. The inventors of the present disclosure recognized that the silver paste on the front and rear surface of solar cells or solar modules can be eliminated or the amount of silver paste reduced by replacing the silver busbars with a solderable tape including a conductive metal foil and a nonconductive adhesive.

Abstract: The inventors of the present disclosure recognized that elimination or reduction of the silver paste and/or silver busbars on the front and/or rear surfaces of solar cells and solar modules would advantageously lower the total cost of the solar cell and/or solar module. The inventors of the present disclosure recognized that the silver paste on the front and rear surface of solar cells or solar modules can be eliminated or the amount of silver paste reduced by replacing the silver busbars with a solderable tape including a conductive metal foil and a nonconductive adhesive.