Abstract: The present invention provides an improved photovoltaic cell assembly (10) that includes at least plurality of photovoltaic calls (20). The cells include a photoactive portion (24) sandwiched between a top electrically conductive structure (28) on some regions of a top surface (28) of the photoactive portion leaving exposed top surface on other regions; and an opposing conductive substrate layer (22). The improved photovoltaic cell assembly also includes a plurality of conductive elements (80); a first encapsulant layer (40) In contact with the top electrically conductive structure and the exposed fop surface of the photoactive portion; and a second encapsulant layer (50) in contact with the opposing conductive substrate layer, the encapsulants holding the conductive elements to the cell layers.