Abstract: A photovoltaic module comprises a photovoltaic panel having a top edge and a bottom edge. An exterior frame structure attached to edges of the photovoltaic panel defines an upwardly open groove extending along at least the top and bottom edges of the panel to direct rain water away from underside of the panel.

Abstract: A method of forming a lead-out electrode in an integrated-type photovoltaic device including photoelectric conversion cells connected to each other in series on a transparent substrate is to form a lead-out electrode portion or section by separating a laminate of a semiconductor photo-active layer and a back electrode layer into back electrode and lead-out portions by means of a scanned laser beam. The major part of the lead-out electrode portion is elongated and has, at the opposite end, enlarged sections for receiving external lead wires or conductors. Accordingly, the lead-out electrode portion occupies only a small area in the substrate and can be formed easily by scanning with a laser beam.