Abstract: The present invention provides methods to sputter deposit films comprising alkali metal compounds. At least one target comprising one or more alkali metal compounds and at least one metallic component is sputtered to form one or more corresponding sputtered films. The at least one target has an atomic ratio of the alkali metal compound to the at least one metallic component in the range from 15:85 to 85:15. The sputtered film(s) incorporating such alkali metal compounds are incorporated into a precursor structure also comprising one or more chalcogenide precursor films. The precursor structure is heated in the presence of at least one chalcogen to form a chalcogenide semiconductor. The resultant chalcogenide semiconductor comprises up to 2 atomic percent of alkali metal content, wherein at least a major portion of the alkali metal content of the resultant chalcogenide semiconductor is derived from the sputtered film(s) incorporating the alkali metal compound(s).

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to sputter deposit films comprising alkali metal compounds. At least one target comprising one or more alkali metal compounds and at least one metallic component is sputtered to form one or more corresponding sputtered films. The at least one target has an atomic ratio of the alkali metal compound to the at least one metallic component in the range from 15:85 to 85:15. The sputtered film(s) incorporating such alkali metal compounds are incorporated into a precursor structure also comprising one or more chalcogenide precursor films. The precursor structure is heated in the presence of at least one chalcogen to form a chalcogenide semiconductor. The resultant chalcogenide semiconductor comprises up to 2 atomic percent of alkali metal content, wherein at least a major portion of the alkali metal content of the resultant chalcogenide semiconductor is derived from the sputtered film(s) incorporating the alkali metal compound(s).

Abstract: A photovoltaic module includes a first photovoltaic cell, a second photovoltaic cell, and a collector-connector which is configured to collect current from the first photovoltaic cell and to electrically connect the first photovoltaic cell with the second photovoltaic cell. The collector-connector may include an electrically insulating carrier and at least one electrical conductor which electrically connects the first photovoltaic cell to the second photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: One photovoltaic module has a plurality of photovoltaic cells including a first photovoltaic cell and a second photovoltaic cell, a collector-connector configured to collect a current from the first photovoltaic cell and electrically connect the first photovoltaic cell to the second photovoltaic cell and at least one diode configured to bypass at least one of the photovoltaic cells. Another photovoltaic module has a plurality of cells including a first photovoltaic cell and a second photovoltaic cell, such that the first photovoltaic cell contains an active portion and a shaded portion, that is configured as a diode bypassing the second photovoltaic cell. Methods of making photovoltaic modules that incorporate bypass diodes are also provided.

Abstract: One photovoltaic module includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells and at least one device selected from a sensor, a data storage device and an indicator. Another photovoltaic module includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells and a flexible circuit configured to act as an antenna for electromagnetic radiation. Methods of using such photovoltaic modules are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses thin film photovoltaic devices comprising Group II-VI semiconductor layers with a substrate configuration having an interface layer between the absorber layer and the window layer to create improved junctions. The present invention also discloses methods for making and surface treatments for thin film photovoltaic devices comprising Group II-VI semiconductor layers with a substrate configuration to create devices with improved junctions.

Abstract: One photovoltaic module includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells and at least one device selected from a sensor, a data storage device and an indicator. Another photovoltaic module includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells and a flexible circuit configured to act as an antenna for electromagnetic radiation. Methods of using such photovoltaic modules are also disclosed.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module includes a first photovoltaic cell, a second photovoltaic cell and an energy storage device, such as a battery or capacitor, integrated into the module.

Abstract: One photovoltaic module has a plurality of photovoltaic cells including a first photovoltaic cell and a second photovoltaic cell, a collector-connector configured to collect a current from the first photovoltaic cell and electrically connect the first photovoltaic cell to the second photovoltaic cell and at least one diode configured to bypass at least one of the photovoltaic cells. Another photovoltaic module has a plurality of cells including a first photovoltaic cell and a second photovoltaic cell, such that the first photovoltaic cell contains an active portion and a shaded portion, that is configured as a diode bypassing the second photovoltaic cell. Methods of making photovoltaic modules that incorporate bypass diodes are also provided.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module includes a first photovoltaic cell, a second photovoltaic cell, and a collector-connector which is configured to collect current from the first photovoltaic cell and to electrically connect the first photovoltaic cell with the second photovoltaic cell. The collector-connector may include an electrically insulating carrier and at least one electrical conductor which electrically connects the first photovoltaic cell to the second photovoltaic cell.