Abstract: An article of manufacture includes an active solar area having a number of photovoltaic (PV) cell sets. Each of the PV cell sets includes one or more PV cells, and has a PV cell set area. Each of the PV cell sets includes a spacing distribution, where the spacing distribution is such that a geometric shape having a predetermined characteristic area value cannot be positioned to cover an area greater than a reverse biasing fraction of the PV cell set area corresponding to the PV cell set.

Abstract: An article of manufacture (400) includes a number of photovoltaic cells (102) forming a photovoltaic (PV) module circuit, with a first bus bar (106) electrically coupled to one extremity of the PV module circuit and a second bus (206) bar electrically coupled to a second extremity of the PV module. The bus bars (106, 206) are positioned on an opposing side of the PV cells (104, 204) from a light incident side of the PV cells.

Abstract: An article of manufacture includes a first and second PV cell layer, where the first and second PV cell layers are at least partially displaced from each other and define a continuous optical coverage area throughout a solar active area. The article provides for enhanced utilization of the active solar area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photovoltaic article comprising a first photovoltaic cell (11) having a photoelectrical? active region which is located between a topside electrode (12) and a backside electrode (14). An electrical connector (13) is in contact with the backside electrode (14) on the backside of the cell and an electrically conductive patch (15) is located over at least a portion of both the backside electrode (14) and the connector (13).