Abstract: Photovoltaic modules may include multiple flexible thin film photovoltaic cells electrically connected in series, and laminated to a substantially transparent top sheet having a conductive grid pattern facing the cells. Methods of manufacturing photovoltaic modules including integrated multi-cell interconnections are provided. Methods may include steps of coordinating, integrating, and registering multiple rolls of substrates in continuous processes.

Abstract: Photovoltaic modules may include multiple flexible thin film photovoltaic cells electrically connected in series, and laminated to a substantially transparent top sheet having a conductive grid pattern facing the cells. Methods of manufacturing photovoltaic modules including integrated multi-cell interconnections are 5 provided. Methods may include steps of coordinating, integrating, and registering multiple rolls of substrates in continuous processes.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for forming thin-film layers of semiconductor material absorber layers on a substrate web. According to the present teachings, a semiconductor layer may be formed in a multi-zone process whereby various layers are deposited sequentially onto a moving substrate web.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for forming thin-film layers of semiconductor material absorber layers on a substrate web. According to the present teachings, a semiconductor layer may be formed in a multi-zone process whereby various layers are deposited sequentially onto a moving substrate web. At least one layer is deposited from a mixed gallium indium source.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for forming thin-film layers of semiconductor material absorber layers on a substrate web. According to the present teachings, a semiconductor layer may be formed in a multi-zone process whereby various layers are deposited sequentially onto a moving substrate web.

Abstract: Photovoltaic modules may include multiple flexible thin film photovoltaic cells electrically connected in series, and laminated to a substantially transparent top sheet having a conductive grid pattern facing the cells. Methods of manufacturing photovoltaic modules including integrated multi-cell interconnections are provided. Methods may include steps of coordinating, integrating, and registering multiple rolls of substrates in continuous processes.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for forming thin-film layers of semiconductor material absorber layers on a substrate web. According to the present teachings, a semiconductor layer may be formed in a multi-zone process whereby various layers are deposited sequentially onto a moving substrate web.

Abstract: Photovoltaic modules may include multiple flexible thin film photovoltaic cells electrically connected in series by a substantially transparent top sheet having an embedded conductive wire grid pattern. Methods of manufacturing photovoltaic modules including integrated multi-cell interconnections are provided.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for forming thin-film layers of semiconductor material absorber layers on a substrate web. According to the present teachings, a semiconductor layer may be formed in a multi-zone process whereby various layers are deposited sequentially onto a moving substrate web. At least one layer is deposited from a mixed gallium indium source.

Abstract: Thin film PV cells and strings of such cells that may be electrically joined with electrical conductors or electroconductive patterns are disclosed. The electrical conductors wrap or fold around the PV cells to form an electrical series connection among those cells. The electrical conductors may be formed or deposited on an electrically insulating sheet, which is then wrapped or folded around those cells. By constructing the electrical conductor and positioning the cells appropriately, an electrical connection is formed between one polarity of a given cell and the opposite polarity of the adjacent cell when the sheet is folded over. One or more dielectric materials may be applied or attached to exposed edges of the cells or conductive traces prior to folding the electrical conductors and/or electrically insulating sheet to prevent shorts or failure points.

Abstract: Thin film photovoltaic cells and methods of manufacturing such cells that include one or more diffusion barrier layers configured to provide a relatively smooth growth surface for subsequent deposition of a p-type semiconductor layer. Diffusion barrier layers according to the present teachings may be amorphous, microcrystalline or nanocrystalline layers of materials including molybdenum, conductive oxides, conductive nitrides, conductive carbides, or mixtures thereof. In some cases a diffusion barrier layer may be configured to have surface roughness less than a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: Photovoltaic modules may include multiple flexible thin film photovoltaic cells electrically connected in series, and laminated to a substantially transparent top sheet having a conductive grid pattern facing the cells. Methods of manufacturing photovoltaic modules including integrated multi-cell interconnections are provided. Methods may include steps of coordinating, integrating, and registering multiple rolls of substrates in continuous processes.

Abstract: Thin film photovoltaic cells and strings of cells may be electrically joined in series. More specifically, electrical contacts between photovoltaic cells may be formed by positioning the cells between a pair of interconnection substrates, each of which includes a conductive grid. By positioning the cells appropriately between the substrates, an electrical connection is formed between one polarity of a given cell and the opposite polarity of an adjacent cell.

Abstract: Photovoltaic modules may include multiple flexible thin film photovoltaic cells electrically connected in series, and laminated to a substantially transparent top sheet having a conductive grid pattern facing the cells. Methods of manufacturing photovoltaic modules including integrated multi-cell interconnections are provided. Methods may include steps of coordinating, integrating, and registering multiple rolls of substrates in continuous processes.

Abstract: Thin film photovoltaic cells and methods of manufacturing such cells that include one or more diffusion barrier layers configured to provide a relatively smooth growth surface for subsequent deposition of a p-type semiconductor layer. Diffusion barrier layers according to the present teachings may be amorphous, microcrystalline or nanocrystalline layers of materials including molybdenum, conductive oxides, conductive nitrides, conductive carbides, or mixtures thereof. In some cases a diffusion barrier layer may be configured to have surface roughness less than a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for forming thin-film layers of semiconductor material absorber layers on a substrate web. According to the present teachings, a semiconductor layer may be formed in a multi-zone process whereby various layers are deposited sequentially onto a moving substrate web.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for forming thin-film layers of semiconductor material absorber layers on a substrate web. According to the present teachings, a semiconductor layer may be formed in a multi-zone process whereby various layers are deposited sequentially onto a moving substrate web.

Abstract: A vapor deposition source including a crucible configured to hold a quantity of molten constituent material and at least one nozzle to pass vapor evaporated from the molten constituent material out of the crucible.

Abstract: A vapor deposition source including a crucible configured to hold a quantity of molten constituent material and at least one nozzle to pass vapor evaporated from the molten constituent material out of the crucible.

Abstract: Thin film PV cells and strings of such cells that may be electrically joined with electrical conductors or electroconductive patterns are disclosed. The electrical conductors wrap or fold around the PV cells to form an electrical series connection among those cells. The electrical conductors may be formed or deposited on an electrically insulating sheet, which is then wrapped or folded around those cells. By constructing the electrical conductor and positioning the cells appropriately, an electrical connection is formed between one polarity of a given cell and the opposite polarity of the adjacent cell when the sheet is folded over. One or more dielectric materials may be applied or attached to exposed edges of the cells or conductive traces prior to folding the electrical conductors and/or electrically insulating sheet to prevent shorts or failure points.