Abstract: Described herein are interconnections for photovoltaic cells and/or photovoltaic modules. In some implementations, one or more first photovoltaic cells generate a first electric current in response to exposure to an illumination source. One or more second cells, which may be located in tandem with the one or more first photovoltaic cells, generate a second electric current in response to exposure to the illumination source. The one or more second cells may be coupled to an output terminal utilizing a conductive film comprising a plurality of conductive vias which function to conduct current from the one or more second cells to the output terminal. In particular embodiments, photovoltaic cells of first and second types may be independently tested and verified prior to being combined to form a tandemly-arranged photovoltaic module.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a solar cell including depositing a first electrode over a substrate under vacuum, depositing at least one p-type semiconductor absorber layer over the first electrode without breaking the vacuum, where the p-type semiconductor absorber layer comprises a copper indium selenide (CIS) based alloy material, sputter depositing an n-type semiconductor layer over the at least one p-type semiconductor absorber layer to form zinc oxysulfide in the n-type semiconductor layer without breaking the vacuum, and depositing a second electrode over the n-type semiconductor layer without breaking the vacuum.

Abstract: A shielded sputter deposition system and method, the system including a process module including: a vacuum enclosure configured to receive a moving substrate, sputtering targets disposed in the vacuum enclosure, each sputtering target including a target material, and a peripheral shield disposed between the and substrate and an interstitial space located between adjacent sputtering targets. The peripheral shield may be configured to at least partially block indirect deposition of sputtered target material onto the substrate and to permit direct deposition of the sputtered target material onto the substrate.

Abstract: A method of making a photovoltaic device includes forming a p-type compound semiconductor material layer comprising copper, indium, gallium and a chalcogen over a substrate, and forming an n-type metal sulfide layer on the p-type compound semiconductor material layer by sputtering process employing at least one metal and sulfur containing sputtering target having a non-stoichiometric composition in which a metal-to-sulfur atomic ratio is greater than 1.