Abstract: A method of forming a photovoltaic product with a plurality of photovoltaic cells is disclosed. The method comprises depositing a stack with first and second electrode layers (12, 16) and a photovoltaic layer (14) arranged in between. The method comprises partitioning the stack. The partitioning includes forming a trench (20) extending through the second electrode layer and the photovoltaic layer to expose the first electrode layer. The stack is first irradiated with a laser beam with a first spotsize and with a first wavelength for which the photovoltaic layer has a relatively high absorption coefficient as compared to that of the second electrode layer. The stack is then irradiated with a second laser beam with a second spotsize, greater than the first spotsize, and with a second wavelength for which the photovoltaic layer has a relatively low absorption coefficient as compared to that of the second electrode layer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a photovoltaic product (1) with a plurality of serially interconnected photovoltaic cells (1A, 1B) is disclosed that comprises depositing a stack with a bottom electrode layer (12), a top electrode layer (16) and a photovoltaic layer (14) arranged between said first and said top electrode layer, the bottom electrode layer and the photovoltaic layer having an interface layer (13). The method further comprises partitioning said stack into respective lateral portions associated with respective photovoltaic cells (1A, 1B), with a boundary region (1AB) between each photovoltaic cell (1A) and a subsequent photovoltaic cell (1B), and serially interconnecting mutually subsequent photovoltaic cells in a boundary region. Partitioning includes forming one or more trenches (20; 22; 23) extending through the top electrode layer and the photovoltaic layer to expose the bottom electrode layer, with at least an irradiation sub-step and subsequent thereto a mechanical fragment removal sub-step.

Abstract: A method of forming a photovoltaic product with a plurality of photovoltaic cells is disclosed. The method comprises depositing a stack with first and second electrode layers (12, 16) and a photovoltaic layer (14) arranged in between. The method comprises partitioning the stack. The partitioning includes forming a trench (20) extending through the second electrode layer and the photovoltaic layer to expose the first electrode layer. The stack is first irradiated with a laser beam with a first spotsize and with a first wavelength for which the photovoltaic layer has a relatively high absorption coefficient as compared to that of the second electrode layer. The stack is then irradiated with a second laser beam with a second spotsize, greater than the first spotsize, and with a second wavelength for which the photovoltaic layer has a relatively low absorption coefficient as compared to that of the second electrode layer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a photovoltaic product (1) with a plurality of serially interconnected photovoltaic cells (1A, 1B) is disclosed that comprises depositing a stack with a bottom electrode layer (12), a top electrode layer (16) and a photovoltaic layer (14) arranged between said first and said top electrode layer, the bottom electrode layer and the photovoltaic layer having an interface layer (13). The method further comprises partitioning said stack into respective lateral portions associated with respective photovoltaic cells (1A, 1B), with a boundary region (1AB) between each photovoltaic cell (1A) and a subsequent photovoltaic cell (1B), and serially interconnecting mutually subsequent photovoltaic cells in a boundary region. Partitioning includes forming one or more trenches (20; 22; 23) extending through the top electrode layer and the photovoltaic layer to expose the bottom electrode layer, with at least an irradiation sub-step and subsequent thereto a mechanical fragment removal sub-step.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for making interconnected solar cells, including: a) providing a continuous layer stack on a substrate, including a top electrode layer, a bottom electrode layer adjacent to the substrate, a photovoltaic active layer and a barrier layer adjacent to the bottom electrode layer between the top and bottom electrode layers; b) selectively removing the top electrode layer and the photo-voltaic layer for obtaining a first trench exposing the barrier layer using a first laser beam with a first wavelength; c) selectively removing the barrier layer and the bottom electrode layer within the first trench for obtaining a second trench exposing the substrate using a second laser beam with a second wavelength, d) filling the first trench and the second trench with electrical insulating member. The first wavelength of the first laser beam is larger than a wavelength corresponding with a bandgap energy of the photo-voltaic layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for making interconnected solar cells, including: a) providing a continuous layer stack on a substrate, including a top electrode layer, a bottom electrode layer adjacent to the substrate, a photovoltaic active layer and a barrier layer adjacent to the bottom electrode layer between the top and bottom electrode layers; b) selectively removing the top electrode layer and the photo-voltaic layer for obtaining a first trench exposing the barrier layer using a first laser beam with a first wavelength; c) selectively removing the barrier layer and the bottom electrode layer within the first trench for obtaining a second trench exposing the substrate using a second laser beam with a second wavelength, d) filling the first trench and the second trench with electrical insulating member. The first wavelength of the first laser beam is larger than a wavelength corresponding with a bandgap energy of the photo-voltaic layer.