Photovoltaic solar panels are a know means of generate electricity from ultra-violet and solar power. Known problems associated with photovoltaic solar panels include poor efficiency and a short apparatus lifespan; alongside an inability to be easily integrated into architectural surroundings. Disclosed herein is a photovoltaic solar panel, designed to be attached to the front face of a roof tile, which generates electricity with an improved efficiency, has increased longevity and can be incorporated into a variety of architectural surroundings.

Photovoltaic solar panels are a know means of generate electricity from ultra-violet and solar power. Known problems associated with photovoltaic solar panels include poor efficiency and a short apparatus lifespan; alongside an inability to be easily integrated into architectural surroundings. Disclosed herein is a photovoltaic solar panel, designed to be attached to the front face of a roof tile, which generates electricity with an improved efficiency, has increased longevity and can be incorporated into a variety of architectural surroundings.

A solar cell assembly (200) is presented. The solar cell assembly includes one or more solar cell units (21 1) coupled in series. The solar cell unit includes a first solar cell series (221) and a second solar cell series (222) connected in parallel. The first and second solar cell series include a plurality of cells (202) connecting in series respectively. The solar cell assembly also includes a by-pass diode (201) coupled to each solar cell unit and shared between the first and second solar cell series in each solar cell unit.

A solar cell assembly (200) is presented. The solar cell assembly includes one or more solar cell units (21 1) coupled in series. The solar cell unit includes a first solar cell series (221) and a second solar cell series (222) connected in parallel. The first and second solar cell series include a plurality of cells (202) connecting in series respectively. The solar cell assembly also includes a by-pass diode (201) coupled to each solar cell unit and shared between the first and second solar cell series in each solar cell unit.

Methods for forming interdigitated back contact solar cells from III-V materials are provided. According to an aspect of the invention, a method includes depositing a patterned Zn layer to cover first areas of an n-type emitter region, wherein the emitter region comprises a III-V material, and forming a passivated back contact region by counter-doping the first areas of the emitter region by diffusing Zn from the patterned Zn layer into the first areas of the emitter region, such that the first areas of the emitter region become p-type.

A back contact solar cell assembly and methods for its manufacture and assembly onto a panel for use in space vehicles are described. The solar cell assembly includes a compound semiconductor multijunction solar cell having a contact at the top surface of the solar cell, a conductive semiconductor element extending from the contact on the top surface to the back surface of the assembly where it forms a first back contact of a first polarity type, and a second back contact of a second polarity at the back surface of the assembly electrically coupled to the back surface of the solar cell.

In an example, the present invention provides a method of separating a photovoltaic strip from a solar cell. The method includes providing a solar cell, placing the front side of the solar cell on a platen such that the backside is facing a laser source, initiating a laser source to output a laser beam having a wavelength from 200 to 600 nanometers and a spot size of 18 to 30 microns, subjecting a portion of the backside to the laser beam at a power level ranging from about 20 Watts to about 35 Watts to cause an ablation to form a scribe region having a depth, width, and a length, the depth being from 40% to 60% of a thickness of the solar cell, the width being between 16 and 35 microns to create a plurality of scribe regions spatially disposed on the backside of the solar cell.

In an example, the present invention provides a method of separating a photovoltaic strip from a solar cell. The method includes providing a solar cell, placing the front side of the solar cell on a platen such that the backside is facing a laser source, initiating a laser source to output a laser beam having a wavelength from 200 to 600 nanometers and a spot size of 18 to 30 microns, subjecting a portion of the backside to the laser beam at a power level ranging from about 20 Watts to about 35 Watts to cause an ablation to form a scribe region having a depth, width, and a length, the depth being from 40% to 60% of a thickness of the solar cell, the width being between 16 and 35 microns to create a plurality of scribe regions spatially disposed on the backside of the solar cell.

In an example, the present invention provides a method of separating a photovoltaic strip from a solar cell. The method includes providing a solar cell, placing the front side of the solar cell on a platen such that the backside is facing a laser source, initiating a laser source to output a laser beam having a wavelength from 200 to 600 nanometers and a spot size of 18 to 30 microns, subjecting a portion of the backside to the laser beam at a power level ranging from about 20 Watts to about 35 Watts to cause an ablation to form a scribe region having a depth, width, and a length, the depth being from 40% to 60% of a thickness of the solar cell, the width being between 16 and 35 microns to create a plurality of scribe regions spatially disposed on the backside of the solar cell.

In an example, the present invention provides a method of separating a photovoltaic strip from a solar cell. The method includes providing a solar cell, placing the front side of the solar cell on a platen such that the backside is facing a laser source, initiating a laser source to output a laser beam having a wavelength from 200 to 600 nanometers and a spot size of 18 to 30 microns, subjecting a portion of the backside to the laser beam at a power level ranging from about 20 Watts to about 35 Watts to cause an ablation to form a scribe region having a depth, width, and a length, the depth being from 40% to 60% of a thickness of the solar cell, the width being between 16 and 35 microns to create a plurality of scribe regions spatially disposed on the backside of the solar cell.