Photovoltaic structures are disclosed. The structures can comprise randomly or periodically structured layers, a dielectric layer to reduce back diffusion of charge carriers, and a metallic layer to reflect photons back towards the absorbing semiconductor layers. This design can increase efficiency of photovoltaic structures. The structures can be fabricated by nanoimprint.

A plurality of solar cells are sealed by an encapsulant between a first protective member and a second protective member. A fixing member fixes, among the plurality of solar cells, a first solar cell and a second solar cell that are adjacent to each other. The fixing member includes a release surface and a non-release surface that are oriented in opposite directions. The non-release surface has disposed thereon a first bonding region and a second bonding region that have adhesive strength, and a non-bonding region different from the first bonding region and the second bonding region.

A plurality of solar cells are sealed by an encapsulant between a first protective member and a second protective member. A fixing member fixes, among the plurality of solar cells, a first solar cell and a second solar cell that are adjacent to each other. The fixing member includes a release surface and a non-release surface that are oriented in opposite directions. The non-release surface has disposed thereon a first bonding region and a second bonding region that have adhesive strength, and a non-bonding region different from the first bonding region and the second bonding region.

A method of manufacturing a solar cell module includes: placing a light reflection member across a gap between adjacent two solar cells set on a work table; and attaching the light reflection member to respective ends of the adjacent two solar cells, by thermocompression-bonding respective overlap regions of the light reflection member with the adjacent two solar cells using a compression bonding head that includes: a first thermocompression bonding portion and a second thermocompression bonding portion each having a contact surface that comes into contact with the light reflection member; and a non-thermocompression bonding portion interposed between the first thermocompression bonding portion and the second thermocompression bonding portion and not thermocompression-bonding the light reflection member.

A solar panel assembly according to an example of the present disclosure includes a light-permeable panel, an opaque or solid region on the panel that at least partially blocks light from penetration through the panel, at least one solar array adjacent the panel, and at least one mirror situated such that at least some light permeating through the panel reflects off of the at least one mirror and onto the at least one solar array.

In a photovoltaic module (1) comprising a plurality of electrically interconnected solar cells (2) embedded in an encapsulation film(5) at least on one side and arranged at a distance from one another, and, if appropriate, a rear-side film (6) and a light-transmissive cover plate, light-guiding films forming prism-like structures (4) are integrated in regions of the photovoltaic module (1) that are free of solar cells (2) and the prism-like structures (4) and complementary air and gas pockets (8) are arranged alternately. The prism-like structures (4) of the light-guiding films are arranged in such a way that light impinging on the light-guiding, prism-like structures (4) is guided in the direction of the solar cells (2). An encapsulation film (5) is arranged on both sides of the solar cell and the light-guiding film forming prism-like structures (4) is arranged within the encapsulation film (5), and the light-guiding films forming prism-like structures (4) are covered, if appropriate, by a transparent polymer film (6, 12).

In various embodiments, photovoltaic devices incorporate discontinuous passivation layers (i) disposed between a thin-film absorber layer and a partner layer, (ii) disposed between the partner layer and a front contact layer, and/or (iii) disposed between a back contact layer and the thin-film absorber layer.

In various embodiments, photovoltaic devices incorporate discontinuous passivation layers (i) disposed between a thin-film absorber layer and a partner layer, (ii) disposed between the partner layer and a front contact layer, and/or (iii) disposed between a back contact layer and the thin-film absorber layer.

A monolithic multiple solar cell includes at least three partial cells, with a semiconductor mirror placed between two partial cells. The aim of the invention is to improve the radiation stability of said solar cell. For this purpose, the semiconductor mirror has a high degree of reflection in at least one part of a spectral absorption area of the partial cell which is arranged above the semiconductor mirror and a high degree of transmission within the spectral absorption range of the partial cell arranged below the semiconductor mirror.

A monolithic multiple solar cell includes at least three partial cells, with a semiconductor mirror placed between two partial cells. The aim of the invention is to improve the radiation stability of said solar cell. For this purpose, the semiconductor mirror has a high degree of reflection in at least one part of a spectral absorption area of the partial cell which is arranged above the semiconductor mirror and a high degree of transmission within the spectral absorption range of the partial cell arranged below the semiconductor mirror.