Systems and methods for manufacturing solar panels are disclosed. Solar cells are placed on a conveyor that transports the cells from a start point to an end point. A laser scribing module scribes the cells at a predetermined depth. A paste dispensing module deposits a predetermined amount of conductive paste on the surface of the solar cells. A cleaving apparatus divides the cells into smaller strips. A shingling module creates a string of cells by overlapping the strips. A targeted annealing module cures the paste, and a layup module places the strings on a backsheet. A glass cover is then added to one side of the strings.

Systems and methods for manufacturing solar panels are disclosed. Solar cells are placed on a conveyor that transports the cells from a start point to an end point. A laser scribing module scribes the cells at a predetermined depth. A paste dispensing module deposits a predetermined amount of conductive paste on the surface of the solar cells. A cleaving apparatus divides the cells into smaller strips. A shingling module creates a string of cells by overlapping the strips. A targeted annealing module cures the paste, and a layup module places the strings on a backsheet. A glass cover is then added to one side of the strings.

The invention relates to a multi-layer weatherable film structure having an outer layer of a highly weatherable film, a layer having a high thermal deformation temperature, an optional tie layer, and a thin layer of polyolefin or polyamide. The highly weatherable film layer preferably is polyvinylidene fluoride. The polyolefin or polyamide layer is less than 500 microns in thickness, and preferably the whole film structure is less than 750 microns thick. The polyolefinjpolyamide side of the film structure can easily be adhered to many different substances—especially polyolefins and polyamides. This film can be used to provide a highly weatherable protective layer a substrate. One useful application for the film is in a photovoltaic module to protect the back side of the module from weathering and abrasion. The multi-layer film structure can be adhered to a typical polyolefin-based encapsulant layer and used as a backsheet encapsulant in a photovoltaic module.

The invention relates to a multi-layer weatherable film structure having an outer layer of a highly weatherable film, a layer having a high thermal deformation temperature, an optional tie layer, and a thin layer of polyolefin or polyamide. The highly weatherable film layer preferably is polyvinylidene fluoride. The polyolefin or polyamide layer is less than 500 microns in thickness, and preferably the whole film structure is less than 750 microns thick. The polyolefinjpolyamide side of the film structure can easily be adhered to many different substances—especially polyolefins and polyamides. This film can be used to provide a highly weatherable protective layer a substrate. One useful application for the film is in a photovoltaic module to protect the back side of the module from weathering and abrasion. The multi-layer film structure can be adhered to a typical polyolefin-based encapsulant layer and used as a backsheet encapsulant in a photovoltaic module.

Disclosed is a polyamide-ionomer composition suitable for use in a backsheet in a photovoltaic module comprising a polymer component comprising a polyamide and an ionomer comprising a copolymer of ethylene, an alpha, beta-unsaturated C.sub.3-C.sub.8 carboxylic acid, wherein the carboxylic acid functionalities present are at least partially neutralized to carboxylate salts of one or more alkali metal, transition metal, or alkaline earth metal cations; 0 to 20 weight % of pigment; and 0 to 40 weight % of filler; wherein the combination of pigment and filler comprises 8 to 50 weight % of the composition; and 0 to 5 weight % of weatherability additives.

Disclosed is a polyamide-ionomer composition suitable for use in a backsheet in a photovoltaic module comprising a polymer component a polyamide and an anhydride ionomer comprising a copolymer of ethylene, an alpha, beta-unsaturated C.sub.3-C.sub.8 carboxylic acid and an ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid or derivative thereof selected from the group consisting of maleic acid, fumaric acid, itaconic acid, maleic anhydride, and a C.sub.1-C.sub.1 alkyl half ester of maleic acid, wherein the carboxylic acid functionalities present are at least partially neutralized to carboxylate salts of one or more alkali metal, transition metal, or alkaline earth metal cations; 0 to 20 weight % of pigment; and 0 to 40 weight % of filler; preferably wherein the combination of pigment and filler comprises 10 to 50 weight % of the composition; and 0 to 5 weight % of weatherability additives.

A lamination device for laminating a photovoltaic stack on a profiled metallic panel, the lamination device including a lid covered on its underside with an upper flexible pressure membrane so as to form an airtight upper chamber that may be ventilated or evacuated and/or including an upper heating device whose bottom side has a crenellated profile, the device also including a chassis covered on its top with a lower flexible pressure membrane so as to form an airtight lower chamber that may be ventilated or evacuated and/or including a lower heating device whose upper side has a cross-section which differs from the crenellated profile of the bottom side of the upper heating device, wherein the lid is capable of sealably laying on the chassis so that the cavity thus formed is airtight and may be ventilated or evacuated. A corresponding process is also provided.

A solar cell module includes a solar cell panel comprising a lower substrate and a plurality of solar cells on the lower substrate; a protective substrate on the solar cell panel; and a buffer part between the solar cell panel and the protective substrate, wherein the lower substrate includes a first lower substrate supporting the solar cell and a second lower substrate disposed along a lateral side of the buffer part.

A solar cell module includes a solar cell panel comprising a lower substrate and a plurality of solar cells on the lower substrate; a protective substrate on the solar cell panel; and a buffer part between the solar cell panel and the protective substrate, wherein the lower substrate includes a first lower substrate supporting the solar cell and a second lower substrate disposed along a lateral side of the buffer part.

The present disclosure provides a solar cell module, comprising (a) a laminate substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, (b) a solar cell positioned on the first surface of the laminate substrate, (c) a first contact pad positioned on the first surface of the laminate substrate adjacent to the solar cell, (d) a second contact pad positioned on the second surface of the laminate substrate, (e) one or more vias positioned through the laminate substrate to electrically connect the first contact pad to the second contact pad, and (f) one or more interconnects extending from the solar cell and electrically coupling the solar cell to the first contact pad.