Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to flexible photovoltaic modules that include a multi-layered substrate. In some embodiments, the multi-layered substrate includes one or more layers that are configured to improve the elastic modulus, rigidity, or stiffness of a flexible substrate of a flexible photovoltaic module during a deposition process step at an elevated temperature that is used to form the flexible photovoltaic module. The one or more layers of the multi-layered substrate may also provide improved barrier properties that prevent environmental contaminants from affecting the performance of a formed photovoltaic module, which includes the multi-layered substrate, during normal operation.

As described herein, a photovoltaic film may include a plurality of photovoltaic cells arranged to form a frit pattern. The photovoltaic film may be affixed to a transparent substrate to form a film-treated panel. The transparent substrate may be glass, such as a windowpane. The photovoltaic cells may be configured to convert sunlight into electrical energy. The electrical energy may be stored and used to power an electrical device.

A layer structure for a thin-film solar cell and production method are provided. The layer structure for the thin-film solar cell includes a photovoltaic absorber layer doped, at least in a region which borders a surface of the photovoltaic absorber layer, with at least one alkali metal. The layer structure has an oxidic passivating layer on the surface of the photovoltaic absorber layer, which is designed to protect the photovoltaic absorber layer from corrosion.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to photovoltaic devices, CIGS containing films, and methods of manufacturing CIGS containing films and photovoltaic devices to improve quantum efficiency, reduce interface charges, electron losses, and electron re-combinations. The CIGS layers in the photovoltaic devices described herein may be deposited using physical vapor deposition, followed by in-situ oxygen annealing, and further followed by deposition of a cap layer over the CIGS layer without subjecting the CIGS layer to an air break.

A photovoltaic module is specified, comprising: a cylindrical light-transmissive tube enclosing an interior and having a main extension direction and a curved inner surface facing the interior, and a mechanically flexible photovoltaic component comprising a solar cell arrangement applied on a carrier film, wherein the photovoltaic component is arranged in the interior, the solar cell arrangement has a curvature, wherein the curvature follows the curved course of the inner surface of the tube at least in places and the solar cell arrangement at least partly covers the inner surface, wherein the covered inner surface forms a light passage surface of the photovoltaic module.

A flexible laminated solar cell comprising a CIGS photovoltaic layer having two opposing generally flat first and second parallel surfaces; a first encapsulation layer placed on each of said first and second parallel surfaces; an encapsulation vapor barrier film placed on each of said first encaption layers; a second encapsulation layer placed on said encapsulation vapor barrier films; and a third encapsulation layer placed on at least one of said second encapsulation layers. The laminated structure with encapsulation layers protects the CIGS photovoltaic layer against moisture and atmospheric pollutants. The CIGS laminated structure is used in a versatile portable solar charger provided with user interfaces to monitor and control the charger and devices or features contained therein.

A thin film deposition system and method for forming photovoltaic cells, the system including a first deposition module including a titanium sputtering target and configured to deposit a titanium precursor layer of a diffusion barrier on the substrate, as the substrate moves through the first deposition module; a second deposition module configured to deposit a first electrode onto the diffusion barrier, as the substrate moves through the second deposition module; and a first connection unit configured to nitride at least a portion of the titanium precursor layer of the diffusion barrier, while the substrate moves though the first connection unit from the first deposition module to the second deposition module.

Provided is a method of manufacturing a high efficiency flexible thin film solar cell module including a see-thru pattern. The method of manufacturing a flexible thin film solar cell module includes: sequentially forming a light-absorbing layer, a first buffer layer, and a first transparent electrode layer on the release layer; forming a second buffer layer on the exposed bottom surface of the light-absorbing layer; forming a P2 scribing pattern by removing at least one portion of each of the first buffer layer, the light-absorbing layer, and the second buffer layer; forming a second transparent electrode layer on the second buffer layer and the first transparent electrode layer exposed by the P2 scribing pattern; and forming a P4 see-thru pattern by selectively removing at least one portion of the first buffer layer, the light-absorbing layer, the second buffer layer, and the second transparent electrode layer.

As described herein, a photovoltaic film may include a plurality of photovoltaic cells arranged to form a frit pattern. The photovoltaic film may be affixed to a transparent substrate to form a film-treated panel. The transparent substrate may be glass, such as a windowpane. The photovoltaic cells may be configured to convert sunlight into electrical energy. The electrical energy may be stored and used to power an electrical device.

Described are flexible electronics incorporating a bacterial cellulose paper substrate and methods of making and using the flexible electronics. Example devices disclosed include photovoltaic cells constructed over bacterial cellulose paper substrates.