A solar cell module is discussed. The solar cell module includes a plurality of solar cells each including a plurality of first current collectors and a plurality of second current collectors, a first protective layer positioned on incident surfaces of the solar cells, a transparent member positioned on the first protective layer, and a conductive pattern part positioned on non-incident surfaces of the plurality of solar cells. The conductive pattern part includes a first pattern having a plurality of first protrusions connected to first current collectors of one solar cell and a second pattern having a plurality of second protrusions connected to second current collectors of the one solar cell. The plurality of first current collectors and the plurality of second current collectors are positioned on a surface of each solar cell on which light is not incident.

The invention concerns a multilayer biaxially oriented white polyester film (adhesion, absence of chalking, opacity whiteness, reflectance, hydrolysis resistance & light stability) comprising three polyester layers: a core layer and two outer layers and contains TiO.sub.2 particles. In this film: at least one layer comprises a PET whose: number average molecular weight is within [18500-40000]; intrinsic viscosity IV is 0.70 dL/g; and carboxyl group content is 30 eq/T. Additionally, the core layer comprises TiO.sub.2 particles in a range of [0.1-40]% w/w; the intrinsic viscosity IV is between [0.5-0.85] dL/g; a small endothermic peak temperature is between 180-230 C.; and at least one light stabilizer is added in at least one of the outer layers, in a total concentration between [0.1-35]% w/w. The invention also includes the method for manufacturing such film and the laminate which is part of the back sheet of a solar cell.

In an example embodiment, a method to operate a PV module includes measuring module output power collectively generated by a plurality of power conversion circuits of the PV module. The module output power collectively generated by the plurality of power conversion circuits is characterized by a module power output curve having a peak. A current measured output power is compared to a preceding measured output power. Based on a preceding direction variable indicating a side of the peak on which the PV module was previously operating and the comparison of the current measured output power to the preceding measured output power: a current direction variable indicating a side of the peak on which the PV module is currently operating is determined, and a switching period of the power conversion circuits is adjusted.

An apparatus and system for mechanically coupling a power conditioning unit (PCU) to a photovoltaic (PV) module. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a base member, adapted for mounting a power conditioning unit (PCU) on a PV module backsheet, comprising a plurality of PCU retention members for retaining the PCU; and at least one compression spring, coupled to the base member, for maintaining the PCU in a position, with respect to the PV module backsheet, that can be dynamically changed between a first position and a second position.

In some aspects, graphic layers for depicting a visible representation of an image along a surface of a photovoltaic module can include a plurality of substantially opaque isolated regions; and at least one substantially transparent contiguous region surrounding the substantially opaque isolated regions, wherein an outer surface of the at least one substantially transparent contiguous region comprises a matte surface finish.

The present invention is directed to a layer of an electrical device a photovoltaic module comprising at least one photovoltaic element and at least one layer comprising a polypropylene composition and to the use of a polypropylene composition for producing at least one layer of an element of a photovoltaic module.

A construction element (29) which extends in two dimensions comprises a solar energy converter member (1) which also extends along and defines one surface of the construction element (29). The construction element (29) further comprises a building construction member (30) which extends along the construction element (29) and defines the second surface thereof. At least a part of the solar energy converter member (1) is integral with at least a part of the building construction member (30) whereby this integral part both contributes to the requirements for solar energy conversion as well as to requirements for constructions.

A sealing film for a solar cell and a method of manufacturing the same, and a sealing structure for a solar cell module having the sealing film for a solar cell are provided. The sealing film for a solar cell includes a substrate and an adhesive layer having a conducting wire structure, wherein the adhesive layer having the conducting wire structure is located on the substrate, and the conducting wire structure is in contact with the substrate. Via the sealing film for a solar cell having the above configuration, a plurality of solar cell units not electrically connected to one another can be electrically connected by using the conducting wire structure of the sealing film for a solar cell while sealing and laminating the solar cell.

A high efficiency configuration for a solar cell module comprises solar cells conductively bonded to each other in a shingled manner to form super cells, which may be arranged to efficiently use the area of the solar module, reduce series resistance, and increase module efficiency. The front surface metallization patterns on the solar cells may be configured to enable single step stencil printing, which is facilitated by the overlapping configuration of the solar cells in the super cells. A solar photovoltaic system may comprise two or more such high voltage solar cell modules electrically connected in parallel with each other and to an inverter. Solar cell cleaving tools and solar cell cleaving methods apply a vacuum between bottom surfaces of a solar cell wafer and a curved supporting surface to flex the solar cell wafer against the curved supporting surface and thereby cleave the solar cell wafer along one or more previously prepared scribe lines to provide a plurality of solar cells. An advantage of these cleaving tools and cleaving methods is that they need not require physical contact with the upper surfaces of the solar cell wafer. Solar cells are manufactured with reduced carrier recombination losses at edges of the solar cell, e.g., without cleaved edges that promote carrier recombination. The solar cells may have narrow rectangular geometries and may be advantageously employed in shingled (overlapping) arrangements to form super cells.

An adhesive may be applied to a surface of a reusable carrier. Metal foil may be attached to the adhesive to couple the metal foil to the surface of the reusable carrier. The metal foil may be patterned without damaging the reusable carrier. A semiconductor structure (e.g., a solar cell) may be attached to the patterned metal foil. The reusable carrier may then be removed. In some embodiments, the semiconductor structure may be encapsulated using an encapsulant, with the adhesive being compatible with the encapsulant.