A solar cell module and a method for operating a solar cell module. The solar cell module includes a plurality of strings which are each formed from a plurality of solar cells connected to one another in a series circuit, wherein each string is connected to a bypass circuit assigned thereto. The solar cell module is also characterized in that the bypass circuit has a switching element and is configured to reduce an electrical current inside the string by switching the switching element when a return current occurs within the associated string.

A solar cell structure is disclosed. The solar cell structure comprises a carrier having a front side and a P-N junction, a solar cell electrically coupled to the front side of the carrier, and an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer bonds the front side of the carrier to the solar cell. The adhesive layer includes conductive particles that electrically couple the carrier to the solar cell.

According to the embodiments provided herein, a method for scribing a layer stack of a photovoltaic device can include directing a laser scribing waveform to a film side of a layer stack. The laser scribing waveform can include pulse groupings that repeat at a group repetition period of greater than or equal to 1.5 μs. Each pulse of the pulse groupings can have a pulse width of less than or equal to 900 fs.

First, first cell wiring members from the first solar cell and second cell wiring members from the second solar cell are sandwiched between a wiring member film and a second bridge wiring member. Subsequently, the first cell wiring members and the second cell wiring members are connected to the second bridge wiring member by applying heat to at least the first cell wiring members, the second cell wiring members, and the second bridge wiring member by induction heating.

Structured photovoltaic assemblies and method of manufacture therefor. The assemblies can be assembled similar to flex circuits and have mechanical support structures disposed within the assembly. The supports can be sized and shaped to one or a group of solar cells in the assembly. The solar cells supported by a particular support may be interconnected with cells supported by a different support. The supports can be transparent. The connection of the interconnects to the solar cells can be enhanced by forming protrusions in vias through openings in the Insulating layer that are aligned with the solar cells. Alternatively, the openings can be filled with a conductive material in such forms as powder, ink, paste, or metal nanoparticles, and a laser can be used to melt and/or sinter the material to form the connection to the solar cell. These techniques can withstand large temperature swings over a large number of cycles, which occur in, for example, space applications.

Structured photovoltaic assemblies and method of manufacture therefor. The assemblies can be assembled similar to flex circuits and have mechanical support structures disposed within the assembly. The supports can be sized and shaped to one or a group of solar cells in the assembly. The solar cells supported by a particular support may be interconnected with cells supported by a different support. The supports can be transparent. The connection of the interconnects to the solar cells can be enhanced by forming protrusions in vias through openings in the Insulating layer that are aligned with the solar cells. Alternatively, the openings can be filled with a conductive material in such forms as powder, ink, paste, or metal nanoparticles, and a laser can be used to melt and/or sinter the material to form the connection to the solar cell. These techniques can withstand large temperature swings over a large number of cycles, which occur in, for example, space applications.

A method of repairing a solar cell bonded on a substrate, by bonding a replacement solar cell on top of an existing solar cell, without removing the existing solar cell. The substrate may comprise a flexible circuit, printed circuit board, flex blanket, or solar cell panel. The bonding of the replacement solar cell on top of the existing solar cell uses a controlled adhesive pattern. Electrical connections for the existing solar cell and the replacement solar cell are made using electrical conductors on, above or embedded within the substrate. The electrical connections may extend underneath the replacement solar cell. The method further comprises removing interconnects for the electrical connections for the existing solar cell, and then welding or soldering interconnects for the electrical connections for the replacement solar cell.

A high efficiency configuration for a string of solar cells comprises series-connected solar cells arranged in an overlapping shingle pattern. Front and back surface metallization patterns may provide further increases in efficiency.

A method of fabricating a solar cell assembly comprising a plurality of solar cells mounted on a flexible support, the support comprising a conductive layer on the top surface thereof divided into two electrically isolated portions—a first conductive portion and a second conductive portion. Each solar cell comprises a front surface, a rear surface, and a first contact on the rear surface and a second contact on the front surface. Each one of the plurality of solar cells is placed on the first conductive portion with the first contact electrically connected to the first conductive portion so that the solar cells are connected through the first conductive portion. A second contact of each solar cell is then connected to the second conductive portion by an interconnect. The two conductive portions serve as bus bars representing contacts of two different polarities of the solar cell assembly.

The invention to a method of making an interconnector assembly for electrically interconnecting solar cells, wherein the method comprises: feeding a plurality of (preferably elongated) electrical conductors that form an conductor array defining interspaces that are free from conductors; and applying at least one sheet, preferably made of electrically insulating material, to a side of the conductor array, wherein the sheet has at least one contact zone coming into contact with the conductors and intermediate portions overlapping with the interspaces of the conductor array. The invention also refers to an apparatus for fabricating an interconnector assembly for electrically interconnecting solar cells and to a rotatable heating drum.