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.

One embodiment can provide a photovoltaic roof tile. The photovoltaic roof tile can include a front glass cover, a back glass cover, a plurality of photovoltaic structures positioned between the front and back glass covers, and a single encapsulant layer positioned between the front glass cover and the photovoltaic structures. A surface of the photovoltaic structures is in direct contact with the back glass cover.

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.

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.

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.

A photovoltaic (“PV”) module may comprise an array of freeform micro-optics and an array of PV cells. The PV module may be a flat panel with a nominal thickness smaller than the length and width of the flat panel. An array of lenses may be embedded in an array substrate. The lenses may be coupled to light pipes. The lenses may concentrate light through the light pipes to multi-junction cells. Diffuse light may be transferred through the array substrate to a silicon cell. The lenses and light pipes may be manufactured using a molding and drawing process.

A solar cell module includes a solar cell string, a first encapsulant, a second encapsulant having a viscoelasticity greater than a viscoelasticity of the first encapsulant, a front-side protective plate, and a back-side protective sheet. The solar cell string includes a plurality of solar cells and a line member which electrically connects the plurality of solar cells. The lengthwise direction of the line member is different from the maximum expansion and contraction direction of the back-side protective sheet.

The present disclosure provides an anti-PID encapsulation adhesive film, a photovoltaic module, and a photovoltaic module manufacturing method. The anti-PID encapsulation adhesive film includes a base adhesive film layer, an insulating layer, and a conductive layer. The insulating layer is located on one side surface of the base adhesive film layer. The insulating layer has a grid structure. The grid structure includes grid lines and a plurality of hollow portions defined by the grid lines. The grid lines have a structure corresponding to gaps between cell pieces. The conductive layer includes a plurality of conductive portions. The conductive portions are arranged in the hollow portions in one-to-one correspondence. The volume resistivity of the conductive portions is less than 100 Ω.Math.cm.

A light redirecting film includes a first layer disposed on a second layer with structured major surfaces of the first and second layers facing each other. An optically reflective layer or a metal layer is disposed between the first and second layers. The first layer can be a hot melt adhesive layer and the second layer can be a polymeric layer. The first and second layers can be unitary layers. The first layer can be a first polymeric layer having a softening temperature T1 and the second layer can be a second polymeric layer having a softening temperature T2 greater than T1. Heating and/or applying pressure to the film changes an optical characteristic of the film by less than about 5%.