Thin film solar cell string

A string of thin film photovoltaic cells, comprising:

• a plurality of thin-film photovoltaic cells, each cell having a top surface, a bottom surface and at least one aperture extending from the top surface to the bottom surface;
• a first layer of dielectric tape attached to the top surface of each cell and a second layer of dielectric tape attached to the bottom surface of each cell, wherein the dielectric tape extends at least partially through the at least one aperture and is configured to electrically insulate an inner surface of each aperture;
• and
• an electrically conductive material disposed in a grid along the top surface of each cell, extending substantially through the at least one aperture of each cell, and configured to carry an electric current from the top surface of each cell through the at least one aperture toward the bottom surface of each cell.

A solar cell array, comprising:

• at least first and second thin film photovoltaic cells, each cell including a top surface, a bottom surface and an aperture extending from the top surface to the bottom surface;
• an electrically conductive material disposed with the aperture of each cell and configured to transfer electric current from the top surface of each cell toward the bottom surface;
• and
• an electrically conductive carrier web underlying the bottom surface of each cell and configured to connect the first and second cells in electrical series by making electrical contact with the electrically conductive material disposed within the aperture of the first cell and by making electrical contact with the bottom of the second cell.