High efficiency, lightweight, flexible solar sheets

A method for forming a solar sheet having an array of solar cells, the method comprising the sequential steps of:

• providing a plurality of solar cells, wherein a solar cell includes a semiconductor layer formed on top of a backmetal layer leaving a portion of a top surface of the backmetal layer exposed;
• then next
• interconnecting the plurality of solar cells using one or more interconnect tabs by coupling the exposed top surface of the backmetal layer of a first solar cell to a top surface of an adjacent second solar cell;
• then next
• attaching the one or more interconnect tabs to the top side of the solar cell to interconnect the plurality of solar cells by coupling the exposed top surface of the backmetal layer of a first solar cell to a top surface of an adjacent second solar cell;
• attaching one or more bypass diodes to a top side of the solar cell;
• then next
• applying an adhesive to a first film layer;
• placing the plurality of solar cells onto the first film layer;
• then next
• applying an adhesive to a second film layer;
• placing the plurality of solar cells and first film layer onto the second film layer to form a sheet assembly, and then
• forming the solar sheet from the sheet assembly.