Photovoltaic device assembly and method

A method comprising the steps of:

• a. providing a plurality of individual photovoltaic devices on a surface of a structure, wherein the individual photovoltaic devices each include:
• i. a photovoltaic cell assembly including:
• 1. at least one peripheral edge, and
• 2. at least one photovoltaic cell inboard of the at least one peripheral edge,
• wherein the at least one photovoltaic cell includes a photoactive portion, and a surface that allows transmission of light energy to the photoactive portion for conversion into electrical energy;
• ii. at least one bus terminal for transferring current to or from the photovoltaic cell assembly;
• and
• iii. a body portion including:
• 1. lower surface portion that contacts the structure, and
• 2. an upper surface portion that receives a fastener that attaches the individual photovoltaic devices to the structure,
• wherein the body portion is at least partially joined to at least one edge portion of the at least one peripheral edge of the photovoltaic cell assembly along at least a portion of a bottom segment of the body portion while leaving the surface of the at least one photovoltaic cell exposed;
• b. providing a plurality of edge pieces;
• c. attaching a first individual photovoltaic device to the surface of the structure;
• d. layering at least a portion of a second individual photovoltaic device over the first individual photovoltaic device;
• e. attaching the second individual photovoltaic device to the first individual photovoltaic device;
• f. attaching the second individual photovoltaic device to the surface of the structure;
• g. repeat steps c-f until a first row or column is attached to the surface;
• h. attaching a second row or column of individual photovoltaic devices immediately adjacent to in partial contact with the first row or column, using the same steps as the first row or column;
• and
• i. attaching an edge piece via a connector element to one end of each of the first row or column and the second row or column.