Substrate structures for integrated series connected photovoltaic arrays and process of manufacture of such arrays

Abstract

A substrate structure for manufacturing series interconnected photovoltaic cells comprises repetitive sheets of electrically conductive polymer resin joined by first narrow strips of insulating material. A second narrow dividing strip of insulating material is positioned on the top surface of each electrically conductive sheet extending essentially parallel with but slightly displaced from the joining strips. The second strip divides the top surface of each conductive sheet into a connector area and a collector area. The connector area is positioned between the first and second insulating strips. After deposition of a thin film photovoltaic cell onto the collector area, series interconnection is made by establishing electrical communication between the top surface of the photovoltaic film and the connector area of an adjacent sheet. Electrodeposits on surface portions of the electrically conductive sheets assist in current distribution with minimum power losses.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.