Lightweight solar module and method of fabrication

Abstract

A solar cell module comprises a substrate and a first solar cell supported by the substrate, with the first solar cell having a first top side and a first rear side. A second solar cell is supported by the substrate and has a second top side and a second rear side, with the second solar cell being operatively adjacent the first solar cell. A first tab is affixed to either the first or second top side and operatively interfaces with a respective one of the first or second rear side. A bonding element is disposed between the substrate and first and second rear sides. The bonding element directly bonds (a) the substrate to one of the first and second rear sides and (b) the substrate to the tab. A first metal trace element is disposed between the substrate and first and second solar cells, with the metal trace electrically connecting one of the first and second top sides to one of the first and second rear sides with a conducting element.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.