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US 7,772,484 B2Granted
Photovoltaic module architecture
AssigneeKonarka Technologies, Inc.
InventorsLian Li, Alan Montello, Edmund Montello, Russell Gaudiana
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Modules are disclosed. The modules can include a first photovoltaic cell including an electrode, a second photovoltaic cell including an electrode, and an interconnect disposed in the electrode of the first photovoltaic cell and disposed in the electrode of the second photovoltaic cell so that the electrode of the first photovoltaic cell and the electrode of the second photovoltaic cell are connected.
Claims30
A module, comprising:
- a first photovoltaic cell including a substrate and first and second electrodes, the second electrode of the first photovoltaic cell being above the first electrode of the first photovoltaic cell, the second electrode of the first photovoltaic cell being between the substrate of the first photovoltaic cell and the first electrode of the first photovoltaic cell;
- a second photovoltaic cell including first and second electrodes, the second electrode of the second photovoltaic cell being above the first electrode of the second photovoltaic cell;
- and
- an interconnect disposed in the second electrode of the first photovoltaic cell and disposed in the first electrode of the second photovoltaic cell without being disposed in the first electrode of the first photovoltaic cell,
- wherein:
- a portion of the substrate of the first photovoltaic cell is between the second electrode of the first photovoltaic cell and the first electrode of the second photovoltaic cell;
- the portion of the substrate of the first photovoltaic cell that is between the second electrode of the first photovoltaic cell and the first electrode of the second photovoltaic cell comprises a material selected from the group consisting of glass, polymers and combinations thereof;
- the interconnect is disposed in the portion of the substrate of the first photovoltaic cell that is between the second electrode of the first photovoltaic cell and the first electrode of the second photovoltaic cell;
- the interconnect is electrically conductive;
- and
- the interconnect electrically connects the first electrode of the second photovoltaic cell and the second electrode of the first photovoltaic cell so that the first and second photovoltaic cells are electrically connected in series.
8 more elements
A module, comprising:
- a first photovoltaic cell including a substrate and first and second electrodes, the second electrode of the first photovoltaic cell being above the first electrode of the first photovoltaic cell, the second electrode of the first photovoltaic cell being between the substrate of the first photovoltaic cell and the first electrode of the first photovoltaic cell;
- a second photovoltaic cell including first and second electrodes, the second electrode of the second photovoltaic cell being above the first electrode of the second photovoltaic cell, a portion of the first electrode of the second photovoltaic cell overlapping a portion of the second electrode of the first photovoltaic cell to form an overlapping region;
- and
- an interconnect disposed in the second electrode of the first photovoltaic cell and the first electrode of the second photovoltaic cell without being disposed in the first electrode of the first photovoltaic cell,
- wherein:
- a portion of the substrate of the first photovoltaic cell is in the overlapping region such that the portion of the substrate of the first photovoltaic cell is between the second electrode of the first photovoltaic cell and the first electrode of the second photovoltaic cell;
- the portion of the substrate of the first photovoltaic cell that is in the overlapping region comprises a material selected from the group consisting of glass, polymers and combinations thereof;
- the interconnect is disposed in the portion of the substrate of the first photovoltaic cell that is in the overlapping region;
- the interconnect is electrically conductive;
- and
- the interconnect electrically connects the first electrode of the second photovoltaic cell and the second electrode of the first photovoltaic cell so that the first and second photovoltaic cells are electrically connected in series.
8 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.