Method and apparatus for manufacturing a solar module strand and a solar module strand of flexible solar cells

A method for forming a flexible solar module strand, comprising the steps of:

• providing a first conveyor track for applying flexible solar cells;
• guiding the first conveyor track in a closed track loop around two or more deflecting means;
• providing the flexible solar cells, each comprising a photovoltaically active layer structure (PV) with a first side (US) and a second side;
• applying the solar cells to the first conveyor track in such a manner that the solar cells are oriented, with their respective first sides and second sides, towards the first conveyor track in a predetermined orientation;
• retaining the solar cells at the outer face of the first conveyor track during assembly thereof to form at least one solar cell strip by applying further solar cells;
• deflecting the first conveyor track together with the at least one solar cell strip by guiding the first conveyor track over a first one of the deflecting means;
• separating the first conveyor track from the at least one deflected solar cell strip in such a manner that the solar cells of the respective solar cell strip are released, with their respective first or second sides facing the first conveyor track, from the first conveyor track;
• and
• applying the at least one deflected solar cell strip to a first film web in such a manner that the solar cells of the respective solar cell strip are oriented, with their respective first or second sides separated from the first conveyor track, away from the first film web.