Direct connection of lead bar to conductive ribbon in a thin film photovoltaic device

摘要

Thin film photovoltaic devices that include at least one lead bar extending through a connection aperture defined in the encapsulation substrate are provided. The photovoltaic device can include: a transparent substrate; a plurality of photovoltaic cells on the transparent substrate; a first conductive ribbon electrically connected to a first photovoltaic cell; an encapsulation substrate laminated to the transparent substrate such that the plurality of photovoltaic cells and the conductive ribbon are positioned between the transparent substrate and the encapsulation substrate; and, a first lead bar extending through a first connection aperture defined in the encapsulation substrate. The first lead bar is electrically connected to the first conductive ribbon. For example, a meltable conductive material can be connected to the first lead bar and to the first conductive ribbon to establish an electrical connection therebetween. Methods are also provided for electrically connecting a lead to a thin film photovoltaic device.

主权项

1. A thin film photovoltaic device, comprising:
a transparent substrate; a plurality of photovoltaic cells on the transparent substrate; a first conductive ribbon electrically connected to a first photovoltaic cell; an encapsulation substrate laminated to the transparent substrate such that the plurality of photovoltaic cells and the conductive ribbon are positioned between the transparent substrate and the encapsulation substrate; a first lead bar extending through a first connection aperture defined in the encapsulation substrate, wherein the first lead bar is electrically connected to the first conductive ribbon; and, a meltable conductive material connected to the first lead bar and to the first conductive ribbon to establish an electrical connection therebetween; and a back plate adhered to an exposed surface of the encapsulation substrate that is opposite of the transparent substrate, wherein the back plate defines a support aperture and is positioned such that the first lead bar extends through the support aperture.