Manufacturing a solar cell foil connected in series via a temporary substrate

Abstract

The invention pertains to a method of manufacturing a photovoltaic foil provided with solar cells connected in series, which method comprises the following steps: a) providing a temporary substrate b) applying a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) c) applying a photovoltaic (PV) layer on the TCO d) if so desired, applying one or two insulating strips onto the PV layer e) applying a back electrode onto the PV layer and, if they are present, onto the insulating strips f) if so desired, repairing shunts in the back electrode g) providing a groove in the back electrode down to the PV layer, or if it is present, down to an insulating strip h) if so desired, providing a permanent carrier i) removing the temporary substrates j) providing a groove from the side of the side of the TCO through the TCO and, optionally, through the PV layer down to the back electrode, or if it is present, down to an insulating strip if so desired, applying an encapsulant onto the TCO layer, in which process a conductive connection through the PV layer is established (i) between steps f. and h, or (ii) between steps i. And k, or (iii) if one or two insulating strips are applied onto the PV layer in step d, between steps c. and e.