The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 12, 2014
Filed:
Jun. 03, 2010
David B. Pearce, Saratoga, CA (US);
Bruce D. Hachtmann, San Martin, CA (US);
Liguang Gong, Union City, CA (US);
Thomas M. Valeri, Gilroy, CA (US);
Dennis R. Hollars, San Jose, CA (US);
David B. Pearce, Saratoga, CA (US);
Bruce D. Hachtmann, San Martin, CA (US);
Liguang Gong, Union City, CA (US);
Thomas M. Valeri, Gilroy, CA (US);
Dennis R. Hollars, San Jose, CA (US);
NuvoSun, Inc., Milpitas, CA (US);
Abstract
An improved method for interconnecting thin film solar cells to form solar cell modules is provided, the method comprising using a flat metallic mesh formed from a thin metallic strip to provide a current collection grid over a thin film solar cell. The method is particularly useful for forming interconnections between thin film solar cells deposited on flexible substrates. The rectangular cross sectional shape of the mesh elements provides an increased area of electrical contact to the solar cell compared to the small tangential area provided by elements of circular cross section. Mesh elements can be made higher rather than wider to improve conductivity without proportionally increasing shading loss. Various coatings can be applied to the mesh to improve its performance, provide corrosion resistance, and improve its cosmetic appearance.