Photovoltaic cell with buffer zone

Abstract

Systems and methods that provide a barrier for protection of active layers associated with a vertical multi junction (VMJ) photovoltaic cell. Buffer zone(s) in form of an inactive layer(s) arrangement safe guard the active layers against induced stress or strain resulting from external forces/thermal factors (e.g., welding). The buffer zone can be in form of a rim on a surface of an end layer of a cell unit, to act as a protective boundary for such active layer, and to further partially frame the VMJ cell for ease of handling and transportation.

1 . A photovoltaic cell comprising:
 a vertical multi junction (VMJ) photovoltaic cell that includes a plurality of integrally bonded cell units, each cell unit with a plurality of layers that form a PN junction(s); and   a buffer zone that safeguards the plurality of layers from at least one of a stress and strain induced on the VMJ photovoltaic cell.