Power routing module for a solar cell array

Abstract

A power routing module for electrically interconnecting solar cells in an array, wherein the power routing module includes: an electrically conductive layer for electrically interconnecting the solar cells; and an insulation layer for electrically insulating the electrically conductive layer. At least one of the solar cells has at least one cropped corner that defines a corner region. An area of a substrate in the corner region remains exposed when the solar cells are attached to the substrate, and the power routing module is attached to the substrate in the area of the substrate in the corner region that remains exposed.

1 . A device, comprising:
 a power routing module for electrically interconnecting solar cells in an array, wherein the power routing module includes: an electrically conductive layer for electrically interconnecting the solar cells; and an insulation layer for electrically insulating the electrically conductive layer;   wherein at least one of the solar cells has at least one cropped corner that defines a corner region;   wherein an area of a substrate in the corner region remains exposed when the solar cells are attached to the substrate; and   wherein the power routing module is attached to the substrate in the area of the substrate in the corner region that remains exposed.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the electrically conductive layer of the power routing module is comprised of one or more conductors. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the power routing module includes a bypass diode for protecting the solar cells from a reverse bias and the bypass diode is connected to one or more of the conductors of the power routing module. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein an electrical connection is formed by an electrical joint sandwiched between one or more of the conductors of the power routing module and one or more of conductors of the substrate. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the area of the substrate in the corner region that remains exposed includes conducting pads that provide connection points between the power routing module and conductive paths in the substrate. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the power routing module electrically interconnects the solar cells with one or more power lines in the substrate. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the power routing module electrically interconnects the solar cells by providing a series connection between the solar cells. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the power routing module electrically interconnects the solar cells by bridging connections around the solar cells. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the power routing module electrically interconnects the solar cells within columns of the solar cells. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the power routing module electrically interconnects the solar cells between columns of the solar cells. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the array is a non-rectangular array and the power routing module electrically interconnects the solar cells in the non-rectangular array. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the power routing module includes one or more conductors for enabling a stayout zone. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the power routing module includes an adhesive for attaching to the substrate. 
     
     
         14 . A method, comprising:
 electrically interconnecting solar cells in an array using a power routing module, wherein the power routing module includes: an electrically conductive layer for electrically interconnecting the solar cells; and an insulation layer for electrically insulating the electrically conductive layer;   wherein at least one of the solar cells has at least one cropped corner that defines a corner region;   wherein an area of a substrate in the corner region remains exposed when the solar cells are attached to the substrate; and   wherein the power routing module is attached to the substrate in the area of the substrate in the corner region that remains exposed.   
     
     
         15 - 26 . (canceled) 
     
     
         27 . A solar cell panel, comprising:
 a solar cell array comprised of at least one power routing module for electrically interconnecting solar cells in the array, wherein the power routing module includes: an electrically conductive layer for electrically interconnecting the solar cells; and an insulation layer for electrically insulating the electrically conductive layer;   wherein at least one of the solar cells has at least one cropped corner that defines a corner region;   wherein an area of a substrate in the corner region remains exposed when the solar cells are attached to the substrate; and   wherein the power routing module is attached to the substrate in the area of the substrate in the corner region that remains exposed.   
     
     
         28 - 39 . (canceled)