CN117813694A

CN117813694A - Improved photovoltaic module and lamination method for manufacturing such a photovoltaic device

Info

Publication number: CN117813694A
Application number: CN202280047180.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 约纳斯·贝里奎斯特; 托马斯·奥斯特伯格
Original assignee: Epishine AB
Current assignee: Epishine AB
Priority date: 2021-07-06
Filing date: 2022-07-01
Publication date: 2024-04-02

Abstract

The invention relates to a photovoltaic panel comprising: a first flexible substrate and a second flexible substrate; a plurality of first electrodes arranged in physical contact with the first substrate; a plurality of second electrodes arranged in physical contact with the second substrate, wherein the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes are arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate; and at least one active layer disposed between the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes. The photovoltaic panel further comprises at least one continuous frame of a first non-conductive adhesive material arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the at least one frame of the first adhesive material is arranged to frame at least one photovoltaic module.

Description

Improved photovoltaic module and lamination method for manufacturing such a photovoltaic device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a laminated photovoltaic panel, a laminated photovoltaic module and a method of producing a laminated photovoltaic panel.

Background

To mitigate global warming, energy generation must be shifted from fossil fuel-based to a source of less climate impact. Photovoltaic devices (e.g., solar cells) that convert light energy directly into electrical energy are expected to be a major source of electrical power in future energy systems. Commonly used solar cells are typically produced from silicon dioxide that is melted, purified and grown into silicon crystals. This is a high energy consumption process, which is why many thin film technologies with lower energy requirement manufacturing processes have been developed to manufacture photovoltaic devices. Such thin film photovoltaic devices have low cost and short energy recovery times. Further, thin film photovoltaic devices are lightweight and flexible. Generally, thin film photovoltaic devices include a photosensitive semiconductor sandwiched between two electrodes. The simplest organic photovoltaic devices are single-layer organic photovoltaic cells made by sandwiching a layer of organic material between two metal conductors, typically an Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) layer having a high work function and a low work function metal layer such as aluminum, magnesium or calcium. The work function difference between the two conductors establishes an electric field in the organic layer. When the organic layer absorbs light, electrons will be excited to the Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital (LUMO) and leave holes in the Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital (HOMO), thereby forming excitons. The electric potential created by the different work functions helps to split the exciton pairs, pulling electrons to the positive electrode (the electrical conductor for contacting the non-metallic portion of the circuit) and holes to the negative electrode. A great advantage of such photovoltaic devices is that they can be printed in a board-to-board, roll-to-roll or roll-to-board process and thus large area photovoltaic panels or photovoltaic modules can be produced. In addition, the consumption of materials and energy is significantly reduced, thus achieving a true low climate. These materials are also efficient in converting diffuse light, such as scattered sunlight or indoor light, into electrical energy. This allows the organic photovoltaic device to also be placed on a vertical surface such as a wall.

However, the problems of ageing and degradation of the materials in thin film photovoltaic modules are known problems and affect the functioning of the thin film photovoltaic device over time, which leads to reduced efficiency, short circuits and in the worst case failure of the photovoltaic module. Thus, there is a need to improve the functionality and durability of thin film photovoltaic modules, especially over time.

Disclosure of Invention

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to improve the state of the art and alleviate at least some of the above mentioned disadvantages. These and other objects are achieved by providing an improved photovoltaic panel and an improved method for producing such a photovoltaic panel as defined in the appended claims.

The orientation and extension of the photovoltaic panels and/or modules will be discussed using a coordinate system. The z-direction is parallel to the longest extension of the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes. The x-direction is perpendicular to the extension of the z-direction and the y-direction is perpendicular to the x-z plane. The first substrate and the second substrate are arranged in an x-z plane. The longest extension of the first and second substrates may be in the z-direction, but may also be in any direction in the x-z plane.

The photovoltaic panel according to the invention comprises a first flexible substrate and a second flexible substrate, wherein the first flexible substrate and the second flexible substrate are at least partially stacked. The photovoltaic panel further comprises: a plurality of continuous first electrodes arranged in physical contact with the first substrate, wherein each of the first electrodes has a longitudinal extension in a substantially z-direction, and wherein the plurality of first electrodes are spaced apart in a substantially x-direction perpendicular to the z-direction; and a plurality of continuous second electrodes arranged in physical contact with the second substrate, wherein each of the second electrodes has a longitudinal extension in a z-direction, and wherein the plurality of second electrodes are spaced apart in a substantially x-direction perpendicular to the z-direction. Further, the plurality of first electrodes includes a first pair of outermost electrodes, and the electrodes of the plurality of first electrodes are substantially centered about a first centerline extending in the z-direction. Further, the plurality of second electrodes includes a second pair of outermost electrodes, and the electrodes of the plurality of second electrodes are substantially centered about a second centerline extending in the z-direction. In more detail, the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes are each composed of two outermost electrodes disposed at respective sides of a set of intermediate electrodes, and a set of intermediate electrodes. The term "continuous" means herein that each electrode extends without gaps or substantially without gaps in the z-direction. The plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes are disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, and at least one active layer is disposed between the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes.

The photovoltaic panel according to the invention further comprises a set of outermost electrodes consisting of said first pair of outermost electrodes and said second pair of outermost electrodes.

The photovoltaic panel according to the invention further comprises at least two photovoltaic modules, each photovoltaic module comprising: a pair of connectors comprising a first conductive connector and a second conductive connector, wherein a first terminal portion of the first conductive connector is arranged in physical contact with a first outermost electrode of the set of outermost electrodes and a first terminal portion of the second conductive connector is in physical contact with a second outermost electrode of the set of outermost electrodes, the first outermost electrode and the second outermost electrode being arranged on opposite sides of a geometric plane coinciding with the first centerline and the second centerline.

Each photovoltaic module according to the invention further comprises at least one continuous frame of a first non-conductive adhesive material arranged between the respective plurality of continuous first electrodes and the respective plurality of continuous second electrodes and between the first substrate and the second substrate to adhere the first substrate and the second substrate to each other. The continuous frame extends across at least a portion of each of the plurality of first electrodes and across at least a portion of each of the plurality of second electrodes. Further, the continuous frame frames respective portions of the plurality of first electrodes and respective portions of the plurality of second electrodes; wherein the respective portions of the first plurality of first electrodes preferably comprise a portion of each of these intermediate electrodes, and wherein the respective portions of the plurality of second electrodes preferably comprise a portion of each of these intermediate electrodes. For each connector of the pair of connectors, the continuous frame may be disposed between at least a portion of the connector and one of the first and second flexible substrates. With reference to the present invention, at least a portion of the term "… …" is understood to include only a portion (i.e., a subsection) of example "… … and all of example" … … ". In other words, if item B covers at least a portion of item C, this includes instances when item B covers only a portion of item C and instances when item B covers all of item C.

Providing such a frame prior to lamination is counterintuitive, as it is expected that applying an adhesive to the frame prior to the lamination step may increase the spacing between the layers of the solar cell module, thereby compromising its electrical properties, durability, and/or lifetime.

The term "bus bar" is understood to be a conductor in physical and electrical contact with the outermost portion of the outermost electrode of the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes, and the bus bar generally includes a first terminal portion. The surface area of the outermost electrode sharing a common interface with the bus bar or first terminal portion may be referred to as the "extended electrode". At least a portion of each connector of the pair of connectors may extend outside of at least one frame of the first adhesive material. Alternatively, the connector may be covered by the first adhesive material.

The portion of the outermost electrode that is in contact with the bus bar or the first terminal portion will be referred to as an "electrode connection portion" hereinafter.

The first flexible substrate and/or the second flexible substrate may be polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or any other suitable material. The first substrate and/or the second substrate may be the same material or different materials.

The first flexible substrate and the second flexible substrate are at least partially stacked. The term "at least partially stacked" means that one of the first substrate and the second substrate includes at least one portion arranged above the other substrate in a y-direction perpendicular to the x-z plane. The first substrate and the second substrate are spatially separated from each other by an intermediate layer, examples of such spatially separated layers being adhesive(s) and first and second electrodes. According to one embodiment, the overlapping areas of the first substrate and the second substrate are completely separated from each other. Alternatively, the overlapping region of the first substrate and the second substrate includes at least one portion where the first substrate and the second substrate are completely separated from each other and at least one portion where the substrates are in contact with each other. Preferably, the overlapping area of the first substrate and/or the second substrate constitutes at least 80% of the total area of the respective flexible substrate.

The first and second flexible substrates may have a longitudinal extension in the z-direction and a lateral extension in the x-direction perpendicular to the z-direction. The longest extension of the first substrate and/or the second substrate may be, for example, 0.5m, or 1m, or 5m, or 10m up to several hundred meters.

The thickness of the first substrate and/or the second substrate in the y-direction may be at least 10 μm, or at least 50 μm, or at least 100 μm; additionally or alternatively, the thickness of the first substrate and/or the second substrate in the y-direction is at most 50 μm, or at most 100 μm, or at most 200 μm.

The photovoltaic panel of the present invention may further comprise a first lateral portion and a second lateral portion, wherein the first lateral portion and the second lateral portion are spaced apart in a direction transverse to the longest direction of extension of the first substrate and/or the second substrate.

As described above, the photovoltaic panel further includes a plurality of first electrodes arranged in physical contact with the first substrate and a plurality of second electrodes arranged in physical contact with the second substrate. The term "physical contact" means that the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes are disposed directly on the first substrate without any additional layers therebetween. The plurality of first electrodes may be arranged offset with respect to the plurality of second electrodes in the x-direction. With the present invention, when the plurality of first/(second) electrodes are arranged offset from the plurality of second/(first) group electrodes, each electrode of the plurality of first/(second) group electrodes is aligned with a corresponding gap between electrodes of the plurality of second/(first) electrodes in the y-direction. Such an arrangement may also facilitate the production of such photovoltaic modules.

Preferably, the longitudinal extension of the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes in the z-direction is continuous, i.e. there is no gap between the electrodes in the z-direction.

It should be understood that the expression "a covers B in at least one direction" means that any imaginary line parallel to and pointing in that one direction will pass through a before passing through B. For example, a line perpendicular to the x-z plane (i.e., a line pointing in the y-direction) will first pass through one of the plurality of first electrodes, and then it passes through the gap between two of the plurality of second electrodes. In other words, in the case where there is a gap at one of these substrates, there is an electrode at the opposite substrate. Alternatively, each of the plurality of first electrodes may be aligned with one of the plurality of second electrodes in the y-direction.

The width of each of the plurality of first electrodes in the x-direction may be greater than the width of the gap between two adjacent electrodes of the plurality of first electrodes in the x-direction. The same may be true for the plurality of second electrodes.

Furthermore, it should be understood that the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes may be arranged in an interleaved manner, wherein all of the plurality of first electrodes or all of the first electrodes except for one first electrode or all of the first electrodes except for two first electrodes completely cover a respective one of the plurality of gaps between the plurality of second electrodes, and wherein all of the plurality of second electrodes or all of the second electrodes except for one second electrode or all of the second electrodes except for two second electrodes completely cover a respective one of the plurality of gaps between the plurality of first electrodes.

The center of the gap in the x-direction may be aligned with the center portion of the cover electrode in the x-direction, or the center portion of the electrode in the x-direction may be aligned with the center of the gap between the electrodes on the opposite substrate portion in the x-direction.

The plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes are arranged such that an electrical connection between the electrodes is achieved via the continuous active layer or via the first continuous active layer and the second continuous active layer, as will be described in more detail below.

The plurality of first electrodes may include 3-50 electrodes, or 5-40 electrodes, or 5-30 electrodes, or 10-30 electrodes. The plurality of second electrodes may include 2-50 electrodes, or 5-40 electrodes, or 10-30 electrodes. The plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes may include the same or different numbers of electrodes.

The width of each of the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes in the x-direction may be 1-20mm, or at least 2-15mm, or 2-10mm. The width of each of the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes may be the same or different.

The lengths of the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes in the z-direction may be the same as the lengths of the first substrate and/or the second substrate. Alternatively, the length of each of the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes in the z-direction may be at least 70%, or at least 80%, or at least 90% of the length of the substrate portion in the same direction. The length of each of the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes in the z-direction may be at least 10mm, or at least 20mm, or at least 50mm, or at least 100mm, or at least 300mm, or at least 500mm, or at least 1000mm. Further, the length of each of the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes in the z-direction may be at least twice, or at least three times, or at least five times the width of each of the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes in the x-direction. For example, if one of the electrodes has a width of 20mm in the x-direction, the length of that electrode in the z-direction may be at least 40mm, or at least 60mm, or at least 100mm. According to another example, if the width of each of the plurality of first electrodes or the plurality of second electrodes in the x-direction is 9mm, the length of each of the plurality of first electrodes or the plurality of second electrodes in the z-direction may be at least 300mm.

The thickness of the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes in the y-direction may be at least 20nm or 50nm and/or at most 300nm or 2000nm.

The plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes may comprise an electrode material, which may be a conductive organic compound, a metal oxide, or a combination thereof. The conductive organic compound may be, for example, a conductive small organic molecule or a conductive polymer. The conductive polymer may be, for example, poly (3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT: PSS) or a variant thereof, such as PEDOT: PSS PH1000. The metal may be selected from the list including, but not limited to: aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), gold (Au), and silver (Ag). The metal oxide may be, for example, indium Tin Oxide (ITO) and zinc aluminum oxide (AZO). According to the present invention, at least one of the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes may include one or more layers. For example, the electrode may be an ITO/metal/ITO (IMI) electrode including a first ITO layer, a second metal layer, and a third ITO layer. The electrode may for example comprise ITO/Ag/ITO.

It should be appreciated that the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes may extend in any direction in the x-Z plane over the first substrate and the second substrate, and that they may have linear or non-linear extension, i.e. straight, curved, zigzagged, etc. They may also be parallel or non-parallel. Furthermore, it should be understood that they may have substantially the same width throughout the length in the z-direction, or they may have varying widths throughout the length in the z-direction. All of the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes may have the same width, or different electrodes may have different widths.

The plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes may be provided by various deposition techniques, for example they may be provided by thermal evaporation, sputtering, spraying, printing or coating (e.g. slot die coating). The plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes may be provided by the same deposition technique or by different deposition techniques.

The plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes may be provided by an additive method or a subtractive method, such as evaporation, spraying or printing. When the addition method is used, the electrodes are provided as strips directly on the first substrate portion and the second substrate portion, respectively. The subtractive method comprises a first step in which the electrode material is provided throughout substantially the entire surface area of the first substrate portion and/or the second substrate portion, and a second step comprising removing the electrode material such that the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes, respectively, are formed, for example, by laser ablation. By using this subtracting method, the gap area formed between each of the plurality of first electrodes and/or each of the plurality of second electrodes can be reduced, i.e., the distance between each of the plurality of first electrodes and/or each of the plurality of second electrodes can be reduced. Reducing the gap area allows for a larger photovoltaic photoactive area and thus the capacity of the photovoltaic module will increase. Alternatively, the second step of the subtractive method, such as laser ablation, may be performed after the lamination step. Thus, this second step may be accomplished by the PET substrate, such as laser ablation.

According to at least one example embodiment of the invention, the width of these gaps in the x-direction may be in the range of 0.01-10mm, or preferably in the range of 0.02-5mm, or even more preferably in the range of 0.05-3 mm. The width of these gaps in the x-direction may vary depending on the method of providing the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes. If the electrodes are provided by means of an additive process, the width of these gaps in the x-direction may be in the range of 0.5-3mm, for example 1mm. If the electrodes are provided using subtractive methods (e.g. using laser ablation), the width of the electrodes in the x-direction may be in the range 0.01-0.2mm, for example may be 0.05mm.

The plurality of first gaps may separate each of the plurality of first electrodes from each other in the x-direction; and a plurality of second gaps may separate each of the plurality of second electrodes from each other in the x-direction.

It should be appreciated that each of the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes may have first and second end portions spatially separated along the longest extension of the electrodes.

The purpose of the active layer according to the invention is to provide a photovoltage and a photocurrent when irradiated with photons having an energy sufficiently above the optical bandgap and which may also be referred to as a "photoactive layer", which photovoltage and photocurrent may be extracted as electrical power.

The combined thickness of the active layers in the photovoltaic module in the y-direction may be at least 30nm or 80nm and/or at most 350nm or 1000nm. As described above, the active layer may be applied on the first substrate portion, the second substrate portion, or both the first substrate portion and the second substrate portion. When the active layer is applied on both the first substrate portion and the second substrate portion, the sum of the thicknesses of the active layers on the first substrate portion and the second substrate in the y-direction is the combined thickness.

The continuous or discontinuous active layer, or the first continuous or discontinuous active layer and the second continuous or discontinuous active layer, may comprise a compound that absorbs wavelengths in the range of 350-1100 nm. For example, the compound may absorb light in the visible spectrum (i.e., at wavelengths in the range of 400nm to 700 nm).

It should be appreciated that a continuous active layer is one that covers both the plurality of gaps between electrodes and the plurality of first electrodes or the plurality of second electrodes in the x-z plane such that the photosensitive region. Furthermore, it should be understood that the first continuous active layer covers both the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of gaps between the electrodes. In the same manner, the second continuous active layer covers both the plurality of second electrodes and the plurality of gaps between the electrodes. In other words, it is understood that the continuous active layer or the first continuous active layer and the second continuous active layer are provided globally over the gaps between the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes and each of the plurality of first electrodes and between each of the plurality of second electrodes. The continuous active layer or the first continuous active layer and/or the second continuous active layer may comprise printed and/or coated semiconductors. In particular, the active layer may be an organic active layer and may include a donor material and/or an acceptor material. According to at least one embodiment, the active layer is a mixed organic-inorganic material, such as a halide perovskite, in particular a lead/tin halide perovskite. Further, the active layer may include a quantum dot based material, such as lead sulfide (PbS) Colloidal Quantum Dots (CQD).

All active layers in the photovoltaic panel may be organic active layers. The donor material may be a semiconducting polymer or a semiconducting small organic molecule. For example, the semiconductive polymer may be any semiconductive polymers and derivatives thereof, including, but not limited to: polythiophene, polyaniline, polypyrrole, polycarbazole, polyvinylcarbazole, polyphenylene, polyphenylvinylene, polysilane, polythiophene vinylene, polyisothianaphthalene, polycyclopentadithiophene, polysilacyclopentadithiene, polycyclopentadithiazole, polythiazole, polybenzothiadiazole, poly (oxidized thiophene), poly (oxidized cyclopentadithiophene), polythiadiazoquinoxaline, polybenzoisothiazole, polybenzothiazole, polythiophene, poly (oxidized thiophene), polydithiophene, poly (oxidized thiophene) dithiophene, poly (oxidized dithiene), polytetrahydroindole, and copolymers thereof. The semiconductive polymer may also be a polymer based on isoindigo dyes. In more detail, the semiconductive polymer may be, for example: p3HT, PTB7, TQ1, P3TI, PCDTBT or PpffBT 4T-2OD. The semiconducting small molecule may be, for example, a molecule comprising at least one benzodithiophene group, such as DRTB-T or BDT3TR. The acceptor material may be, for example, a semiconducting polymer or a semiconducting small molecule. The semiconducting polymer may be, for example, N2200 or PNDI-T10. The semiconducting small organic molecule may be, for example, a fullerene derivative, or any other semiconducting small molecule such as (5Z, 5 'Z) -5,5' - { (9, 9-dioctyl-9H-fluorene-2, 7-diyl) bis [2,1, 3-benzothiadiazole-7, 4-diyl (Z) methylidene ] } bis (3-ethyl-2-thio-1, 3-thiazolidin-4-one) (FBR) or 3, 9-bis (2-methylene- (3- (1, 1-dicyanomethylene) -indenone)) -5,5,11,11-tetrakis (4-hexylphenyl) -dithioeno [2,3-d:2',3' -d '] -s-indeno [1,2-b:5,6-b' ] dithiophene) (ITIC). The fullerene derivative may be methyl phenyl-C61-butyrate (PC 61 BM), methyl phenyl-C71-butyrate (PC 71 BM), indene-C60-bis-adduct (ICBA), O-IDTBR or IC-C6IDT-IC.

Examples of perovskite materials used in the active layer of the present invention include, but are not limited to, lead methyl ammonium trihalide (CH ₃ NH ₃ PbX ₃ Wherein X is a halide ion such as iodide, bromide or chloride, lead formamidine trihalide (H) ₂ NCHNH ₂ PbX ₃ ) Or methyl tin (CH) ₃ NH ₃ SnI ₃ ). With respect to perovskite materials, the cations are not limited to organic only cations, but may also comprise metal ions, such as cesium (Cs), preferably wherein the number of different cations is greater than 2, such as in a 'triple' cationic perovskite. Still further, a fully inorganic perovskite (such as CsPbl2 Br) is a possible implementation of perovskite active materials.

Further examples of quantum dot materials include, but are not limited to: cadmium selenide (CdSe), lead selenide (PbSe), and bismuth silver sulfide (AgBiS 2).

A mixture of donor and acceptor materials may be provided as a bulk heterojunction.

Additionally, the electrodes, the pair of connectors, the active layer may be provided using other materials and other deposition techniques than those described above, details of which may be found in document EP 3 364 474 A1, which is incorporated herein by reference.

As described above, the photovoltaic panel of the present invention further comprises at least one continuous frame of a first non-conductive adhesive material arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate, the frame being arranged to frame at least one photovoltaic module. The term "frame" is understood to mean "surrounding boundary", i.e. the line forming the boundary surrounding the photovoltaic module. In other words, each frame of the first adhesive material defines a boundary of a respective photovoltaic module.

Each connector of the pair of connectors is arranged to be electrically connected with one electrode of the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes. At least a portion of each connector of the pair of connectors may extend outside of at least one frame of the first adhesive material.

According to the invention, the frame of the first adhesive material comprises at least one portion arranged between and preferably extending across each of the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes. This positioning of the frame of the first adhesive material has several advantages. First, the portion of the frame of the first adhesive material arranged between the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes forms a line that separates and seals the photovoltaic module and may be used to place a cut line during singulation, as will be described below. Further, the portion of the frame of the first adhesive material arranged between the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes separates the first substrate and the second substrate from each other, so that the risk of short circuits and electrical breakdown is avoided.

The pair of connectors are provided for connecting the photovoltaic modules to each other or to a load. The connectors of each pair of connectors are preferably spaced apart in the x-direction, each connector being in electrical contact with a portion of a respective outermost electrode of the plurality of first electrodes and/or the plurality of second electrodes in the x-direction. This portion of the outermost electrode is hereinafter referred to as an "electrode connection portion".

According to one example, each connector of the pair of connectors includes a first electrode material layer that has been evaporated, sprayed or printed, and a bus bar connected thereto. The at least a portion of the connector or bus bar may be made of graphite or silver, for example, and may be screen printed. The electrode connection portion may further include other printed layers or laminated layers. These connectors or bus bars may be divided into two parts, wherein the inner part may be used as one of the electrodes in one photovoltaic cell comprised in the photovoltaic module and the outer part is used to connect the photovoltaic module to a load when the photovoltaic module is in use. The outer portion of the first terminal portion of the connector or the outer portion of the bus bar is typically not covered by the active layer.

The electrode connection portion may include an electrode material, which may include a conductive organic compound, a conductive carbon compound, a metal oxide, or a combination thereof. The conductive organic compound may be, for example, a conductive small organic molecule or a conductive polymer. The conductive polymer may be, for example, poly (3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT: PSS) or a variant thereof, such as PEDOT: PSS PH1000. The conductive carbon compound may be provided as a carbon paste or as graphite or graphene. The metal may be selected from the list including, but not limited to: aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), gold (Au), and silver (Ag). The metal oxide may be selected from the list including, but not limited to: indium Tin Oxide (ITO) and zinc aluminum oxide (AZO). According to at least one example embodiment of the invention, the metal is provided as an ink, wherein the metal is provided as nanoparticles, such as nanospheres or nanorods. According to at least one example embodiment of the present invention, the electrode connection portion may include one or more layers. For example, the electrode connection portion may be an ITO/metal/ITO (IMI) electrode including a first ITO layer, a second metal layer, and a third ITO layer. The electrode may for example comprise ITO/Ag/ITO. The electrode material may be the same electrode material as the plurality of first electrodes or the plurality of second electrodes, or it may be a different electrode material.

The photovoltaic panel of the present invention may comprise several pairs of connectors or bus bars distributed along the extension of the electrodes in the z-direction.

According to one example, the photovoltaic module has the same configuration as described in EP 3 364 474 of the same applicant and incorporated herein by reference, but many other configurations are possible, as described in more detail below. According to one general example, the photovoltaic module includes a first set of electrode strips arranged on a first substrate portion and a second set of electrode strips arranged on a second substrate portion, wherein the strips in each set are separated from each other by a gap. In the final module, the electrodes are sandwiched between a first substrate and a second substrate, and the active layer is sandwiched between a first set of electrodes and a second set of electrodes, wherein the photovoltaic module used comprises an anode electrode and a cathode electrode.

The shape of the frame of the first adhesive material may form a rectangle, a circle, an ellipse, a diamond, a parallelogram, a trapezoid, etc. Further, the line forming the frame of the first adhesive material may be a straight line, a wavy line, a curved line, a zigzag line, or the like.

The frame of the first adhesive material may comprise at least two separate substantially parallel lines. Each of these wires may only partially frame the photovoltaic module, while together they fully frame the photovoltaic module. Alternatively, one or both of these wires may completely frame the photovoltaic module. The first and second wires may be of the same or different adhesive materials. One of the wires may for example consist of a hydrophobic adhesive material designed to reduce the passage of moisture therethrough; while the other of these wires may for example consist of a low oxygen permeable adhesive material designed to reduce the passage of oxygen therethrough. The frame wire may also include alternating or alternating portions of hydrophobic bonding material and low oxygen permeable bonding material extending along the wire.

The smaller the thickness of the frame of the first adhesive material in the y-direction, the smaller the passage into the photovoltaic module. The wider the adhesive is in the x-direction and/or z-direction, the better the adhesive properties.

In general, the thickness of the frame of the first adhesive material in the y-direction should be sufficient to provide sufficient adhesive strength so that the photovoltaic panel is robust and can withstand handling during installation and use. On the other hand, the thickness of the first adhesive material should be low enough not to impair the electrical contact between the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes and the active layer or to avoid adhesive overflow when performing the lamination or bonding action of the photovoltaic panel substrate. Further, the thickness of the first adhesive material should be low enough to prevent air from being trapped within the photovoltaic module.

The thickness of the frame of the first adhesive material in the y-direction should exceed the surface roughness of the substrate in order to obtain a sufficient adhesive strength. Further, the thickness of the first adhesive material in the y-direction should have a thickness at least as great as the thickness of the component applied to the substrate (e.g., the thickness of the plurality of electrodes or the combined thickness of the plurality of electrodes and the active layer). The thickness of the first adhesive material may be at least 10 times the thickness of the stack of layers applied to the substrate. Further, the thickness of the first adhesive material may be less than 100 times the thickness of the stack of layers applied to the substrate. In particular, the thickness of the first adhesive material may be below 10 μm.

According to the invention, after the lamination or bonding step, the frame of the first bonding material in the photovoltaic panel may have a thickness in the y-direction of 10nm to 50 μm, preferably 50nm to 30 μm, more preferably 100nm to 10 μm. These values refer to the thickness of the adhesive layer after lamination and after drying of the adhesive.

The thickness of the frame of the first adhesive material may be uniform throughout the extension of the frame in the x-z plane or may vary throughout the extension of the frame in the x-z plane.

Drying of the adhesive is understood to mean that the adhesive composition undergoes solvent evaporation. Thus, drying results in an increase in the amount of dry matter in the adhesive.

By "after drying" is understood the point in time when the drying process is completed, i.e. the point in time when the first adhesive material is tactilely dried. Typically, the solvent content initially drops more rapidly and then enters a substantially steady state. Preferably, the thickness of the above-mentioned adhesive layer is determined in a stable state.

Drying may be achieved in a separate step that includes heating the photovoltaic panel. Drying should be done before lamination is performed.

According to the present invention, the thickness of the adhesive material may vary after the lamination or bonding step, depending on the compressibility of the adhesive. Another factor that may affect the size of the adhesive in the laminate product is, for example, vapor pressure and wetting of the adhesive on the substrate and its associated effects.

According to the present invention, the frame of the first adhesive material may be formed of one or more lines, each line having a corresponding extending direction, wherein a width of each line in a direction parallel to the first and second substrates and orthogonal to the extending direction of the line may be at least 10 μm, at least 100 μm, or at least 1mm, or at least 5mm. Additionally or alternatively, the width of each line in a direction parallel to the first and second substrates and orthogonal to the direction of extension of the line may be at most 10mm, at most 5mm, or at most 1mm, or at most 0.1mm.

The frame of the first adhesive material may comprise at least two lateral portions extending in a direction transverse to the z-direction and arranged between the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes.

According to the invention, the continuous frame of the first adhesive material may comprise at least two longitudinal portions arranged at the first and second lateral portions of the photovoltaic panel, respectively, and extending in a substantially z-direction. The at least two longitudinal portions and the at least two lateral portions of the frame of the first adhesive material may thus frame at least one photovoltaic module.

The extension of the frame of the first adhesive material in the x-z plane may vary. In general, the extension of the frame of the first adhesive material should correspond to the desired size of the photovoltaic module being framed by the frame.

It should be noted that the dimensions of the frame of the first adhesive material presented above are related to the dimensions after lamination (i.e. when the photovoltaic panel is completed). Obviously, when the frame of the first adhesive material is applied to the first substrate and/or the second substrate before laminating the first substrate and the second substrate to each other, the dimensions of the frame will not be the same, as the first adhesive material will deform during lamination. In general, the length and width of the frame of the first adhesive material should be smaller than the dimensions given above before lamination, whereas the thickness of the frame of the first adhesive material should be greater before lamination.

The photovoltaic panel may include a plurality of frames. Each two adjacent frames may have at least one common portion. In particular, respective lateral portions of two adjacent frames of the plurality of frames are formed by successive layers of adhesive material and/or at least partially coincide.

The first adhesive material may be deposited as an adhesive solvent or by transfer printing.

The first adhesive material may be colored any color, such as black, red, white, or green, to form a decorative or easily observable border on the first substrate and/or the second substrate having an aesthetic appearance.

Discontinuous portions of the first adhesive material or another adhesive material different from the first adhesive material may be spatially arranged between the first substrate portion and the second substrate portion within at least one of the photovoltaic modules. The term "within a photovoltaic module" is understood to mean the space within the interior region of the photovoltaic module. In other words, the term "within a photovoltaic module" means an area framed by a frame of a first adhesive material. When there is a binding material present within the photovoltaic modules, the ratio between covered and uncovered areas within each photovoltaic module may be at least 1%, or at least 10%, or at least 20%, and/or at most 40%, or at most 30%, or at most 25%.

By providing at least one of these photovoltaic modules with a discontinuous portion of the non-conductive first adhesive material or another adhesive material different from the first adhesive material spatially arranged within the respective photovoltaic module, the lifetime and mechanical durability of the photovoltaic panel is further increased. This is particularly attractive for creating large area flexible photovoltaic panels where breakage of the top and bottom substrates of the photovoltaic panels may occur more frequently due to mechanical strain or ambient temperature and humidity conditions.

According to the invention, each of the at least one photovoltaic module may be framed by a frame of the first adhesive material. As described above, the frame of the first adhesive material forms a boundary around the photovoltaic module. When each of these photovoltaic modules is framed by a frame of a first adhesive material, two adjacent photovoltaic modules may have a common frame portion.

The first adhesive material may be optically transparent or translucent in the wavelength range of the at least one active layer.

The first adhesive material may include a thermoplastic polymer, such as thermoplastic polyurethane, polypropylene, polybutylene, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl acetate, vinyl acetate, polystyrene-butadiene copolymer, or ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, and combinations thereof. Further, the first adhesive material may include a UV curable polymer; such as acrylic and/or epoxy-based UV curable polymers.

Further, the first adhesive material may include a Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA). The PSA may be selected from the group consisting of: acrylate polymers, natural rubber, synthetic thermoplastic elastomers, and silicone rubber.

PSA exhibits advantageous adhesive properties to the layers of the solar panel module, in particular to the active layer, ensuring adequate adhesion. The PSA is soft, which allows it to be distributed in a smooth manner over the surface to which it is applied. The PSA is readily dispersed in a solvent and subsequently printed in a pattern. Finally, PSA can be used for simultaneous lamination of layers and to provide insulation of the opposing electrodes.

The first adhesive material may be a hydrophobic adhesive material. Such hydrophobic adhesive materials provide photovoltaic panels with improved moisture resistance, which is particularly advantageous when the photovoltaic panels are used in outdoor environments. Further, this has the advantage of protecting the interior parts of the photovoltaic module from external moisture, or may keep the interior parts of the photovoltaic module at a humidity slightly higher or lower than the ambient humidity. Such a regulated working humidity of the interior portion of the photovoltaic module may be advantageous for manufacturing photovoltaic panels for different climatic conditions and thermal cycles.

The first adhesive material may be partially or entirely composed of a low oxygen permeability adhesive material. Additionally, the adhesive material may serve as a barrier between the inner portion of the photovoltaic module and the outer portion of the photovoltaic module, which may be directly exposed to the external environment. Thus, the adhesive material may protect the photovoltaic module from penetration by undesired moisture, oxygen, dust particles, or any type of aerosol particles that may degrade the functionality of the photovoltaic module.

The photovoltaic panel according to the present invention may comprise an Electron Transport Layer (ETL) arranged on the plurality of first electrodes and/or the plurality of second electrodes. In other words, the ETL is disposed between the active layer and one of the plurality of first electrodes and/or the plurality of second electrodes. The frame of the first adhesive material may then comprise at least one portion arranged between the electron transport layer and the at least one active layer.

The photovoltaic panel according to the present invention may include a Hole Transport Layer (HTL) disposed on the plurality of first electrodes and/or the plurality of second electrodes. In other words, the ETL is disposed between the active layer and one of the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes. In this case, the frame of the first adhesive material may include at least one portion disposed between the hole transport layer and the at least one active layer.

In particular, both the ETL and the HTL may be arranged at each of the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes. In this case, the ETL and HTL are alternately arranged in the x-direction. Furthermore, when the photovoltaic module is assembled by stacking the first and second substrate portions, each substrate portion comprising the plurality of first and second electrodes, and the ETL and HTL, respectively, the ETL on the plurality of first electrodes should be arranged on the HTL on the plurality of second electrodes in the y-direction, and vice versa.

At least one of the at least one pair of bus bars may include a contact bridge that may extend outside of the frame of the first adhesive material. The contact bridge may be electrically connected with a portion of the bus bar disposed between the substrate and the outermost electrode, and the contact bridge may have a longitudinal extension in the x-direction and/or the z-direction. In more detail, the contact bridge may have a shorter portion extending in the x-direction and a longer portion extending in the z-direction. This longer portion of the contact bridge may extend parallel to the outermost electrode and may be spaced apart from the bus bar in the X-direction by a distance X, forming an intermediate substrate portion. The terminals of the contact bridge will be referred to as contact points hereinafter. The contact points may be exposed to the environment by removing the flexible substrate and may be used to connect the photovoltaic module to other photovoltaic modules or loads. Such contact bridges may be applied to the first substrate and/or the second substrate at the same time as the plurality of first electrodes and/or the plurality of second electrodes are applied.

Preferably, all photovoltaic modules in the photovoltaic panel may be provided with at least one contact bridge. The contact bridge according to the invention is arranged to create a distance between the photovoltaic module and the contact point. Such a distance may be necessary when it is desired to protect the photovoltaic module, because the contact bridge allows to place openings created in the first substrate and/or the second substrate when the contact points are exposed at a distance from the photovoltaic module itself. Such a distance provides additional protection for the photovoltaic module from dust and moisture, which may be advantageous when the photovoltaic module is installed in a harsh outdoor environment, such as a window or an automobile chassis. Further, the intermediate substrate portion may be removed, for example by dicing, thereby increasing the spacing between the contact points and the photovoltaic module. The contact bridge may be a printed conductor. The contact bridge should have good conductive properties and should be stable and inert. The contact bridge may comprise silver particles.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the first and second conductive connectors further comprise a second terminal portion and an intermediate portion disposed between the first and second terminal portions. An intermediate portion of the first and second conductive connectors is disposed between and optionally in direct contact with one of the first and second flexible substrates and a portion of the continuous frame of adhesive material. The second terminal portions of the first and second conductive connectors are preferably arranged outside the continuous frame of the first adhesive material and are optionally exposed in order to enable connection of a photovoltaic module to other photovoltaic modules or loads.

According to at least one embodiment, the first terminal portion is elongated and extends in the z-direction, and the first and second conductive connectors each comprise a substantially U-shaped or V-shaped portion that partially encloses an elongated portion arranged laterally of the plurality of first and second continuous electrodes. The substantially U-shaped or V-shaped portion may for example enclose an adhesive adhering the two substrates to each other. The substantially U-shaped or V-shaped portion comprises two elongated portions joined by a joining portion, wherein one of said elongated portions coincides with said first terminal portion and the other elongated portion preferably extends in a direction substantially parallel to said first elongated portion. The length of these elongated portions is for example at least 5 times the length of the joining portion. According to one example, the elongated portions are spaced apart in the x-direction by a distance in the range of 0.1-50 mm. According to one example, the elongated portions are spaced apart by a distance of at least 0.1mm, or at least 0.5mm, or at least 1mm, or at least 3mm, or at least 5 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the elongate portions are spaced apart by a distance of at most 50mm, or at most 20mm, or at most 10mm, or at most 3 mm. The joining portion may be straight or curved. According to one example, the other of the elongated portions extends in a direction that deviates from the z-direction by an angle α, wherein α is in the range of 0 to 20 degrees and preferably in the range of 0 to 10 degrees. Additionally or alternatively, α is greater than 2 degrees or greater than 5 degrees and/or less than 15 degrees or less than 6 degrees.

The substantially U-shaped or V-shaped portion may be printed. The substantially U-shaped or V-shaped portion preferably has good conductive properties and is preferably stable and inert. The substantially U-shaped or V-shaped portion may comprise silver particles.

The partly surrounded elongated portions arranged at the sides of the first and second plurality of continuous electrodes and the spacing distance between the first and second terminal portions is advantageous in that it protects the first and second plurality of continuous electrodes from dust and moisture that may enter the module via the second terminal portions, e.g. when exposed to the environment to enable connection of further circuits and loads.

Further, the partially enclosed elongated portions arranged at the sides of the first and second plurality of continuous electrodes, the intermediate substrate portion may be completely or partially removed or destroyed, e.g. by cutting, thereby increasing the spacing between the second terminal portion and the photovoltaic module.

The photovoltaic panel according to the present invention may be configured to be cut along at least one cut line in the x-z plane to form at least one photovoltaic module. The cut line may coincide with at least a portion of the frame of adhesive material. In particular, the cutting line may coincide with at least one lateral portion of the frame of the first adhesive material. The cutting may be performed by die cutting, laser cutting, or any other suitable industrial cutting method.

The photovoltaic module thus formed by cutting the photovoltaic panel comprises a first substrate portion of the first flexible substrate and a second substrate portion of the second flexible substrate, wherein the first substrate portion and the second substrate portion are at least partially stacked.

The photovoltaic module further comprises a plurality of first electrodes arranged in physical contact with the first substrate portion, wherein each of the first electrodes has a longitudinal extension in a substantially z-direction, and wherein the plurality of first electrodes are spaced apart in a substantially x-direction perpendicular to the z-direction. The photovoltaic module further comprises a plurality of second electrodes arranged in physical contact with the second substrate portion, wherein each of the second electrodes has a longitudinal extension in a z-direction, and wherein the plurality of second electrodes are spaced apart in a substantially x-direction perpendicular to the z-direction. The plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes are disposed between the first substrate portion and the second substrate portion.

The photovoltaic module according to the present invention further comprises: at least one pair of connectors or bus bars, each of the at least one pair of connectors or bus bars electrically connected to one of the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes; and at least one active layer disposed between the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes.

The photovoltaic module of the present invention further comprises at least one continuous frame of a first non-conductive adhesive material disposed between the first substrate portion and the second substrate portion. The at least one frame of the first adhesive material frames the photovoltaic module and at least a portion of each of the pair of connectors or bus bars extends outside the at least one frame of the first adhesive material.

The invention relates to a method for producing a photovoltaic panel comprising at least one photovoltaic module, comprising the following steps:

a) Providing a first flexible substrate and a second flexible substrate;

b) Providing a plurality of first electrodes on a first flexible substrate, and providing a plurality of second electrodes on a second flexible substrate; the first electrode and the second electrode extend in a z-direction and are spaced apart in an x-direction perpendicular to the z-direction;

c) Providing at least one pair of connectors or bus bars, each of the at least one pair of connectors or bus bars being electrically connected to an electrode connecting portion of one of the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes;

d) Providing at least one active layer on the plurality of first electrodes and/or the plurality of second electrodes;

e) Providing at least one continuous or discontinuous frame of a first non-conductive adhesive material on the first substrate and/or the second substrate such that the frame of the first adhesive material frames at least one photovoltaic module comprising respective portions of the first plurality of first electrodes and/or respective portions of the plurality of second electrodes and at least one pair of connectors or bus bars;

f) Laminating the first substrate and the second substrate together by heat and/or pressure such that the first adhesive material adheres the first substrate and the second substrate to each other to form a photovoltaic panel; such that the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes are disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; such that the at least one active layer is disposed between and in electrical contact with the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes, and such that the frame of the first adhesive material becomes continuous and includes at least one portion disposed between the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes.

According to the present invention, the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes are directly applied on the first substrate and the second substrate, respectively, such that physical contact is generated between the plurality of first electrodes and the first substrate and between the plurality of second electrodes and the second substrate, respectively.

The above step e) may comprise providing a plurality of continuous or discontinuous frames, each frame framing a respective portion of the first electrode or the second electrode, and wherein respective portions of the adhesive material of two adjacent frames overlap and/or are formed from a continuous layer of the first non-conductive adhesive material.

The above step e) may occur before step d). In other words, the frame of adhesive material may be applied on the first substrate and/or the second substrate before the application of the active layer. Further, step b) and step c) may occur simultaneously. If the photovoltaic panel comprises further layers, such as the ETL and/or HTL described above, these layers may be provided in an additional step d'), which may take place between step b) and step f).

The active layer, ETL, HTL, and first bonding material may be applied by various deposition techniques, for example they may be provided by thermal evaporation, sputtering, spraying, printing, or coating (e.g., slot die coating). The components described above may be provided by the same deposition technique or by different deposition techniques.

According to the method of the invention, the frame of the first adhesive material may be discontinuous and the ratio between covered and uncovered areas may be at least 1%, or at least 10%, or at least 20%, and/or at most 40%, or at most 30%, or at most 25%. When the frame of the first adhesive material is discontinuous, it is important that the length, width and thickness of the frame as described above are chosen such that after step f) (i.e. after lamination of the first and second substrate together) the frame becomes continuous.

The step of providing a bus bar or connector may further comprise the steps of:

c') is arranged adjacent to and electrically connected to one of the outer electrodes such that an elongated portion of the contact bridge preferably extends in a direction substantially parallel to the outermost electrode.

The contact bridge or connector may extend outside the frame of the first adhesive material.

Step c') may occur simultaneously with step b) and/or step c).

According to the invention, each frame frames a photovoltaic module, and the method may further comprise the steps of:

g) After lamination, cutting the photovoltaic panel along at least one cut line extending in the x-z plane to separate at least one photovoltaic module from the plurality of photovoltaic modules; wherein the cut line preferably coincides with at least a portion of the frame of the first adhesive material.

As a result of step g), at least one photovoltaic module is formed, which is framed by the frame of the first adhesive material. The frame of the first adhesive material framing the photovoltaic module is preferably of sufficient width such that the action of separating or cutting the photovoltaic module can be performed without damaging the adhesive properties of the first adhesive material. Furthermore, a space may be provided between two adjacent lateral or longitudinal portions of the first adhesive material, which further facilitates cutting between the adhesive lines. The advantage of cutting close to the adhesive is that the area of the module and thus its environmental footprint is reduced. The advantage of cutting further away from the adhesive is that the mechanical stability of the laminate is improved.

If the photovoltaic module formed in step g) requires additional protection against external factors such as dust and moisture, the method may further comprise the steps of:

h) Providing a first barrier substrate and a second barrier substrate;

i) Providing a second adhesive material on the first barrier substrate and/or the second barrier substrate;

j) Disposing at least one of the photovoltaic modules on the first barrier substrate or the second barrier substrate;

k) The first and second barrier substrates are laminated together such that the at least one photovoltaic module is disposed between the first and second barrier substrates.

The blocking substrate encapsulates the photovoltaic module, providing additional service life and functional stability. The second adhesive material may include a thermoplastic polymer, such as thermoplastic polyurethane, polypropylene, polybutylene, polyvinyl butyral, vinyl acetate, polystyrene-butadiene copolymer, or ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, and combinations thereof. Further, the second adhesive material may include a UV curable polymer; such as acrylic and/or epoxy-based UV curable polymers.

Further, the second adhesive material may include a Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA). The PSA may be selected from the group consisting of: acrylate polymers, natural rubber, synthetic thermoplastic elastomers, and silicone rubber. The second adhesive material may be the same as or different from the first adhesive material.

Further, the method of the present invention may comprise a step e') of providing at least one of the at least one photovoltaic module with a plurality of discontinuous portions of the first non-conductive adhesive material or of another adhesive material spatially arranged within the photovoltaic module. In this case, step e') should occur after step b) and before step f), and may occur simultaneously with step e).

It should be noted that the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes, the active layer, the ETL, the HTL are preferably arranged in the form of successive layers in the z-direction.

According to the present invention, there is provided a photovoltaic panel having improved lifetime as well as mechanical stability and durability, which is particularly important when the photovoltaic panel is a thin film printed photovoltaic panel having a large area produced by roll-to-roll processing (including roll-to-plate) and plate-to-plate processing.

Although increasing the spacing between the substrates, and thus increasing the likelihood of insufficient contact between the layers, the inventors have recognized that providing a frame of a first adhesive material on the first substrate and/or the second substrate of the photovoltaic panel such that the frame of the first adhesive material frames the photovoltaic module and includes at least a portion disposed between the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes generally improves the functionality of the photovoltaic module, particularly over time. The frame of the first adhesive material reinforces the photovoltaic module so that it can be handled easily. In particular, the first flexible substrate and the second flexible substrate are firmly attached to each other along the frame of the first adhesive material during and after singulation.

Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1a to 1c show top views of a photovoltaic panel with a photovoltaic module according to the invention;

fig. 2a to 2d show a photovoltaic module of the present invention;

fig. 3 shows a top view of the photovoltaic panel of the present invention;

figures 4a and 4b show cross-sectional views along the line a-a of the photovoltaic panel depicted in figure 3;

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view along line b-b of the photovoltaic panel depicted in FIG. 3;

fig. 6 and 7 show cross-sectional views along line b-b of the photovoltaic panel depicted in fig. 3, according to other embodiments;

fig. 8a to 8b depict top views of photovoltaic modules comprising U-shaped or V-shaped portions, i.e. bus bars comprising elongated portions. FIG. 8c shows a schematic cross-section taken along b-b of the photovoltaic module shown in FIG. 8b after the second substrate has been placed on top;

fig. 9 shows a photovoltaic module of the present invention;

fig. 10 depicts a method for manufacturing a photovoltaic panel according to the present invention.

Detailed Description

In this detailed description, embodiments of the present invention will be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that this in no way limits the scope of the invention, which is applicable in other cases as well, for example to other types or variants of methods for laminating photovoltaic modules or other types or variants of photovoltaic modules than the embodiments shown in the figures. Further, reference to particular features in connection with embodiments of the invention does not imply that those features cannot be used to advantage with other embodiments of the invention.

The following description will use terms such as "top," "bottom," "exterior," and the like. These terms generally refer to the view and orientation as shown in the drawings. The terminology is used for the convenience of the reader only and should not be limiting.

Fig. 1a shows a photovoltaic panel 1 according to the invention. The photovoltaic panel 1 comprises four photovoltaic modules 12. The outer and intermediate electrodes of each photovoltaic module 12 are individually framed by the longitudinal portions 9a and the transverse portions 9b of the frame of the first adhesive material 9. The lateral portions 9b of the first adhesive material between two adjacent photovoltaic modules 12 are separated by gaps 13 in which cutting lines 14 may be arranged. The photovoltaic module according to the embodiment shown in fig. 1a has the advantage of having good adhesive properties along the entire periphery.

Further, as shown in fig. 1b, the photovoltaic panel 1 comprises a plurality of photovoltaic modules 12, wherein the outer and intermediate electrodes of each photovoltaic module 12 are framed by a frame 9 of a first adhesive material, wherein the frames comprise at least one common portion. After separation along, for example, a cut line, the photovoltaic panel 1 may comprise a single photovoltaic module 12 extending over the whole photovoltaic panel 1, as shown in fig. 1 c. Each of the photovoltaic modules 12 in fig. 1 a-1 c includes a pair of connectors or bus bars 10.

Fig. 2a schematically shows a top view of a photovoltaic module 12 comprising a plurality of first electrode strips 4 arranged on a first substrate (not shown). The photovoltaic module further comprises a plurality of second electrode strips (not shown) arranged on a second substrate (not shown). The electrodes of both the plurality of first electrodes 4 and the plurality of second electrodes 5 are separated from each other by a gap 15. Further, the electrode 4 is sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate, and an active layer (not shown) is sandwiched between the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes. Additionally, the photovoltaic module 12 includes a pair of connectors or bus bars 10 for extracting the energy generated.

Fig. 2b shows an example of a photovoltaic module 12, wherein a portion of each of the plurality of first continuous electrodes and the plurality of second continuous electrodes is framed by a frame 9 of a first adhesive material. The frame 9 of the first adhesive material 9 divides the photovoltaic module into an inner portion 12a and an outer portion 12b. As can be seen in fig. 2b, a portion of each connector or bus bar extends outside the frame 9 of the first adhesive material.

In the different example shown in fig. 2c, the photovoltaic module 12 comprises two pairs of connectors or bus bars 10.

In the embodiment depicted in fig. 2d, the photovoltaic module 12 comprises a first substrate portion and a second substrate portion, the longest extension of which is perpendicular to the longest extension of the plurality of first and second electrodes 4, 5, i.e. perpendicular to the z-direction.

The inherent structure of the photovoltaic panel 1 will now be described in more detail below. Fig. 3 shows a top view of a photovoltaic panel 1 according to the invention. The photovoltaic panel 1 according to the invention comprises a first and a second flexible substrate 2, 3 having a longitudinal extension in the z-direction and a lateral extension in the x-direction perpendicular to the z-direction. The first and second flexible substrates 2, 3 are stacked.

The photovoltaic panel 1 as shown in fig. 3 further comprises a first lateral portion 2a and a second lateral portion 2b, wherein the first and second lateral portions 2a, 2b extend in the z-direction and are spaced apart in the x-direction and are preferably arranged outside the photovoltaic module and optionally at respective edges of the substrate. The photovoltaic panel 1 further comprises a plurality of photovoltaic modules 12.

The photovoltaic panel 1 further comprises a plurality of first electrodes 4 arranged in physical contact with the first substrate and extending in the z-direction.

The photovoltaic panel 1 shown in fig. 3 further comprises a continuous frame of a first non-conductive adhesive material comprising two continuous longitudinal portions 9a of the first adhesive material arranged at the first and second lateral portions 2a, 2b, respectively, and extending in the z-direction. Further, the photovoltaic panel 1 comprises two consecutive lateral portions 9b of the first adhesive material extending in the x-direction, the lateral portions 9b of the first adhesive material being spaced apart in the z-direction. The longitudinal portions 9a and the transverse portions 9b of the first adhesive material enclose a portion of each of the plurality of first continuous electrodes and the plurality of second continuous electrodes in the photovoltaic module 12. The longitudinal portions 9a and the transverse portions 9b are arranged between a respective plurality of consecutive first electrodes and a respective plurality of consecutive second electrodes 4, 5. In other words, the longitudinal portions 9a and the transverse portions 9b are arranged between the plurality of continuous first electrodes 4 and the plurality of continuous second electrodes 5. In this example embodiment, the frame of the first adhesive material is rectangular.

Fig. 4a and 4b show a cross-section of the photovoltaic panel 1 depicted in fig. 3 along the line a-a (i.e. across the photovoltaic module 12). As can be seen in fig. 4a, the photovoltaic panel 1 is shown before the first substrate 2 and the second substrate 3 are laminated together, while fig. 4b shows the photovoltaic panel after the lamination step has been completed.

The first substrate 2 comprises a plurality of first electrodes 4 extending in the z-direction and separated by gaps 15 in the x-direction. Alternating Hole Transport Layer (HTL) portions 6 and Electron Transport Layer (ETL) portions 7 are arranged on the plurality of first electrodes 4. Further, the active layer portion 8 is arranged on the HTL/ETL layer. A connector 10 or bus bar 10 is arranged on each of the first and second lateral portions 2a, 2 b. On top of each bus bar 10 a longitudinal portion 9a of a first adhesive material is arranged. After lamination, both connectors 10 or bus bars 10 are in electronic contact with respective external electrodes of the plurality of first electrodes 4.

The second substrate 3 comprises a plurality of second electrodes 5 extending in the z-direction and separated by gaps 15 in the x-direction. Alternating Hole Transport Layer (HTL) portions 6 'and Electron Transport Layer (ETL) portions 7' are arranged on the plurality of second electrodes 5. It should be noted that when stacking the first and second substrates 2, 3, the ETL portion 7 on the first substrate 2 should be positioned in association with the HTL portion 6' on the second substrate 3, and vice versa. The active layer portion 8 'is arranged on the HTL/ETL layer of the second substrate 3 such that when the first and second substrates 2, 3 are stacked, the active layer portions 8, 8' are not stacked, as shown in fig. 4 b.

Fig. 5 depicts a cross-section of the photovoltaic panel 1 depicted in fig. 3 along the line b-b (i.e. along the lateral portion 9b of the frame 9 of the first adhesive material). As can be seen in fig. 5, the photovoltaic panel 1 is shown before the first substrate 2 and the second substrate 3 are laminated together. It can also be seen in fig. 5 that the transverse portion 9b is arranged between a respective plurality of consecutive first electrodes and a respective plurality of consecutive second electrodes 4, 5. In other words, the lateral portions 9b are arranged between the plurality of continuous first electrodes 4 and the plurality of continuous second electrodes 5. The layers of the photovoltaic module 12 are the same as those described in relation to fig. 4a and 4 b. When laminating the first and second substrates 2, 3, the lateral portions 9b of the frame 9 of the first adhesive material will be arranged between the active layer portions 8, 8' such that there is no electrical contact between the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes along the frame of the first adhesive material.

Fig. 4 and 5 show that a continuous frame (9 a,9 b) of adhesive material is arranged between a respective portion of each continuous first electrode 4 and a respective portion of each continuous second electrode 5.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 6, the lateral portion 29b of the frame 29 of the first adhesive material is arranged at the ETL/HTL layers 26', 27'. When laminating the first substrate 22 and the second substrate 23, the lateral portion 29b of the frame 29 of the first adhesive material will be arranged between the active layer 28 and the ETL/HTL layers 26', 27'. It should be noted that the lateral portion 29b of the first adhesive material may be disposed on the ETL/HTL layers 26, 27 associated with the first substrate 22.

Another example is illustrated in fig. 7, wherein a lateral portion 39b of a frame 39 of a first adhesive material is arranged between the plurality of second electrodes 35 and the ETL/HTL layers 36', 37'. It should be noted that the lateral portions 39b of the frame 39 of the first adhesive material may be arranged on the plurality of first electrodes 34, or that two lateral portions of the first adhesive material may be arranged on both the plurality of first and second electrodes 34, 35. According to the embodiment depicted in fig. 7, the electrodes are thus arranged in a W configuration. It is also possible to arrange the electrodes in a Z configuration, for example as described in WO2020/038937, which is incorporated herein by reference.

In fig. 8a, an intermediate photovoltaic module 412 is shown, comprising a first substrate (not shown) and a plurality of consecutive first electrodes, as well as a hole transport layer 6 and an electron transport layer 7; wherein each of these bus bars comprises a contact bridge 30 as described above. In fig. 8b, the frame 9 of the first adhesive material has been applied such that the photovoltaic module 12 is framed by the frame 9 and the contact bridges 30 of the bus bar 10 extend outside the frame 9. Fig. 8c shows a cross section of the photovoltaic module when the active layer 8 and a second substrate comprising a plurality of second electrodes 5a, 5b, a hole transport layer 6', an electron transport layer 7' and the active layer 8 have been provided on top of the device shown in fig. 8 b. The plurality of first continuous electrodes and the plurality of second continuous electrodes comprise four outermost electrodes 4a, 5a and three intermediate electrodes 4b, 5b (as shown in fig. 8 c).

According to one example, the pair of connectors 10 includes a first conductive connector and a second conductive connector. Each of the first and second connectors comprises a first terminal portion 111a in physical contact with one of the outermost electrodes 4a, a second terminal portion 111c (as shown in fig. 8 c), and an intermediate portion 111b arranged between the first and second terminal portions 111a, 111b. The intermediate portion 111c of the first and second conductive connectors is disposed between and optionally at least partially in direct contact with one of the first and second flexible substrates and a portion of the continuous frame of adhesive material. The second terminal portions 111c of the first and second electrically conductive connectors are preferably arranged outside the continuous frame 9b of the first adhesive material and are optionally exposed in order to enable connection of a photovoltaic module to other photovoltaic modules or loads.

According to at least one embodiment, such as the embodiment shown in fig. 8a to 8c, the first terminal portion 111a is elongated and extends in the z-direction, and the first and second conductive connectors each comprise a substantially U-shaped or V-shaped portion 71, 72, 73, which partially encloses an elongated portion or an elongated region 82 arranged at the side of the plurality of first and second continuous electrodes. In fig. 8a, the U-shaped portions 71, 72, 73 enclose the void o. When the first substrate and the second substrate have been laminated to each other, the substantially U-shaped or V-shaped portion may, for example, enclose a void or an adhesive adhering the two substrates to each other. The substantially U-shaped or V-shaped portion comprises two elongated portions 71, 72 joined by a joining portion 73, wherein one of said elongated portions 71 coincides with said first terminal portion and the other elongated portion 72 preferably extends in a direction substantially parallel to said first elongated portion 71. According to one example, the elongated portions are spaced apart in the x-direction by a distance in the range of 0.1-50 mm. According to one example, the elongated portions are spaced apart by a distance of at least 0.1mm, or at least 0.5mm, or at least 1mm, or at least 3mm, or at least 5 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the elongate portions are spaced apart by a distance of at most 50mm, or at most 20mm, or at most 10mm, or at most 3 mm. The coupling portion 73 may be straight or curved. One or both of the elongated portions 71, 72 is preferably straight or substantially straight. According to one example, the other of the elongated portions 72 extends in a direction that is offset from the z-direction by an angle α, wherein α is in the range of 0 to 20 degrees and preferably in the range of 0 to 10 degrees.

After lamination, at least a portion of the second terminal portion 111c is optionally exposed to the environment to enable connection of further circuitry or loads.

The partially enclosed elongated portions 82 arranged at the sides of the first and second plurality of continuous electrodes may be completely or partially removed or destroyed, e.g. by cutting, to increase the spacing between the second terminal portions and the photovoltaic module by extending the shortest continuous path (between the substrates) from the second terminal portions 111c to the outermost electrodes 4a, 5a, which shortest continuous path extends between the substrates. The breaking may be achieved by cutting along a line 83, for example, into between the two elongated portions 72, 73.

Fig. 9 shows a photovoltaic module 12 of the present invention, wherein the photovoltaic module is provided with barrier substrates 104, 105.

Fig. 10 shows an example of forming a photovoltaic panel 1, wherein a first and a second substrate 2, 3 with a respective plurality of electrodes 4, 5 are shown. A frame 9 of a first adhesive material is applied on the first substrate 2, which frame comprises a continuous longitudinal portion 9a extending in the z-direction and further has intersecting continuous transverse portions 9b extending in the x-direction. In more detail, the intersecting longitudinal and transverse portions frame a portion of the photovoltaic module 12 and form a stepped appearance. By laminating the substrates 2, 3 together while aligning the adhesive portions 9a, 9b on the respective substrates, a complete photovoltaic panel 1 is achieved.

The longitudinal portion of the adhesive material (i.e. the portion of the adhesive material extending in the z-direction) may be applied near the photovoltaic module or even partially on top of the photovoltaic module, e.g. within 10nm to 1mm from the photovoltaic module, as the minimization of the gap at the inner surface may help to reduce air pockets in the finished product. A lateral portion of the bonding material in the laminated photovoltaic panel (i.e., a portion of the bonding material extending in a direction transverse to the z-direction in the xz-plane) preferably extends across each of the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes.

In embodiments such as shown in fig. 10 and 3, the photovoltaic panel includes a plurality of frames, wherein each two adjacent frames have a common portion. In particular, respective lateral portions of two adjacent frames of the plurality of frames are formed by successive layers of adhesive material and/or at least partially coincide.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 10, which describes a method of producing a photovoltaic panel, the at least one continuous frame of the first adhesive material is a plurality of frames; wherein each of the plurality of frames a respective one of the at least one photovoltaic module and the plurality of frames together frame a plurality of photovoltaic modules. The photovoltaic panel may be configured to cut along at least one cut line in the x-z plane to separate at least one of the photovoltaic modules from other photovoltaic modules of the plurality of photovoltaic modules. In the embodiment shown in fig. 10, the cut lines may be disposed within a lateral portion of the frame that extends across each of the plurality of electrodes.

While the invention has been described with reference to various embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is intended that the detailed description be regarded as illustrative and that the appended claims, including all equivalents, be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A photovoltaic panel (1) comprising a first and a second flexible substrate (2, 3), wherein the first and the second flexible substrate (2, 3) are at least partially stacked, wherein the photovoltaic panel (1) further comprises:

a plurality of continuous first electrodes (4) arranged in physical contact with the first substrate (2), wherein each of the first electrodes (4) has a longitudinal extension in a substantially z-direction, and wherein the plurality of first electrodes (4) are spaced apart in a substantially x-direction perpendicular to the z-direction and substantially centered on a first centerline pointing in the z-direction in the x-direction, wherein the plurality of continuous first electrodes consists of a first pair of outermost electrodes,

a plurality of continuous second electrodes (5) arranged in physical contact with the second substrate (3), wherein each of the second electrodes (5) has a longitudinal extension in the z-direction, and wherein the plurality of second electrodes (5) are spaced apart in a substantially x-direction perpendicular to the z-direction and substantially centered on a second centerline pointing in the z-direction in the x-direction, wherein the plurality of continuous second electrodes comprises a second pair of outermost electrodes; wherein the plurality of the first and the plurality of the second electrodes (4, 5) are arranged between the first and the second substrate (2, 3);

At least one active layer (8) arranged between the plurality of first electrodes (4) and the plurality of second electrodes (5);

a set of outermost electrodes consisting of said first pair of outermost electrodes and said second pair of outermost electrodes,

wherein the photovoltaic panel (1) further comprises at least two photovoltaic modules, each photovoltaic module comprising:

a pair of connectors comprising a first conductive connector and a second conductive connector, wherein a first terminal portion of the first conductive connector is arranged in physical contact with a first outermost electrode of the set of outermost electrodes and a first terminal portion of the second conductive connector is in physical contact with a second outermost electrode of the set of outermost electrodes, the first outermost electrode and the second outermost electrode being arranged on opposite sides of a plane coinciding with the first centerline and the second centerline,

-a continuous frame (9 a,9 b) of a first non-conductive adhesive material arranged between the respective plurality of continuous first electrodes and the respective plurality of continuous second electrodes and between the first and second substrates (2, 3) to adhere the first and second substrates (2, 3) to each other, and extending across at least a portion of each of the plurality of first electrodes and across at least a portion of each of the plurality of second electrodes and framing and defining respective portions of the first plurality of first electrodes and respective portions of the plurality of second electrodes.

2. The photovoltaic panel (1) according to claim 1, wherein each of the first and second electrically conductive connectors further comprises a second terminal portion and an intermediate portion arranged between the first and second terminal portions, wherein for each pair of connectors the intermediate portion of the first and second electrically conductive connectors is arranged between one of the first and second flexible substrates and a portion of a continuous frame of the adhesive material, and the second terminal portions of the first and second electrically conductive connectors are preferably arranged outside the continuous frame of the first adhesive material. (4,5).

3. Photovoltaic panel (1) according to claim 2, wherein the first terminal portion is elongated and extends in the z-direction, each of the first and second electrically conductive connectors comprising a substantially U-shaped or V-shaped portion partly surrounding an elongated portion arranged at the side of the plurality of first and second continuous electrodes, wherein the substantially U-shaped or V-shaped portion comprises two elongated portions, wherein one of the elongated portions coincides with the first terminal portion and the other of the elongated portions preferably extends in a direction substantially parallel to the first leg.

4. Photovoltaic panel (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein respective portions (9 b) of two adjacent frames of the at least two frames are formed by successive layers of adhesive material and/or at least partially coincide.

5. The photovoltaic panel (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said first non-conductive adhesive material is a Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA), preferably selected from the group consisting of: acrylate polymers, natural rubber, synthetic thermoplastic elastomers, and silicone rubber.

6. The photovoltaic panel (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each of the at least two frames has a thickness in a direction perpendicular to the first and second substrates in the range of 10nm to 50 μιη.

7. The photovoltaic panel (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the at least two frames is formed by one or more wires, each wire having a respective extension direction, wherein the width of each wire in a direction parallel to the substrate and transverse to the extension direction of the wire is in the range of 10 μιη to 100 mm.

8. The photovoltaic panel (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the photovoltaic panel (1) further comprises an electron transport layer (7) arranged between the at least one active layer (8) and one of the plurality of first electrodes (4) and the plurality of second electrodes (5), and wherein each of the at least two frames (9 a,9 b) of the first non-conductive adhesive material comprises at least one portion arranged between the electron transport layer (7) and the at least one active layer (8).

9. The photovoltaic panel (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the photovoltaic panel (1) further comprises a hole transport layer (6) arranged between the at least one active layer (8) and one of the plurality of first electrodes (4) and/or the plurality of second electrodes (5), and wherein each of the at least two frames (9 a,9 b) of the first non-conductive adhesive material comprises at least one portion arranged between the hole transport layer (6) and the at least one active layer (8).

10. The photovoltaic panel (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the at least two frames (9 a,9 b) of the first non-conductive adhesive material frames one respective photovoltaic module (12), and wherein the photovoltaic panel (1) is configured to be cut along at least one cut line in the x-z plane to separate at least one of the photovoltaic modules (12) from the other photovoltaic modules of the plurality of photovoltaic modules, wherein the cut line preferably coincides with at least a portion of the frame of the adhesive material.

11. A photovoltaic module (12) comprising a first substrate portion of a first flexible substrate (2) and a second substrate portion of a second flexible substrate (3), wherein the first substrate portion and the second substrate portion are at least partially stacked, wherein the photovoltaic module further comprises:

A plurality of first electrodes (4) arranged in physical contact with the first substrate portion, wherein each of the first electrodes (4) has a longitudinal extension in a substantially z-direction, and wherein the plurality of first electrodes (4) are spaced apart in a substantially x-direction perpendicular to the z-direction and are substantially centered on a first centerline pointing in the z-direction, wherein the plurality of consecutive first electrodes comprises a second pair of outermost electrodes,

a plurality of second electrodes (5) arranged in physical contact with the second substrate portion, wherein each of the second electrodes (5) has a longitudinal extension in the z-direction, and wherein the plurality of second electrodes (5) are spaced apart in a substantially x-direction perpendicular to the z-direction and are substantially centered on a second center line pointing in the z-direction, wherein the plurality of consecutive second electrodes comprises a second pair of outermost electrodes, wherein the plurality of first and second electrodes (4, 5) are arranged between the first and second substrate portions,

A pair of connectors including a first conductive connector and a second conductive connector, wherein a first terminal portion of the first conductive connector is disposed in direct contact with a first outermost electrode of the set of outermost electrodes and a first terminal portion of the second conductive connector is in direct contact with a second outermost electrode of the set of outermost electrodes, the first outermost electrode and the second outermost electrode being disposed on opposite sides of a plane coincident with the first centerline and the second centerline,

wherein the photovoltaic module (12) further comprises at least one continuous frame of a first non-conductive adhesive material arranged between the first and second substrate portions to adhere the first and second substrates (2, 3) to each other, the frame extending across at least a portion of each of the plurality of first electrodes and across at least a portion of each of the plurality of second electrodes, and wherein the at least one frame of the first adhesive material frames a respective portion of the plurality of first electrodes (5) and frames a respective portion of the plurality of second electrodes (5).

12. A method for producing a photovoltaic panel (1), the method comprising the steps of:

a) Providing a first flexible substrate (2) and a second flexible substrate (3);

b) -providing a plurality of first continuous electrodes (4) on the first flexible substrate (2), and-providing a plurality of second continuous electrodes (5) directly on the second flexible substrate (3); the first and second continuous electrodes (4, 5) extend in a z-direction and are spaced apart in an x-direction perpendicular to the z-direction;

c) Providing at least two pairs of connectors, each pair of connectors comprising a first conductive connector and a second conductive connector, and disposing each first conductive connector in physical contact with a first outermost electrode of the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes, and disposing each second conductive connector in physical contact with a second outermost electrode of the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes;

d) -providing at least one active layer (8) on said plurality of first electrodes (4) and/or on said plurality of second electrodes (5);

e) -providing at least two continuous or discontinuous frames of a first non-conductive adhesive material on the first and/or second substrate (2, 3) such that each of the at least two frames of the first adhesive material frames a respective portion of the first plurality of first electrodes (4);

f) Laminating the first and second substrates (2, 3) together by heat and/or pressure such that the first adhesive material adheres the first and second substrates (2, 3) to each other to form the photovoltaic panel (1); such that the plurality of first and second electrodes (4, 5) are arranged between the first and second substrates (2, 3); such that the at least one active layer (8) is arranged between and in electrical contact with the plurality of first electrodes (4) and the plurality of second electrodes (5), and such that each of the at least two frames of the first adhesive material is continuous and extends across at least a portion of each of the plurality of first electrodes, across at least a portion of each of the plurality of second electrodes, and across a respective one of the at least two pairs of connectors, and wherein, after lamination, the at least one frame of the first adhesive material frames a respective portion of the first plurality of first electrodes and a respective portion of the plurality of second electrodes (12).

13. The method of claim 12, wherein step e) occurs before step d).

14. A method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein step e) comprises forming respective portions of the adhesive material of two adjacent frames by successive layers of the first non-conductive adhesive material.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, further comprising the step of:

g) -cutting the photovoltaic panel (1) along at least one cutting line extending in the x-z plane to separate at least one of the photovoltaic modules (12) from the plurality of photovoltaic modules after the lamination; wherein the cut line preferably coincides with at least a portion of the frame of the first adhesive material.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the method further comprises the steps of:

h) Providing first and second barrier substrates (104, 105);

i) -providing a second adhesive material on the first and/or the second barrier substrate (104, 105);

j) -arranging at least one of the photovoltaic modules (12) on the first or second barrier substrate (104, 105);

k) -laminating the first and second barrier substrates (104, 105) together such that the at least one photovoltaic module (12) is arranged between the first and second barrier substrates (104, 105).

17. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the method of providing at least two pairs of connectors further comprises the step of providing each of the first and second conductive connectors with a substantially U-shaped or V-shaped portion which partially encloses an elongated portion arranged sideways of the plurality of first and second continuous electrodes, wherein the substantially U-shaped or V-shaped portion comprises two elongated portions, wherein one of the elongated portions coincides with the first terminal portion and the other of the elongated portions preferably extends in a direction substantially parallel to the first elongated portion.