Optical structure for enhancing solar cell efficiency

Abstract

An optical structure in which a first region of a solar cell (102a, 102b) is at least partially covered (104) by an overlapping optical layer element, the first region (106a, 106b) being a low-activity edge region of the solar cell (102a, 102b), in which the overlapping optical layer structure is configured to at least partially redirect light initially directed towards the first region (106a, 106b), the redirected light is directed at least partially towards a second region (108a, 108b) of the solar cell, optionally comprising a central region of the solar cell (102a, 102b), and the second region (108a, 108b) is a region that is more active than the first region (106a, 106b), thereby preferably providing a light conversion effect of the solar cell (102a, 102b) due to enhanced light conversion efficiency. More energy and improved overall gain in the solar cells (102a, 102b) or modules comprising the solar cells (102a, 102b). A method for enhancing the efficiency of a solar cell (102a, 102b) or an associated module and a method for manufacturing an optical structure are also provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to optical structures and more particularly to an optical structure in which a first region of a solar cell is at least partially covered by an overlapping optical layer element. Background Art

[0002] Different PV (photovoltaic) cells have variable efficiency curves at their edge regions. Various factors, such as the presence of a conductive layer, conductors, finger electrodes, passivation treatment, and other edge structures, affect the inactive cell edge region and the overall regional efficiency loss due to edge recombination. Silicon heterojunction (SHJ / HJT) cells and n-type silicon cells (such as TopCon) are particularly prone to poor edge structure, resulting in low efficiency (low activity) at the edge. However, other cell types (such as p-type silicon cells) also typically have at least a small area of ​​inactive or at least low activity at the edge.

[0003] Different factors contribute to efficiency losses in full-scale and shredded cells. To improve these losses, various solutions have been proposed, including: a) cell overlapping or shingling, b) better control of the conductive layer at the edge through the placement of conductive finger electrodes, c) edge passivation, d) improved edge cutting, and e) improved cell coating uniformity. None of these solutions address the overall losses, and no true industrial solution currently exists, and challenges remain in terms of negative impacts on yield and cost.

[0004] A typical module (multiple connected photovoltaic cells) construction uses an overlapping cell design, where one cell edge is covered by another cell edge. This solution hides an inefficient cell edge, while the other edges are still exposed, so the inefficient edge area still reduces the overall energy gain. There is also a shingled structure, where every other cell is stacked on top of the adjacent cell, but all edges of the overlapping cells are still exposed, so this solution also does not completely solve the problem of inactive edge areas. At the same time, both module structures are more challenging to produce modules with high yields, so many module manufacturers have decided to abandon these module structures.

[0005] Another alternative solution is to perform edge passivation on the inactive cell edge areas to minimize edge recombination losses. This technique has been extensively researched but has yet to be applied in practical production. New production methods with good yields are needed. To date, no fully satisfactory solution exists for this purpose.

[0006] Edge recombination can also be minimized by placing conductive fingers on top of the cell, slightly away from the edge region, and a controlled lateral conductive layer (e.g., a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) or other comparable conductive layer) on the edge region; for example, a uniform layer covering the entire surface or leaving the edge region uncovered by the uniform layer. However, these optimizations are not sufficient to replace edge recombination or solve the problem of inactive edge regions. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention aims to alleviate at least some of the problems of the prior art. According to one aspect of the present invention, an optical structure is provided in which a first region of a solar cell is at least partially covered by overlapping optical layer elements, the first region being a less active edge region of the solar cell, the overlapping optical layer structure being configured such that light initially directed towards the first region is at least partially redirected, the redirected light being directed at least partially towards a second region of the solar cell, the second region optionally including a central region, and being a more active region than the first region, thereby preferably providing more energy and improved overall gain in the solar cell or a module including the solar cell due to enhanced light conversion efficiency.

[0008] Various embodiments of the present invention provide a novel optical enhancement solution, for example in the form of devices (structures) and methods for addressing the aforementioned issues of inactive or low-activity cell edge regions and their associated efficiency losses. Thus, the low-activity edge regions of a solar cell or PV cell can be at least partially covered by an overlying optical element comprising, or essentially consisting of, an optical layer or layer structure that redirects incident light from a first (edge) region to a second, more active region of the cell, typically the central region, thereby providing enhanced light conversion efficiency with more energy and improving the overall gain in the associated solar cell or module. This solution is simple to implement, yields power gains for the module, and is easily integrated into various module configurations.

[0009] An overlapping optical layer structure configured to redirect incident light from a first region to a second region can refer to an overlapping optical layer structure that, for example, reflects and / or transmits at least a portion of light initially directed from the environment toward a first location in the first region, such that the light is redirected in another direction and to a second location different from the first location. The redirected light can be reflected from the overlapping optical layer structure, for example, toward another element (e.g., a glass element), from which the light can be further reflected and then directed toward a second region of the solar cell. Additionally or alternatively, at least a portion of the light initially directed toward the first location can be transmitted through the overlapping optical layer structure and optionally refracted to be directed toward the first or another location on the solar cell. This can also increase the overall gain or effectiveness of the solar cell.

[0010] The above-mentioned suggested configuration of overlapping optical layer elements can improve solar cell module efficiency even in narrow cell gaps when using, for example, HJT, SHJ and other solar cell types having wide, inefficient edge regions.

[0011] The functionality of the overlapping optical layer elements may be based on reflection, refraction, transmission, diffusion, diffraction, or any combination thereof.

[0012] The overlapping optical layer elements may be formed from or include an optical pattern, such as embedded cavity optics, optionally including air or other gas cavities.

[0013] The overlapping optical layer elements may be formed from or include an optical pattern, a combination of materials having a variable refractive index, and / or a reflective coating.

[0014] The material of the overlapping optical layer elements may preferably comprise or be based on transparent polymers, thermoplastic or thermosetting resins, glass or ceramic materials and / or combinations of different layers, possibly including opaque coatings.

[0015] The material of the overlapping optical layer elements may comprise or be based on an opaque material, optionally including a metal coating.

[0016] The overlay optical layer element may include a film, such as a tape, or other type of film, positioned between the cell and the string spacer, the film including a module edge region and an interconnect region, wherein the film overlaps the cell edge region as described elsewhere herein. For example, the width of the film or tape may be from about 1 mm up to several millimeters. For example, so-called SEO (Solar Optical) films may be used.

[0017] A preferred overlay optical layer element is or includes a partially reflective and partially transmissive film that can be optimized for the PV cell edge efficiency profile to provide optimal (as desired / selected) redirection and transmission capabilities, achieving maximum gain values ​​in each edge region. For example, the density of the optical pattern in the overlay optical layer element can be configured to vary (increase or decrease) at least locally gradually or linearly, optimizing the redirected and transmitted light on the cell surface depending on the type of PV cell and its edge efficiency profile (increasing or decreasing from the cell's edge). Simultaneously, the transmitted light can be controlled through different optical solutions. This has a positive impact on varying light incidence angles, capturing the maximum amount of light for energy conversion on the PV cell surface.

[0018] The overlapping optical layer structure (eg, film or tape in particular) can be easily integrated in various module configurations. The overlapping optical layer element can be pre-made and provided with, for example, an adhesive. Alternatively, it can be prepared in situ.

[0019] The overlapping optical layer structure, or at least a film of the overlapping optical layer structure, can be applied to the inner surface of the top glass by optically clear adhesive (OCA), EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate), optical hot melt, or the like.

[0020] Overlapping optical layer structures can also be applied on top of the cell surface, particularly at the cell edge region, for example, using EVA or other adhesives, and overlapping, for example, two different strings. Such overlapping optical layer structures can be applied to the top of the cell surface, at the cell edge region, between strings or cells, or between cells and interconnects. This provides additional benefits in terms of power gain, as the cell matrix and string alignment can be fixed using an adhesive-containing overlapping optical layer structure, supporting module manufacturing and lamination processing, and ultimately yield, by preventing the cell matrix and strings from moving during the manufacturing process. No additional fixing tape is required. The figures show overlapping optical layer structures, strips, adhered to the cells. Alternatively, the overlapping optical layer structure can be applied to an encapsulation layer, which can be EVA, POE, TPO, etc. Overlapping optical layer structures can also be used on the back side of the cell, particularly if the module has, for example, a back glass and sufficient light can also be obtained from this side, such as a (vertically mounted) module wall, where bifacial PV cells can have similar gain benefits as the front side of the module.

[0021] The overlapping optical layer structures contemplated herein offer a highly attractive solution for improving the power output and efficiency of PV modules. This solution also serves to introduce an economical alternative to shingled cell constructions that require edge passivation or are associated with PV modules. However, the present invention enables the use of a cell gap that can be covered by an optical film / strip comprising cell edge overlap, eliminating the need for edge passivation and shingled cell construction.

[0022] The present invention also relates to the use of overlapping optical layer elements for at least partially redirecting light initially directed towards a first area, wherein the overlapping optical layer elements preferably comprise a film at least partially covering a first, edge area of ​​a solar cell, the redirected light being directed towards at least a second area of ​​the solar cell, which is preferably a more active area, such as a central area.

[0023] A method for enhancing the efficiency of a solar cell or a related module is also provided, the method comprising at least partially covering a first, edge region of the solar cell by overlapping optical layer elements, the overlapping optical layer elements being configured to redirect light initially directed toward the first region, the redirected light being directed at least partially toward a selected second region of the solar cell, the second region preferably being a more active region, optionally including a central region, thereby preferably providing more energy and improved overall gain to the solar cell or a module including the solar cell during operation and due to enhanced better light conversion efficiency.

[0024] The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing an optical structure, the method comprising providing a solar cell string and providing at least one overlapping optical layer element to at least partially cover a first, edge region of at least a first solar cell of the solar cell string and a first, edge region of at least a second adjacent solar cell of the solar cell string, wherein the overlapping optical layer element is configured to redirect light initially directed toward a first region of each of the solar cells, wherein the redirected light will be at least partially directed toward a selected second region of the respective solar cell, the second region preferably being a more active region, optionally including a central region.

[0025] Providing overlapping optical layer elements may include attaching the overlapping optical layer elements to surfaces of the first and second solar cells with an adhesive to stabilize the cell matrix and stringing positions during fabrication of the structure.

[0026] The exemplary embodiments presented herein should not be interpreted as limiting the applicability of the appended claims. The verb "comprise" is used herein as an open limitation that does not exclude the presence of unlisted features. Unless expressly stated otherwise, the features described in the dependent claims are mutually freely combinable.

[0027] The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific illustrative embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

[0028] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments according to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 One example of at least a portion of an optical structure is shown.

[0031] Figure 2 One example of at least a portion of an optical structure is shown.

[0032] Figure 3 shows the variation of the efficiency of a solar cell as a function of the distance from the edge of the solar cell, and

[0033] Figure 4 Displays the solar cell power, associated gain, and Watt peak / module associated with the solar cell module.

[0034] Figure 5 The variation of the efficiency of solar cells associated with a solar cell module as a function of the distance from the edge of the solar cell is shown.

[0035] Figure 6 Calculations of module power and incremental gain are shown for optical structures configured as modules with different string / cell spacing and overlapping optical layer elements at different film overlaps, and

[0036] Figure 7 A comparison of a shingled PV module and a PV module provided by the present invention is shown, wherein the PV module provided by the present invention is configured with an optical structure having optimized solar cell 102 spacing and associated overlapping optical layer elements 104. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Figure 1 An example of at least a portion of an optical structure is shown. The optical structure includes at least one solar cell 102. The optical structure also includes at least one overlapping optical layer element 104. It should be noted that Figure 1 Only a portion of the optical structure is shown, and the structure continues on the right-hand side.

[0038] The overlapping optical layer element 104 at least partially covers the solar cell 102. The optical layer element 104 at least partially covers the first region 106 of the solar cell 102 (at Figure 1 ). The first region 106 corresponds to an edge region of the surface of the solar cell 102 and is less active or less efficient than other regions of the solar cell 102. The first region 106 may be less efficient than other regions of the solar cell 102 in converting light into electricity.

[0039] The optical layer element 104 may contact the surface of the solar cell 102 or the optical layer element 104 may be applied to the surface of the solar cell 102 by using, for example, an adhesive.

[0040] The overlapping optical layer elements 104 are configured to redirect at least a portion of light initially directed toward the first region 106 so that the redirected light is at least partially directed toward a second region 108 of the solar cell 102. The second region 108 may be a central region of the solar cell 102. The second region 108 is a region of the solar cell 102 that is more active or efficient (more efficient at converting light into energy) than the first region 106 of the solar cell 102. The light may be redirected toward the second region 108 by the overlapping optical layer elements 104, or the overlapping optical layer elements 104 may redirect light incident on the first region 106 to other elements of the structure before redirecting the light toward the second region 108.

[0041] The overlapping optical layer elements 104 may additionally or alternatively redirect at least a portion of light initially directed toward a first location in the first region 106 to at least a second location in the first region 106 .

[0042] Thus, the overlapping optical layer elements 104 may reflect and / or transmit light, as well as Figure 1 As shown. Preferably, most of the light is reflected and redirected away from the inactive edge region 106, towards the more efficient cell surface area. Some light can be transmitted to the cell surface through overlapping optical layer elements (films) (see small arrows), which can also increase the overall gain.

[0043] The functionality of the overlapping optical layer elements 104 can be based on reflection, refraction, transmission, diffusion, diffraction, or any combination of the above optical functions, which can be achieved by built-in optical patterns, such as embedded cavity optical devices including air cavities (or other gas cavities, if not void cavities) and / or variable refractive index optical material combinations or reflective coatings.

[0044] The material of the overlapping optical layer element 104 may preferably comprise or be based on transparent polymers, thermoplastic or thermosetting resins, glass or ceramic materials, and / or combinations of different layers, possibly including opaque coatings or materials (eg metal coatings, etc.).

[0045] The overlapping optical layer element 104 preferably includes or is a film element or a tape element, such as an SEO film.

[0046] The optical structure may include or be disposed on the back plate 110 .

[0047] The optical structure may also include or be coupled to a top glass 112 .

[0048] For example, the overlapping optical layer elements 104 may be disposed on a surface of the solar cell 102 or applied to an inner surface of the top glass 112 .

[0049] Figure 2 An example of at least a portion of an optical structure is shown. Figure 2 The structure can be extended in both the right-hand and left-hand directions. Figure 2 The optical structure may also be a module including solar cells. Figure 2 A portion of an optical structure is shown, which may include a solar cell string including at least a first solar cell 102a and a second solar cell 102b.

[0050] The overlapping optical layer elements 104 are configured to at least partially cover at least a first (edge) region 106a of a first solar cell 102a and at least a first (edge) region 106b of an adjacent second solar cell 102b of the solar cell string. The overlapping optical layer elements 104 are configured to redirect light initially directed toward the first regions 106a, 106b of the solar cells 102a, 102b, respectively. The redirected light is at least partially directed toward at least a second region 108a of the first solar cell 102a and a second region 108b of the second solar cell 102b.

[0051] The structure may comprise at least one overlapping optical layer element 104. The overlapping optical layer element 104 covers at least a first region 106a of the first solar cell 102a and a first region 106b of the second solar cell 102b. The second regions 108a, 108b are more active than the first (edge) regions 106a, 106b.

[0052] In conjunction with any optical structure, the overlapping optical layer element 104 can be configured to overlap the edge region of the associated solar cell 102a, 102b, wherein the overlap or "film overlap" along the surface of the first region 106 of the solar cell 102a, 102b corresponds to a distance OL measured from the edge of the solar cell 102a, 102b. The film overlap OL can be selected based on the use case. The film overlap OL of the solar cells 102a, 102b can vary within the same optical structure.

[0053] The overlapping optical layer element 104 may be applied to the surfaces of the first solar cell 102a and the second solar cell 102b by using an adhesive layer 114 .

[0054] The optical structure may include or be disposed on the back panel or rear glass 110 .

[0055] The optical structure may also include or be coupled to a top glass 112 .

[0056] The optical structure may include or be provided with an encapsulant 116 .

[0057] It should be noted that the overlapping optical layer element 104 may also be disposed at other locations in the aforementioned optical structure.

[0058] However, when overlapping optical layer elements 104 are applied to a solar cell string to at least partially cover the cells or string spacing, the cell matrix and string line positions can be stabilized during fabrication of the structure.

[0059] Figure 3 1 shows a curve showing the efficiency of the solar cell 102 as a function of the distance from the edge of the solar cell 102. Figure 3 As shown in Figure 1, experimental data from silicon heterojunction half-cell testing shows a drop in efficiency toward the cell edge ("Efficiency Fitted to Measured Values"). Utilizing the present invention, as can be seen from the "Calculated Effective Efficiency with Overlapping Optical Layer Elements" curve, having overlapping optical layer elements 104 on the first edge region 106 of the PV cell 102 provides improved gain, which increases the overall efficiency of the solar cell and module. This improvement in efficiency is partially illustrated by the upper curve ("Calculated Effective Efficiency with Overlapping Optical Layer Elements") with its gradual slope.

[0060] Figure 4 The curve showing the efficiency of a solar cell 102 as a function of the distance from the edge of the solar cell is shown, which relates to a solar cell 102 module comprising a plurality of solar cells 102. The efficiencies of three solar cells 102 are shown separately as well as an average value.

[0061] Optimized module efficiency can be obtained when measuring PV cell edge efficiency characteristics, such as using shadow masking, at the edge / first region 106. Once the efficiency characteristics are obtained, the ideal overlapping optical layer element 104 pattern and density, or a specific film overlap distance OL, can be calculated.

[0062] Figure 5 The figure shows the solar cell power, associated gain, and Watt peak gain / module in a solar cell module including solar cell 102 as a function of different film overlaps D. It can be seen that a selected film overlap OL can produce a selected or optimized gain. For example, a film overlap OL of approximately 1 mm to 2 mm has certain advantages.

[0063] After the film overlap OL optimization, the final module optimization can proceed. The width of the overlapping optical layer elements (eg, films or specific strips), solar cells 102 and the string spacing of the module can be comprehensively considered. Figure 6 Calculations of module power and incremental gain for optical structures arranged as modules with different string / cell spacing and overlapping optical layer elements 104 at different film overlaps OL are shown. Calculations are based on 400Wp HJT modules, a reference module with a 2mm cell and string gap, and a module with a 3mm cell and string gap, the latter showing significantly increased gain.

[0064] When comparing a shingled PV module to a PV module of the present invention, wherein the PV module of the present invention is configured with an optical structure having optimized solar cell 102 spacing and associated overlapping optical layer elements 104, improved gain can be achieved, such as Figure 7 shown.

[0065] In a method of enhancing the efficiency of a solar cell 102 or a related module including a plurality of solar cells 102, the method may include at least partially covering a first edge region 106 of the solar cell with overlapping optical layer elements 104, wherein the overlapping optical layer elements 104 are configured to redirect light initially directed toward the first region, wherein the redirected light is at least partially directed toward a selected second, preferably more efficient region 108 of the solar cell 102, optionally including a central region, thereby preferably providing more energy and improved overall gain to the solar cell 102 or module including the cell 102 during operation due to enhanced better light conversion efficiency.

[0066] A method for manufacturing an optical structure may include providing a solar cell string comprising at least a first solar cell 102a and a second solar cell 102b. The method also includes providing at least one overlapping optical layer element 104 to at least partially cover a first (edge) region 106a of at least the first solar cell 102a and a first (edge) region 106b of at least the adjacent second solar cell 106b of the solar cell string. The overlapping optical layer element 104 is configured to redirect light initially directed toward the first region 106a, 106b of each of the solar cells 102a, 102b, wherein the redirected light is at least partially directed toward a selected second region 106a, 106b of the respective solar cell 102a, 102b, the second region 106a, 106b being preferably a more efficient region, optionally including a central region.

[0067] Providing at least one overlapping optical layer element 104 may include attaching the overlapping optical layer element 104 to surfaces of the first and second solar cells 102a, 102b with an adhesive to stabilize the cell matrix and stringing positions during fabrication of the structure.

[0068] Considering a module containing strings of solar cells 102a, 102b, at least a portion of the solar cells 102a, 102b may be provided with associated overlapping optical layer elements 104. Furthermore, all cells 102a, 102b of a solar cell string may be provided with at least one (or more) associated overlapping optical layer elements 104.

[0069] The present invention and associated overlapping optical layer elements 104 (e.g., configured as films / strips with selected film overlaps OL) can provide additional power gain by reducing module / structure manufacturing costs, particularly by replacing the need for edge passivation and state-of-the-art cell cutting techniques, while stabilizing module or optical structure power and quality, cell matrix, and stringing positions. Edge region gain that can vary or change during outdoor use (e.g., cell edge gain degradation in hot and humid environments) can be stabilized. Overlapping optical layer elements 104 are stable in outdoor use without incurring any gain loss. Overlapping optical layer elements 104 can cover inefficient and unstable edge regions of PV cells 102 and stabilize module function. Overlapping optical layer elements 104 are suitable for covering a wide variety of inefficient and unstable regions and spaces to provide improved module-related power gain.

[0070] The invention has been explained above with reference to the above embodiments and its advantages have been shown. Obviously, the invention is not limited to these embodiments but includes all possible embodiments within the spirit and scope of the inventive concept and the following patent claims.

[0071] The features recited in the dependent claims are mutually freely combinable, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Claims

1. An optical structure wherein a first region of a solar cell is at least partially covered by overlapping optical layer elements, the first region being a low-activity edge region of the solar cell, wherein the overlapping optical layer structure is configured to cause light initially directed toward the first region to be at least partially redirected, wherein the redirected light will be at least partially directed toward a second region of the solar cell, the second region optionally including a central region, wherein the second region is a more active region than the first region, thereby preferably providing more energy and improved overall gain in the solar cell or a module including the solar cell due to enhanced light conversion efficiency.

2. The structure of claim 1, wherein the functionality of the overlapping optical layer elements is based on reflection, refraction, transmission, diffusion, diffraction, or any combination thereof.

3. A structure according to any preceding claim, wherein the overlapping optical layer elements are formed from or comprise an optical pattern, such as embedded cavity optics, optionally comprising air or other gas cavities.

4. A structure according to any preceding claim, wherein the overlapping optical layer elements are formed from or comprise an optical pattern, a combination of materials with a variable refractive index and / or a reflective coating.

5. Structure according to any preceding claim, wherein the material of the overlapping optical layer elements preferably comprises or is based on transparent polymers, thermoplastic or thermosetting resins, glass or ceramic materials and / or combinations of different layers, possibly including opaque coatings.

6. A structure according to any preceding claim, wherein the material of the overlapping optical layer elements comprises or is based on an opaque material, optionally including a metal coating.

7. A structure according to any preceding claim, wherein the overlying optical layer element comprises a film or in particular a strip between the solar cells and the string spacers, the film comprising a module edge region and an interconnect region, the film overlapping the cell edge region.

8. The structure of any preceding claim, wherein the overlapping optical layer elements comprise a partially reflective and partially transmissive film, or the overlapping optical layer elements are partially reflective and partially transmissive films that are optimized for PV cell edge efficiency characteristics, having an optimal (optimized as desired / selected) combination of redirection and transmission to achieve maximum gain values ​​in each edge region.

9. A structure according to any preceding claim, wherein the density of the optical patterns in the overlapping optical layer elements is configured to increase or decrease at least locally gradually or linearly.

10. A use of an overlapping optical layer element for at least partially redirecting light initially directed toward a first area, wherein the overlapping optical layer element preferably comprises a film that at least partially overlaps a first, edge area of ​​a solar cell, the redirected light being directed toward at least a second area of ​​the solar cell, the second area preferably being a more active area, such as the center area.

11. A method for enhancing the efficiency of a solar cell or related module, comprising at least partially covering a first, edge region of the solar cell by overlapping optical layer elements, wherein the overlapping optical layer elements are configured to redirect light initially directed toward the first region, the redirected light being directed at least partially toward a selected second region of the solar cell, the second region preferably being a more active region, optionally including a central region, thereby preferably providing more energy and improved overall gain to the solar cell or module including the solar cell during operation and due to enhanced better light conversion efficiency.

12. A method for manufacturing an optical structure, the method comprising providing a solar cell string and providing at least one overlapping optical layer element to at least partially cover a first, edge region of at least a first solar cell of the solar cell string and a first, edge region of at least a second adjacent solar cell of the solar cell string, wherein the overlapping optical layer element is configured to redirect light initially directed toward a first region of each of the solar cells, wherein the redirected light will be directed at least partially toward a selected second region of the respective solar cell, the second region preferably being a more active region, optionally including a central region.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein providing the overlapping optical layer elements comprises attaching the overlapping optical layer elements to surfaces of the first and second solar cells with an adhesive to stabilize cell matrix and stringing positions during fabrication of the structure.

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