Solar panel and method for manufacturing a solar panel

Abstract

To provide a solar panel and a method for producing the solar panel, the solar panel being produced by populating a front portion of a substrate with cover glass interconnected cells (CICs) and / or wiring, before bonding the front portion to a back portion of the substrate.SOLUTION: A solar panel includes a substrate. The substrate includes a front portion and a back portion that are bonded together. The front portion includes an electrical insulation layer and a front face sheet layer that is bonded to the electrical insulation layer. The back portion includes a honeycomb core layer and a back face sheet layer that is bonded to the honeycomb core layer. A channel is defined in the honeycomb core layer. The solar panel also includes a first wire that is positioned at least partially in the channel.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure is directed to solar panels and methods for manufacturing solar panels. In particular, the present disclosure is directed to manufacturing solar panels by attaching and / or wiring a cover glass cell interconnect (CIC) to a front portion of a substrate before bonding the front portion of the substrate to the rear portion. [Background technology]

[0002]

[0002] A solar panel includes a substrate. The substrate includes an electrical insulation layer, a first (e.g., front) face sheet layer, a honeycomb core layer, and a second (e.g., rear) face sheet layer. In one example, the electrical insulation layer is bonded to the front sheet layer to create a front portion of the substrate, and the honeycomb core layer is bonded to the rear face sheet layer to create a rear portion of the substrate. The front and rear portions are then bonded together to complete the substrate. In particular, the front sheet is bonded to the honeycomb core to complete the substrate.

[0003]

[0003] After the substrate is completed, a CIC containing solar cells with interconnects and a cover glass may be bonded to the substrate. In particular, the CIC may be bonded to an electrical insulation layer. Wiring may also be bonded to the electrical insulation layer, the backsheet layer, or both. The substrate, CIC, and wiring produce a solar panel.

[0004] However, when manufactured in this manner, it can be difficult to automate the process of bonding the CIC to the front sheet layer with any kind of modularization / standardization. It can also be difficult to repair any failed CIC. Summary of the Invention

[0005]

[0005] A solar panel is disclosed. The solar panel includes a substrate. The substrate includes a front portion and a rear portion bonded together. The front portion includes an electrical insulation layer and a front sheet layer bonded to the electrical insulation layer. The rear portion includes a honeycomb core layer and a rear face sheet layer bonded to the honeycomb core layer. A channel is defined in the honeycomb core layer. The solar panel also includes a first wiring at least partially disposed within the channel.

[0006]

[0006] A method for manufacturing a solar panel is also disclosed. The method includes bonding an electrical insulation layer and a front sheet layer together to produce a front portion of a substrate. The method also includes bonding a honeycomb core layer and a rear face sheet layer to produce a rear portion of the substrate. The method also includes forming a channel in the honeycomb core layer. The method also includes disposing a first wiring at least partially within the channel. The method also includes bonding the front portion of the substrate and the rear portion of the substrate together while disposing the first wiring at least partially within the channel.

[0007] In another embodiment, the method includes fabricating a tile. Fabricating the tile includes bonding together an electrical insulation layer and a front sheet layer to fabricate a front portion of a substrate. Fabricating the tile also includes bonding together the front portion of the substrate and a battery. Fabricating the tile also includes bonding together the front portion of the substrate and a first wiring. The method also includes bonding together a honeycomb core layer and a rear face sheet layer to fabricate a rear portion of the substrate. The method also includes forming a channel in the honeycomb core layer. The method also includes positioning the tile such that at least a portion of the first wiring is at least partially disposed within the channel.

[0008] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate aspects of the present teachings and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present teachings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1]

[0009] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of several layers used to manufacture a substrate for a solar panel according to one embodiment. [Figure 2]

[0010] 1 shows a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a solar panel according to one embodiment. [Figure 3]

[0011] 1 shows a schematic diagram of an electrically insulating layer bonded to a front sheet layer to produce a front portion of a substrate according to one embodiment. [Figure 4]

[0012] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a battery and wiring bonded to the front portion of a substrate to produce a tile according to one embodiment. [Figure 5]

[0013] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a honeycomb core layer bonded to a rear facesheet layer to produce a rear portion of a substrate according to one embodiment. [Figure 6]

[0014] 1 illustrates an example of a solar panel including tiles bonded to a rear portion of a substrate according to one embodiment. [Figure 7]

[0015] 10 illustrates another example of a solar panel including two tiles bonded to a single back portion of a substrate according to one embodiment. [Figure 8]

[0016] 1 shows a flowchart of another method for manufacturing a solar panel according to an embodiment. [Figure 9]

[0017] 1 shows a schematic diagram of channels formed in a honeycomb core layer in a rear portion of a substrate according to one embodiment. [Figure 10]

[0018] 1 illustrates a first trace at least partially disposed within a channel according to one embodiment. [Figure 11]

[0019] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of front and back portions of a bonded substrate with a first trace disposed at least partially within a channel according to one embodiment. [Figure 12]

[0020] FIG. 12 shows a schematic diagram of a cell and second wiring bonded to the substrate of FIG. 11 to form a solar panel according to one embodiment. [Figure 13]

[0021] 10 shows a flowchart of yet another method for manufacturing a solar panel according to one embodiment. [Figure 14]

[0022] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a tile having wiring bonded to a front sheet layer according to one embodiment. [Figure 15]

[0023] 15 shows a schematic diagram of the tile of FIG. 14 bonded to a rear portion of a substrate to form a solar panel according to one embodiment. [Figure 16]

[0024] 16 illustrates another example of the solar panel of FIG. 15 including two tiles joined to a single back portion of the substrate according to one embodiment. [Figure 17]

[0025] 1 illustrates an example of a vehicle to which a solar panel may be coupled, according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010]

[0026] It should be noted that some details of the drawings have been simplified to facilitate understanding, rather than maintaining strict structural accuracy, detail, and scale.

[0011]

[0027] Reference will now be made in detail to the present teachings, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals are used throughout to refer to identical elements. In the following description, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the present teachings may be practiced. Accordingly, the following description is by way of example only.

[0012]

[0028] Bonding the battery and wiring to the front part of the substrate to produce the tile before bonding the tile to the rear part of the substrate.

[0013]

[0029] The present disclosure is directed to solar panels and methods for manufacturing solar panels. The solar panel may include a substrate, a cell (e.g., CIC), wiring, or a combination thereof. The substrate may include a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion may include an electrical insulation layer and a first (e.g., front) face sheet layer. The rear portion may include a honeycomb core layer and a second (e.g., rear) face sheet layer. The front portion of the substrate may have a cell, wiring, or both, bonded to it to produce a tile. After the tile is manufactured, the tile may be bonded to the rear portion of the substrate to produce the solar panel.

[0014]

[0030] Tiles and / or solar panels manufactured as described herein may be standardized and more easily mass-produced than conventional solar panel components and conventional solar panels. This may improve modularity and the ability to create solar panels of various sizes with a variety of different configurations more easily than using conventional components and methods. Furthermore, cells may be more easily repaired on tiles when compared to current cells bonded to larger panels. Furthermore, the front sheet layer described herein may be divided into multiple sections, unlike current solar panels.

[0015]

[0031] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of multiple layers (four shown: 110, 120, 130, and 140) that may be used to fabricate a substrate 150 for a solar panel 100, according to one embodiment. The substrate 150 may include an electrically insulating layer 110. The electrically insulating layer 110 may be or include a polyimide. In particular, the electrically insulating layer 110 may be or include poly(4,4'-oxydiphenylene-pyromellitimide). For example, the electrically insulating layer 110 may be or include Kapton®. The electrically insulating layer 110 may have a thickness of about 0.001 inches to about 0.005 inches.

[0016]

[0032] Substrate 150 also includes a first (e.g., front) face sheet layer 120. Front sheet layer 120 may be or include a polymer, carbon fiber, fiberglass, metal, or a combination thereof. In particular, front sheet layer 120 may be or include a composite carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) or glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP). Front sheet layer 120 may have a thickness of about 0.01 inches to about 0.06 inches. As described below, electrical insulation layer 110 and front sheet layer 120 are bonded together to form first (e.g., front) portion 152 of substrate 150.

[0017]

[0033] The substrate 150 also includes a honeycomb core layer 130. The honeycomb core layer 130 may be or include vented metal. In particular, the honeycomb core layer 130 may be or include vented aluminum. The honeycomb core layer 130 may have a thickness of about 0.125 inches to about 5 inches. In one embodiment, an isogrid structure may be used in place of or in addition to the honeycomb core layer 130. The isogrid structure may be or include a partially hollow structure formed from a single metal plate. The isogrid structure may have integral triangular reinforcing ribs (often called stringers).

[0018]

[0034] Substrate 150 also includes a second (e.g., rear) face sheet layer 140. Rear face sheet layer 140 may be or include a polymer, carbon fiber, fiberglass, metal, or a combination thereof. In particular, rear face sheet layer 140 may be or include CFRP or GFRP. Rear face sheet layer 140 may have a thickness of about 0.01 inches to about 0.06 inches. As described below, honeycomb core layer 130 and rear face sheet layer 140 may be bonded together to form second (e.g., rear) portion 154 of substrate 150.

[0019]

[0035] 2 shows a flowchart of a method 200 for manufacturing a solar panel 100, according to one embodiment. An exemplary sequence of the method 200 is provided below, although one or more steps of the method 200 may be repeated, performed in a different order, or omitted entirely.

[0020]

[0036] The method 200 also includes, at 202, manufacturing the tiles 156. Manufacturing the tiles 156 may include, at 204, bonding together the electrical insulation layer 110 and the front sheet layer 120 to manufacture the front portion 152 of the substrate 150. This is shown in FIG. 3. In one example, the electrical insulation layer 110 and the front sheet layer 120 may be bonded together using a film adhesive such as FM300-2U.

[0021]

[0037] Fabricating the tile 156 also includes bonding the front portion 152 of the substrate 150 and the cell 160 together at 206. In particular, this may include bonding the cell 160 to the electrical insulation layer 110 using an adhesive such as room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone. RTV silicone is a rubber polymer that dries at room temperature. This is shown in FIG. 4. While a single cell 160 is shown, in other embodiments, two or more cells may be bonded to the front portion 152 of the substrate 150 (e.g., the electrical insulation layer 110). The cell 160 may be or include a photovoltaic (PV) cell, also known as a solar cell. The cell 160 may be or include one or more cover glass interconnected cells (CICs), which include one or more PV / solar cells with interconnects and cover glasses.

[0022]

[0038] Fabricating the tile 156 also includes bonding 208 the front portion 152 of the substrate 150 and the wiring 170 together. Notably, this may include bonding the wiring 170 to the electrical insulation layer 110 using an adhesive such as RFV silicone. This is also shown in FIG. 4. While a single wiring 170 is shown, in other embodiments, two or more wirings may be bonded to the front portion 152 of the substrate 150 (e.g., the electrical insulation layer 110). As can be seen, the wiring 170 may only contact and / or be bonded to the electrical insulation layer 110. In other embodiments, the wiring 170 may additionally or alternatively pass through the substrate 150 and contact and / or be bonded to the rear face sheet layer 140. The tile 156 shown in FIG. 4 includes the front portion 152 of the substrate 150, the battery 160, the wiring 170, or a combination thereof.

[0023]

[0039] Method 200 also includes, at 210, connecting a first end of wire 170 to battery 160. This may be a substep of step 202 (e.g., similar to steps 204-208) or may be a separate step in method 200. For example, wire 170 may be connected to battery 160 before or after battery 160 is bonded to front portion 152 of substrate 150 (e.g., electrical insulation layer 110). Wire 170 may additionally or alternatively be connected to battery 160 before or after wire 170 is bonded to front portion 152 of substrate 150 (e.g., electrical insulation layer 110).

[0024]

[0040] Method 200 also includes connecting the second end of wire 170 to the object at 212. This may be a substep of step 202 (e.g., similar to steps 204-208) or may be a separate step in method 200. For example, wire 170 may be connected to the object before or after wire 170 is bonded to front portion 152 of substrate 150 (e.g., electrically insulating layer 110). The object may be or may include another battery, a string, another tile, a solar panel, a vehicle (e.g., a spacecraft), etc.

[0025]

[0041] The method 200 may also include testing the battery 160, at 214. The battery 160 may be tested before or after the battery 160 is bonded to the front portion 152 of the substrate 150. The battery 160 may additionally or alternatively be tested before or after the tiles 156 are fabricated. As described below, the battery 160 may additionally or alternatively be tested before the tiles 156 are bonded to the back portion 154 of the substrate 150. The battery 160 may be tested using a solar simulator. The battery 160 may additionally or alternatively be tested by forward biasing the battery 160. The battery 160 may be tested to determine whether there is physical damage to the battery 160, whether the connections to the battery 160 are robust or damaged, whether the battery 160 meets predetermined performance metrics (e.g., produces a predetermined voltage and / or current), or a combination thereof.

[0026]

[0042] Method 200 may also include, at 216, repairing battery 160 in response to testing indicating that battery 160 is malfunctioning. Method 200 may additionally or alternatively include, at 218, replacing battery 160 with a second (e.g., replacement) battery in response to testing indicating that battery 160 is malfunctioning. Replacing battery 160 with the replacement battery may include removing battery 160 from front portion 152 (e.g., electrical insulation layer 110) of substrate 150 and subsequently bonding the replacement battery to front portion 152 (e.g., electrical insulation layer 110) of substrate 150. Battery 160 may be repaired or replaced before or after tiles 156 are manufactured. As described below, battery 160 may additionally or alternatively be replaced with a repaired or replacement battery before tiles 156 are bonded to rear portion 154 of substrate 150.

[0027]

[0043] Repairing and / or replacing the cells 160 at the tile level before the solar panel is completed is easier because the tiles 156 are smaller and easier to handle than larger, conventional components. Additionally, because the tiles 156 are smaller, the tiles 156 can be discarded if they malfunction. Discarding a larger, conventional solar panel would result in significant waste.

[0028]

[0044] The method 200 also includes, at 220, bonding the honeycomb core layer 130 and the rear face sheet layer 140 together to produce the rear portion 154 of the substrate 150. This is shown in FIG. 5. The honeycomb core layer 130 and the rear face sheet layer 140 may be bonded together using a film adhesive such as FM300-2U. The honeycomb core layer 130 and the rear face sheet layer 140 may be bonded together before or after the tiles 156 are produced.

[0029]

[0045] Method 200 also includes, at 222, bonding tiles 156 and rear portion 154 of substrate 150 together to produce solar panel 100. This may include bonding front portion 152 of substrate 150 and rear portion 154 of substrate 150 together. In particular, front sheet layer 120 and honeycomb core layer 130 may be bonded together using a film adhesive such as FM300-2U. This is shown in FIG. 6. Step 222 occurs after one or more (e.g., all) of steps 202-220. For example, step 222 may occur after cells 160 are bonded (at 206) to front portion 152 of substrate 150, after wiring 170 is bonded (at 208) to front portion 152 of substrate 150, or both.

[0030]

[0046] As described above, performing method 200 in this manner (e.g., manufacturing tiles 156 by bonding cells 160 and / or wiring 170 to front portion 152 of substrate 150 before bonding tiles 156 to rear portion 154 of substrate 150) allows tiles 156A and solar panels 100 to be standardized and mass-produced more easily than conventional solar panel components and conventional solar panels. This may improve modularity and the ability to create solar panels of various sizes with a variety of different configurations more easily than using conventional components and methods. Furthermore, cells may be more easily repaired on tiles when compared to cells bonded to conventional larger panels. Furthermore, the front sheet layer described herein cannot be divided into multiple sections as in conventional solar panels.

[0031]

[0047] In the embodiment described above, the solar panel 100 may include a single tile 156 bonded to a single rear portion 154 of the substrate 150 (e.g., a 1:1 ratio). In another embodiment, the solar panel 100 may include multiple tiles bonded to a single rear portion 154 of the substrate 150 (e.g., a 2:1 ratio, a 4:1 ratio, an 8:1 ratio, etc.). In this embodiment, the method 200 may loop back to step 202 to fabricate additional tiles 156 to be bonded to the rear portion 154 of the substrate 150.

[0032]

[0048] The method 200 also includes, at 224, bonding a second tile and the rear portion 154 of the substrate 150 together to produce the solar panel 100. FIG. 7 shows two tiles 156A, 156B bonded to a single rear portion 154 of the substrate 150 to produce the solar panel 100, according to one embodiment. Each tile 156A, 156B may include a front portion 152A, 152B, a battery 160A, 160B, wiring 170A, 170B, or a combination thereof. The tiles 156A, 156B may be positioned adjacent to each other (side to side or end to end) on the rear portion 154 of the substrate 150. The first tile 156A may be connected to the second tile 156B. For example, battery 160A and / or wiring 170A may be connected to a second tile 156B (eg, battery 160B and / or wiring 170B).

[0033]

[0049] By joining two or more tiles 156A, 156B into a single back portion 154, the solar panel 100 may be easier to manufacture and repair because it allows for greater automation and standardization. For example, if one tile fails, it may be replaced with another usable tile. Additionally, the parts used to make the solar panel 100 may be easier to handle because the tiles 156A, 156B may be smaller than those used to manufacture conventional solar panels. Embodiments having two or more tiles 156A, 156B may also include one or more (e.g., all) of the advantages described above.

[0034]

[0050] In this embodiment, the rear portion 154 of the substrate 150 may have a larger surface area than each of the tiles 156A, 156B. In the illustrated example, the surface area of the rear portion 154 of the substrate 150 is approximately the same as the combined surface area of the two tiles 156A, 156B. However, in other examples, the rear portion 154 of the substrate 150 may be sized to accommodate four tiles, six tiles, eight tiles, or more.

[0035]

[0051] Method 200 may also include connecting solar panel 100 to a vehicle, at 226. In particular, solar panel 100 may be connected to the exterior of the vehicle. The vehicle may be or may include an automobile, bus, train, boat, airplane, helicopter, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), spacecraft, etc.

[0036]

[0052] Placing the wiring into channels in the honeycomb core layer before the front portion of the substrate is bonded to the rear portion of the substrate.

[0037]

[0053] 8 shows a flowchart of another method 800 for manufacturing a solar panel 100, according to one embodiment. An exemplary sequence of method 800 is provided below, although one or more steps of method 800 may be repeated, performed in a different order, or omitted entirely.

[0038]

[0054] The method 800 includes, at 802, bonding together an electrical insulation layer 110 and a front sheet layer 120 to produce a front portion 152 of the substrate 150. This is shown in Figure 3. The electrical insulation layer 110 and the front sheet layer 120 may be bonded together using a film adhesive such as FM300-2U.

[0039]

[0055] The method 800 also includes, at 804, bonding the honeycomb core layer 130 and the rear face sheet layer 140 together to produce the rear portion 154 of the substrate 150. This is shown in Figure 5. The honeycomb core layer 130 and the rear face sheet layer 140 may be bonded together using a film adhesive such as FM300-2U.

[0040]

[0056] The method 800 also includes, at 806, forming one or more channels (one shown: 132) in the honeycomb core layer 130. This is shown in FIG. 9. The channels 132 may be formed in the honeycomb core layer 130 before or after the honeycomb core layer 130 is bonded to the rear face sheet layer 140. In one embodiment, the channels 132 may be formed by removing a portion of the honeycomb core layer 130 (e.g., by machining). In another embodiment, the channels 132 may be formed during the formation of the honeycomb core layer 130. For example, the mold that produces the honeycomb core layer 130 may form the channels 132 in the honeycomb core layer 130.

[0041]

[0057] As shown, the channels 132 may be or may include recesses at least partially formed in the inner surface 133 of the honeycomb core layer 130. The channels 132 may be at least partially defined by one or more channel boundary portions (two shown: 136A, 136B) of the honeycomb core layer 130 and a reduced inner surface 134. In one embodiment, the channel boundary portions 136A, 136B may be or may include portions of the honeycomb core layer 130 that are not removed when the channels 132 are formed.

[0042]

[0058] In another embodiment, the channels 132 may be or may include recesses formed at least partially in the outer surface 135 of the honeycomb core layer 130. In yet another embodiment, the channels 132 may be or may include bores formed at least partially through the honeycomb core layer 130 (e.g., between the inner surface 133 and the outer surface 135). As used herein, the inner surface 133 is the surface that is / may be bonded to the front portion 152 of the substrate 150 (e.g., the front sheet layer 120), and the outer surface 135 is the surface that is / may be bonded to the rear face sheet layer 140.

[0043]

[0059] The method 800 also includes, at 808, disposing a first wire 170 within the channel 132. This is shown in FIG. 10. As mentioned above, while a single first wire 170 is shown, the first wire 170 may additionally or alternatively include two or more wires. The thickness of the first wire 170 may be equal to or less than the depth of the channel 132.

[0044]

[0060] In one embodiment, method 800 also includes bonding 810 the rear portion 154 of substrate 150 and the first wiring 170 together. In particular, once the first wiring 170 is positioned within the channel 132, the first wiring 170 may be bonded to the honeycomb core layer 130. For example, the first wiring 170 may be bonded to the reduced interior surface 134 and / or channel boundary portions 136A, 136B of the honeycomb core layer 130 using an adhesive such as RFV silicone. In another embodiment, step 810 may be omitted.

[0045]

[0061] The method 800 also includes, at 812, bonding the front portion 152 of the substrate 150 to the rear portion 154 of the substrate 150. This is shown in FIG. 11 . As described above, the front portion 152 and the rear portion 154 together make up the substrate 150. The front portion 152 and the rear portion 154 may be bonded together using a film adhesive, such as FM300-2U. Bonding the front portion 152 and the rear portion 154 together includes bonding the front sheet layer 120 to the channel boundary portions 136A, 136B of the honeycomb core layer 130. In one embodiment, a gap may exist between the front sheet layer 120 and the first traces 170. In another embodiment, the first traces 170 may be compressed between the front sheet layer 120 and the reduced inner surface 134 of the honeycomb core layer 130.

[0046]

[0062] Step 812 may occur after the channels 132 are formed and / or after the first wiring 170 is disposed within the channels 132. As shown, the first wiring 170 may be at least partially disposed between the front sheet layer 120 and the reduced interior surface 134 of the honeycomb core layer 130. At least a portion of the first wiring 170 may also be at least partially disposed between the channel boundaries 136A, 136B. In one embodiment, the wiring 170 may enter the channels 132 from one side of the substrate 150 and exit the channels 132 from the other side of the substrate 150. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the first wiring 170 may extend through or beyond openings in the channel boundaries 136A, 136B.

[0047]

[0063] Method 800 also includes, at 814, bonding the front portion 152 of substrate 150 and the first wiring 170 together. In particular, the front sheet layer 120 and the first wiring 170 may be bonded together before, at the same time as, or after the front portion 152 of substrate 150 and the back portion 154 of substrate 150 are bonded together. The first wiring 170 may be bonded to the front sheet layer 120 using an adhesive such as RFV silicone. In another embodiment, step 814 may be omitted, and the first wiring 170 may instead be secured in place by being disposed within channels 132 between the front sheet layer 120 and the honeycomb core layer 130.

[0048]

[0064] The method 800 also includes, at 816, connecting the first wire 170 to the first object and the second object. The first object may be or may include the battery 160, another battery, a string of batteries, a tile, a solar panel 100, or a combination thereof. The second object may be or may include another battery (e.g., not the battery 160), a string of batteries (e.g., including the battery 160), a solar panel 100, a transporter, or a combination thereof. The first wire 170 may be connected to the first and second objects before or after the first wire 170 is disposed within the channel 132. The first wire 170 may be connected to the first and second objects before or after the first wire 170 is bonded to the back portion 154 of the substrate 150.

[0049]

[0065] The method 800 also includes, at 818, bonding the front portion 152 of the substrate 150 and the cell 160 together. This is shown in FIG. 12 . In particular, the cell 160 may be bonded to the electrical insulation layer 110 using an adhesive such as a room-temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone. While a single cell 160 is shown, in other embodiments, two or more cells may be bonded to the front portion 152 of the substrate 150 (e.g., the electrical insulation layer 110). As mentioned above, the cell 160 may be or include a photovoltaic (PV) cell, also known as a solar cell. The cell 160 may be or include one or more cover glass interconnected cells (CICs), which include one or more PV / solar cells with interconnects and cover glasses.

[0050]

[0066] Step 818 may be performed before or after the electrically insulating layer 110 is bonded to the front sheet layer 120 to produce the front portion 152 of the substrate. Step 818 may alternatively be performed before or after the front portion 152 of the substrate 150 is bonded to the back portion 154 of the substrate 150 to produce the substrate 150.

[0051]

[0067] The method 800 also includes, at 820, bonding the second wiring 172 to the substrate 150. This is also shown in FIG. 12. As noted above, while a single second wiring 172 is shown, the second wiring 172 may additionally or alternatively include two or more wirings. The first wiring 170 and the second wiring 172 may be different wires or different portions (e.g., a first portion and a second portion) of the same wiring.

[0052]

[0068] The second trace 172 may be bonded to the substrate 150 using an adhesive such as RFV silicone. The second trace 172 may be bonded to the electrical insulation layer 110, the back face sheet layer 140, or both. As shown, at least a portion of the first trace 170 may extend in a first direction substantially parallel to the layers 110, 120, 130, and 140, and at least a portion of the second trace 172 may extend in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the layers 110, 120, 130, and 140. For example, the second trace 172 may at least partially wrap around the substrate 150. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the second trace 172 may extend through a hole formed (e.g., drilled) in the substrate 150.

[0053]

[0069] Method 800 also includes, at 822, connecting second wiring 172 to a third object and a fourth object. In one embodiment, the third object may be the same as the first object and / or the second object. In another embodiment, the third object may be different from the first object and the second object. In one embodiment, the fourth object may be the same as the first object, the second object, the third object, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the fourth object may be different from the first object, the second object, and the third object. The third object may be or include a battery 160, another battery, a battery string, a tile, a solar panel 100, or a combination thereof. The fourth object may be or include another battery (e.g., not battery 160), a battery string (e.g., including battery 160), a solar panel 100, a vehicle, or a combination thereof. The second wire 172 may be connected to the third and fourth objects before or after the second wire 172 is bonded to the substrate 150 .

[0054]

[0070] The substrate 150, the cell 160, the first wiring 170, the second wiring 172, or a combination thereof may produce the solar panel 100 shown in Figure 12. The method 800 also includes, at 824, connecting the solar panel 100 to a vehicle. In particular, the solar panel 100 may be connected to the exterior of the vehicle. The vehicle may be or may include an automobile, a bus, a train, a boat, an airplane, a helicopter, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a spacecraft, etc.

[0055]

[0071] Placing the first wire 170 in the channel 132 may reduce the thickness of the solar panel 100. In particular, this may reduce the profile of the back side of the substrate 150. Placing the first wire 170 in the channel 132 may additionally or alternatively increase flexibility in routing the first wire 170 because the channel 132 and the first wire 170 may be routed in any manner and / or direction. In contrast, in conventional solar panels, there are obstacles (e.g., solar cells, other wires, buffer circuits, restricted areas) on the front and back sides around which the wire is routed. Placing the first wire 170 in the channel 132 may additionally or alternatively reduce the amount of labor required to route the first wire 170 and / or secure the first wire 170 in place. This is because there is no need to apply bonds to the first wire 170 frequently (e.g., every 5 inches or so) to hold it in place. Because the channel is already present, it routes the first wire 170. Therefore, the amount of bonding between the first wire 170 and the substrate 150 can be reduced (e.g., less than conventional) or bonding can be eliminated. Another advantage is that, when used in conjunction with tiling methods, there is no need for any wiring on the front portion 152 of the substrate 150, allowing for a higher density of cells (e.g., cells 160). This increases efficiency and makes the overall tiling concept easier to use. Another advantage is that by using the channel 132, the need to drill any feedthrough holes through the substrate 150 is reduced or eliminated, requiring less effort. Furthermore, when the first wire 170 is inside the channel 132 in the substrate 150, the first wire 170 is better protected and therefore less likely to be damaged. This protection relates to the mission assurance of the spacecraft, reducing the likelihood that small micrometeorites will damage the first wiring 170, resulting in reduced performance.

[0056]

[0072] Bonding the wiring to the front portion of the substrate before placing the wiring within the honeycomb core layer.

[0057]

[0073] 13 shows a flowchart of another method 1300 for manufacturing a solar panel 100, according to one embodiment. An exemplary sequence of the method 1300 is provided below, although one or more steps of the method 1300 may be repeated, performed in a different order, or omitted entirely.

[0058]

[0074] The method 1300 includes, at 1302, manufacturing the tile 156. Manufacturing the tile 156 may include, at 1304, bonding together the electrical insulation layer 110 and the front sheet layer 120 to manufacture the front portion 152 of the substrate 150. This is shown in FIG. 3. The electrical insulation layer 110 and the front sheet layer 120 may be bonded together using a film adhesive such as FM300-2U.

[0059]

[0075] Fabricating the tile 156 also includes bonding 1306 the front portion 152 of the substrate 150 and the cell 160 together. In particular, this may include bonding the cell 160 to the electrical insulation layer 110 using an adhesive such as a room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone. This is shown in FIG. 14. While a single cell 160 is shown, in other embodiments, two or more cells may be bonded to the front portion 152 of the substrate 150 (e.g., the electrical insulation layer 110). As mentioned above, the cell 160 may be or include a photovoltaic (PV) cell, also referred to as a solar cell. The cell 160 may be or include one or more cover glass interconnected cells (CICs), which include one or more PV / solar cells with interconnects and cover glasses.

[0060]

[0076] Fabricating the tile 156 also includes bonding 1308 the front portion 152 of the substrate 150 to one or more traces (two are shown: a first trace 170 and a second trace 172). This is also shown in FIG. 14. In particular, this may include bonding the first trace 170 to the electrical insulation layer 110 and / or the front sheet layer 120. This may additionally or alternatively include bonding the second trace 172 to the electrical insulation layer 110 and / or the front sheet layer 120. The tile 156 shown in FIG. 14 includes the front portion 152 of the substrate 150, the battery 160, the first trace 170, the second trace 172, or a combination thereof.

[0061]

[0077] Method 1300 also includes, at 1310, connecting first wire 170 to the first object and the second object. This may be a substep of step 1302 (e.g., similar to steps 1304-1308) or may be a separate step in method 1300. The first object may be or include battery 160, another battery, a string of batteries, tile 156, solar panel 100, or a combination thereof. For example, first wire 170 may be connected to battery 160 (or a string of batteries including battery 160) before or after battery 160 is bonded to front portion 152 of substrate 150. First wire 170 may additionally or alternatively be connected to battery 160 (or a string of batteries including battery 160) before or after wire 170 is bonded to front portion 152 of substrate 150. The second object may be or include battery 160, another battery (e.g., not battery 160), a string of batteries (e.g., including battery 160), a tile 156, a solar panel 100, a vehicle, or a combination thereof.

[0062]

[0078] Method 1300 also includes, at 1312, connecting second wiring 172 to a third object and a fourth object. This may be a substep of step 1302 (e.g., similar to steps 1304-1308) or may be another step in method 1300. In one embodiment, the third object may be the same as the first object and / or the second object. In another embodiment, the third object may be different from the first object and the second object. In one embodiment, the fourth object may be the same as the first object, the second object, the third object, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the fourth object may be different from the first object, the second object, and the third object. The third object may be or include a battery 160, another battery, a battery string (including battery 160), a tile 156, a solar panel 100, or a combination thereof. The fourth object may be or include battery 160, another battery (e.g., not battery 160), a string of batteries (e.g., including battery 160), a tile 156, a solar panel 100, a vehicle, or a combination thereof. For example, second wire 172 may be connected to the third and / or fourth object before or after second wire 172 is bonded to front portion 152 of substrate 150.

[0063]

[0079] The method 1300 also includes, at 1314, testing the battery 160. The battery 160 may be tested before or after the battery 160 is bonded to the front portion 152 of the substrate 150. The battery 160 may additionally or alternatively be tested before or after the tile 156 is fabricated. As described below, the battery 160 may additionally or alternatively be tested before or after the first wiring 170 is placed in the channel 132. As described below, the battery 160 may additionally or alternatively be tested before the tile 156 is bonded to the back portion 154 of the substrate 150. The battery 160 may be tested using a solar simulator. The battery 160 may additionally or alternatively be tested by forward biasing the battery 160. The battery 160 may be tested to determine whether there is physical damage to the battery 160, whether the connections to the battery 160 are robust or damaged, whether the battery 160 meets predetermined performance metrics (e.g., produces a predetermined voltage and / or current), or a combination thereof.

[0064]

[0080] Method 1300 also includes, at 1316, repairing battery 160 in response to the testing indicating that battery 160 is malfunctioning. Method 200 may additionally or alternatively include, at 1318, replacing battery 160 with a second (e.g., replacement) battery in response to the testing indicating that battery 160 is malfunctioning. Replacing battery 160 with the replacement battery may include removing battery 160 from front portion 152 (e.g., electrical insulation layer 110) of substrate 150 and subsequently bonding the replacement battery to front portion 152 (e.g., electrical insulation layer 110) of substrate 150. Battery 160 may be repaired or replaced before or after tiles 156 are manufactured. As described below, battery 160 may also additionally or alternatively be repaired or replaced before tiles 156 are bonded to rear portion 154 of substrate 150.

[0065]

[0081] Repairing and / or replacing the cells 160 at the tile level before the solar panel is completed is easier because the tiles 156 are smaller and easier to handle than larger, conventional components. Additionally, because the tiles 156 are smaller, the tiles 156 can be discarded if they malfunction. Discarding a larger, conventional solar panel would result in significant waste.

[0066]

[0082] The method 1300 also includes, at 1320, bonding the honeycomb core layer 130 and the rear face sheet layer 140 together to produce the rear portion 154 of the substrate 150. This is shown in FIG. 5. The honeycomb core layer 130 and the rear face sheet layer 140 may be bonded together using a film adhesive such as FM300-2U. The honeycomb core layer 130 and the rear face sheet layer 140 may be bonded together before or after the tiles 156 are produced.

[0067]

[0083] The method 1300 also includes, at 1322, forming one or more channels (one shown: 132) in the honeycomb core layer 130. This is shown in FIG. 9. The channels 132 may be formed in the honeycomb core layer 130 before or after the honeycomb core layer 130 is bonded to the rear face sheet layer 140. In one embodiment, the channels 132 may be formed by removing a portion of the honeycomb core layer 130 (e.g., by machining). In another embodiment, the channels 132 may be formed during the formation of the honeycomb core layer 130. For example, the mold that produces the honeycomb core layer 130 may form the channels 132 in the honeycomb core layer 130.

[0068]

[0084] As shown, the channels 132 may be or may include recesses at least partially formed in the inner surface 133 of the honeycomb core layer 130. The channels 132 may be at least partially defined by one or more channel boundary portions (two shown: 136A, 136B) of the honeycomb core layer 130 and a reduced inner surface 134. In one embodiment, the channel boundary portions 136A, 136B may be or may include portions of the honeycomb core layer 130 that are not removed when the channels 132 are formed.

[0069]

[0085] In another embodiment, the channels 132 may be or may include recesses formed at least partially in the outer surface 135 of the honeycomb core layer 130. In yet another embodiment, the channels 132 may be or may include bores formed at least partially through the honeycomb core layer 130 (e.g., between the inner surface 133 and the outer surface 135). As used herein, the inner surface 133 is the surface that is / may be bonded to the front portion 152 (e.g., the front sheet layer 120), and the outer surface 135 is the surface that is / may be bonded to the rear face sheet layer 140.

[0070]

[0086] The method 1300 also includes, at 1324, positioning the tile 156 so that at least a portion of the first wiring 170 is at least partially disposed within the channel 132. This is shown in FIG. 15 . In particular, the tile 156 may be positioned so that the front sheet layer 120 faces toward the rear portion 154 of the substrate 150 and the electrical insulation layer 110 faces away from the rear portion 154 of the substrate 150. The tile 156 and the rear portion 154 of the substrate 150 may then be moved together until the front sheet layer 120 contacts the honeycomb core layer 130 (e.g., one or more of the channel boundary portions 136A, 136B). At this point, at least a portion of the first wiring 170 may be at least partially disposed within the channel 132.

[0071]

[0087] The method 200 also includes, at 1326, bonding the tiles 156 and the rear portion 154 of the substrate 150 together to produce the solar panel 100. This is also shown in FIG. 15. This may include bonding the front portion 152 of the substrate 150 and the rear portion 154 of the substrate 150 together using a film adhesive such as FM300-2U. In particular, this may include bonding the front sheet layer 120 and the channel boundary portions 136A, 136B of the honeycomb core layer 130 together.

[0072]

[0088] Performing method 1300 in this manner (e.g., fabricating tiles 156 and positioning tiles 156 so that first wire 170 is disposed within channel 132) may reduce the thickness of solar panel 100. In particular, this may reduce the profile of the back side of substrate 150. Performing method 1300 in this manner may additionally or alternatively increase flexibility in routing first wire 170 because channel 132 and first wire 170 may be routed in any manner and / or direction. In contrast, in conventional solar panels, there are obstructions (e.g., solar cells, other wires, buffer circuits, restricted areas) on the front and back sides around which the wire is routed. Performing method 1300 in this manner may additionally or alternatively reduce the amount of labor required to route first wire 170 and / or secure first wire 170 in place. This is because there is no need to apply bonds to the first wiring 170 frequently (e.g., every 5 inches or so) to hold it in place. Because the channel is already present, it routes the first wiring 170. Therefore, the amount of bonding between the first wiring 170 and the substrate 150 can be reduced (e.g., less than conventional) or bonding can be eliminated. Another advantage is that a reduced amount of wiring may be present on the front portion 152 of the substrate 150, allowing for a higher density of cells (e.g., cells 160). This increases efficiency and makes the overall tile concept easier to use. Another advantage is that by using the channel 132, the need to drill any feedthrough holes through the substrate 150 is reduced or eliminated, requiring less effort. Furthermore, when the first wiring 170 is inside the channel 132 in the substrate 150, the first wiring 170 is better protected and therefore less likely to be damaged. This protection relates to the mission assurance of the spacecraft, reducing the likelihood that small micrometeorites will damage the first wiring 170, resulting in reduced performance.

[0073]

[0089] In an embodiment of the method 1300 described above, the solar panel 100 may include a single tile 156 bonded to a single rear portion 154 of the substrate 150 (e.g., a 1:1 ratio). In another embodiment, the solar panel 100 may include multiple tiles bonded to a single rear portion 154 of the substrate 150 (e.g., a 2:1 ratio, a 4:1 ratio, an 8:1 ratio, etc.). In this embodiment, the method 1300 may loop back to step 1302 to fabricate additional tiles 156.

[0074]

[0090] The method 1300 also includes, at 1328, bonding the second tile and the rear portion 154 of the substrate 150 together to produce the solar panel 100. FIG. 16 shows two tiles 156A, 156B bonded to a single rear portion 154 of the substrate 150 to produce the solar panel 100, according to one embodiment. Each tile 156A, 156B may include a front portion 152A, 152B, a cell 160A, 160B, a first wire 170A, 170B, a second wire 172A, 172B, or a combination thereof. The tiles 156A, 156B may be positioned adjacent to one another (side to side or end to end) on the rear portion 154 of the substrate 150. In one embodiment, tiles 156A, 156B may be connected together using first wire(s) 170A, 170B, second wire(s) 172A, 172B, or a combination thereof to form a string of tiles. In another embodiment, tiles 156A, 156B may instead be connected together using metal strips instead of wires to form a string of tiles. Tiles 156A, 156B may be connected to form a string (e.g., in step 324) before first wire(s) 170A, 170B are placed into the channel(s). The string may be connected to a transporter.

[0075]

[0091] Joining two or more tiles 156A, 156B into a single back portion 154 makes it easier to manufacture and repair the solar panel 100 because it allows for greater automation and standardization. Additionally, the parts used to make the solar panel 100 may be easier to handle because the tiles 156A, 156B may be smaller than those used to make conventional solar panels.

[0076]

[0092] In this embodiment, the rear portion 154 of the substrate 150 may have a larger surface area than each of the tiles 156A, 156B. In the illustrated example, the surface area of the rear portion 154 of the substrate 150 is approximately the same as the combined surface area of the two tiles 156A, 156B. However, in other examples, the rear portion 154 of the substrate 150 may be sized to accommodate four tiles, six tiles, eight tiles, or more.

[0077]

[0093] The method 1300 also includes, at 1330, connecting the solar panel 100 to a vehicle. In particular, the solar panel 100 may be connected to the exterior of the vehicle. The vehicle may be or may include an automobile, bus, train, boat, airplane, helicopter, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), spacecraft, etc.

[0078]

[0094] FIG. 17 illustrates an example of a vehicle 1700 to which solar panels 100 may be coupled, according to one embodiment. As discussed above, vehicle 1700 may be or include an automobile, bus, train, boat, airplane, helicopter, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), spacecraft, etc. In this particular example, vehicle 1700 is an aircraft (e.g., an airplane). Solar panels 100 may be coupled to an exterior surface of vehicle 1700. In this example, solar panels 100 are coupled to wings 1710. However, solar panels 100 may additionally or alternatively be coupled to other portions of vehicle 1700. Solar panels 100 may convert sunlight into energy. The energy may be provided to vehicle 1700 and / or components therein (e.g., communications systems, lighting, etc.).

[0079]

[0095] Furthermore, the present disclosure provides for embodiments according to the following clauses. Article 1. 1. A solar panel comprising a substrate and first wiring, the substrate comprising a front portion and a rear portion, the front portion comprising an electrical insulation layer and a front sheet layer bonded to the electrical insulation layer, the front portion of the substrate and the rear portion of the substrate being bonded together, the rear portion comprising a honeycomb core layer and a rear face sheet layer, channels defined in the honeycomb core layer, the rear face sheet layer being bonded to the honeycomb core layer, and the first wiring being at least partially disposed within the channels. Article 2. 10. The solar panel of claim 1, wherein the channels are at least partially defined by a reduced inner surface of the honeycomb core layer. Article 3. 3. The solar panel of claim 2, wherein the first wiring is at least partially disposed between the front sheet layer and the reduced inner surface of the honeycomb core layer. Article 4. 4. The solar panel of claim 3, wherein the first wiring is bonded to the front sheet layer. Article 5. 5. The solar panel of claim 3 or 4, wherein the reduced inner surface of the honeycomb core layer does not contact the front sheet layer. Article 6. 6. The solar panel of any one of clauses 3 to 5, wherein the channels are also at least partially defined by one or more channel boundary portions of the honeycomb core layer. Article 7. 7. The solar panel of claim 6, wherein the channel boundary portions extend from the reduced inner surface toward the front sheet layer, and the one or more channel boundary portions of the honeycomb core layer contact the front sheet layer. Article 8. 8. The solar panel of any one of clauses 3 to 7, further comprising a cell bonded to the electrically insulating layer. Article 9. 9. The solar panel of claim 8, wherein the first wiring is connected to the battery. Article 10. 10. The solar panel of claim 9, further comprising a second wiring bonded to the electrical insulation layer, the rear face sheet layer, or both, wherein at least a portion of the first wiring is substantially parallel to the substrate and the second wiring is substantially perpendicular to the first wiring. Article 11. 1. A method for manufacturing a solar panel, comprising: bonding an electrical insulation layer and a front sheet layer together to form a front portion of a substrate; bonding a honeycomb core layer and a rear sheet layer to form a rear portion of the substrate; forming a channel in the honeycomb core layer; at least partially disposing a first wiring in the channel; and bonding the front portion of the substrate and the rear portion of the substrate together while at least partially disposing the first wiring in the channel. Article 12. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the channel is substantially parallel to the substrate. Article 13. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the channels are defined at least in part by one or more channel boundary portions of the honeycomb core layer and by a reduced interior surface of the honeycomb core layer. Article 14. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein joining the front portion of the substrate and the rear portion of the substrate together includes joining the front sheet layer to the one or more channel boundary portions of the honeycomb core layer, and the first wiring is at least partially disposed between the front sheet layer and the reduced inner surface of the honeycomb core layer. Article 15. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein a gap exists between the front sheet layer and the first wiring. Article 16. 16. The method of any one of clauses 11 to 15, further comprising bonding the electrical insulation layer and a battery together and connecting the first wiring to the battery. Article 17. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising bonding a second wiring and the substrate together, wherein at least a portion of the first wiring within the channel is substantially parallel to the substrate and at least a portion of the second wiring is substantially perpendicular to the substrate. Article 18. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein at least a portion of the second trace is wound at least partially around the substrate. Article 19. 19. The method of any one of clauses 17 to 18, wherein at least a portion of the second trace extends through a hole drilled at least partially through the substrate. Article 20. 20. The method of any one of clauses 17 to 19, further comprising connecting the solar panel to a vehicle. Article 21. 1. A method for manufacturing a solar panel, the method comprising: manufacturing a tile, the tile including bonding together an electrical insulation layer and a front sheet layer to form a front portion of a substrate; bonding together the front portion of the substrate and a battery; and bonding together the front portion of the substrate and a first wiring; bonding together a honeycomb core layer and a rear face sheet layer to form a rear portion of the substrate; forming a channel in the honeycomb core layer; and positioning the tile such that at least a portion of the first wiring is at least partially disposed within the channel. Article 22. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the channels are formed before the honeycomb core layer is bonded to the rear face sheet layer. Article 23. 23. The method of claim 21 or 22, wherein the channels are formed after the honeycomb core layer is bonded to the rear face sheet layer. Article 24. 24. The method of any one of clauses 21 to 23, further comprising connecting a first end of the first wiring to the battery and connecting a second end of the first wiring to an object, wherein the object comprises another tile, another battery, or a transporter. Article 25. 25. The method of clause 24, further comprising bonding a second wiring to the front sheet layer. Article 26. 26. The method of claim 24 or 25, further comprising testing the battery after it is bonded to the front portion of the substrate and before the tile and the rear portion of the substrate are bonded together, and repairing the battery in response to the testing indicating that the battery is malfunctioning, wherein the battery is repaired before the tile and the rear portion of the substrate are bonded together. Article 27. 27. The method of any one of clauses 24 to 26, further comprising testing the battery after it is bonded to the front portion of the substrate and before the tile and the rear portion of the substrate are bonded together, and replacing the battery with a replacement battery if the test indicates that the battery is malfunctioning, wherein the battery is replaced with the replacement battery before the tile and the rear portion of the substrate are bonded together. Article 28. 28. The method of any one of clauses 24 to 27, wherein the channels are defined at least in part by one or more channel boundary portions of the honeycomb core layer and by a reduced interior surface of the honeycomb core layer. Article 29. The method of claim 28, further comprising bonding the tile and the rear portion of the substrate together to manufacture the solar panel, wherein bonding the tile and the rear portion of the substrate together comprises bonding the front sheet layer to the one or more channel boundary portions of the honeycomb core layer, and wherein the first wiring is at least partially disposed between the front sheet layer and the reduced inner surface of the honeycomb core layer. Article 30. 30. The method of clause 29, further comprising connecting the solar panel to a vehicle.

[0080]

[0096] As used herein, the terms "inner" and "outer," "top" and "bottom," "upper" and "lower," "upward" and "downward," "upstream" and "downstream," "upward" and "downward," "inward" and "outward," and other similar terms refer to relative positions with respect to one another and are not intended to designate a particular direction or spatial orientation. The terms "couple," "coupled," "connect," "connection," "connected," "connected to," and "connecting" refer to a "direct connection" or a "connection via one or more intermediate elements or members." Similarly, the terms "bonded" and "bonding" refer to a "direct connection" or a "connection via one or more intermediate elements, members, or layers."

[0081]

[0097] Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the present disclosure are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. However, any numerical value inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. Moreover, all ranges disclosed herein should be understood to include any and all subranges subsumed therein.

[0082]

[0098] While the teachings herein have been illustrated with reference to one or more embodiments, changes and / or modifications can be made to the examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Also, while particular features of the present teachings may be disclosed with reference to only one of several embodiments, such features may be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments where desired and advantageous for any given or particular function. As used herein, the terms "a," "an," and "the" may refer to one or more elements or parts of an element. As used herein, the terms "first" and "second" may refer to two different elements or parts of an element. As used herein, for example, the term "at least one of A and B," with reference to a list of items such as A and B, means A alone, B alone, or A and B. Those skilled in the art will recognize that these and other variations are possible. Furthermore, the words "including / includes," "having / has," "with," or variations thereof, where used in either the specification or claims, are intended to be inclusive in the same sense as the word "comprising." Furthermore, in the discussion and claims herein, the term "about" indicates that the recited value may be varied somewhat as long as such variation does not cause non-suitability of the process or structure for the intended purpose described herein. Finally, "exemplary" indicates that the description is used as an example, rather than to imply ideality.

[0083]

[0099] It will be appreciated that the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements thereon may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art, but are encompassed by the following claims.

Claims

1. A solar panel (100) comprising a substrate (150) and a first wiring (170), The substrate (150) comprises a front portion (152) and a rear portion (154); The front portion (152) an electrically insulating layer (110); a front sheet layer (120) bonded to the electrical insulation layer (110); the front portion (152) of the substrate (150) and the rear portion (154) of the substrate (150) are joined together; The rear portion (154) a honeycomb core layer (130) and a rear face sheet layer (140), wherein a channel (132) is defined within the honeycomb core layer (130); the channel (132) comprises a recess at least partially formed in an inner surface (133) of the honeycomb core layer (130) for at least partially routing the first wiring (170), the inner surface (133) of the honeycomb core layer (130) being bonded to the front portion (152) of the substrate (150) so as to bond together the front portion (152) of the substrate (150) and the rear portion (154) of the substrate (150); The rear face sheet layer (140) is bonded to the honeycomb core layer (130); the first wiring (170) is at least partially disposed within the channel (132); The solar panel (100) a solar cell (160) bonded to the electrical insulating layer (110); a second wiring (172) bonded to the electrical insulation layer (110), the rear face sheet layer (140), or both; A solar panel, wherein at least a portion of the first wiring (170) is substantially parallel to the substrate (150), and at least a portion of the second wiring (172) is substantially perpendicular to the first wiring (170).

2. 2. The solar panel of claim 1, wherein the first wiring (170) is at least partially disposed between the front sheet layer (120) and the recessed inner surface (134) of the honeycomb core layer (130).

3. 3. The solar panel of claim 2, wherein the concave inner surface (134) of the honeycomb core layer (130) does not contact the front sheet layer (120).

4. 4. The solar panel of claim 1, wherein the channels (132) are also at least partially defined by one or more channel boundaries (136A, 136B) of the honeycomb core layer (130).

5. 5. The solar panel of claim 4, wherein the one or more channel boundary portions (136A, 136B) extend from the concave inner surface (134) of the honeycomb core layer (130) toward the front sheet layer (120), and the one or more channel boundary portions (136A, 136B) of the honeycomb core layer (130) contact the front sheet layer (120).

6. The solar panel according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first wiring (170) is connected to the solar cell (160).

7. 7. A vehicle comprising a solar panel according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the vehicle is selected from a car, a bus, a train, a boat, an airplane, a helicopter, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), and a spacecraft.

8. A method (800) for manufacturing a solar panel (100), comprising: bonding together the electrically insulating layer (110) and the front sheet layer (120) to produce a front portion (152) of the substrate (150); bonding the honeycomb core layer (130) and the rear face sheet layer (140) to produce a rear portion (154) of said substrate (150); forming a channel (132) in the honeycomb core layer (130), the channel (132) including a recess formed at least partially in an inner surface (133) of the honeycomb core layer (130) for at least partially routing a first wiring (170); disposing said first wiring (170) at least partially within said channel (132); bonding the front portion (152) of the substrate (150) and the rear portion (154) of the substrate (150) together while disposing the first wiring (170) at least partially within the channel (132), wherein an inner surface (133) of the honeycomb core layer (130) is bonded to the front portion (152) of the substrate (150) so as to bond the front portion (152) of the substrate (150) and the rear portion (154) of the substrate (150) together; bonding the electrically insulating layer (110) and the solar cell (160) together; connecting the first wiring (170) to the solar cell (160); and bonding a second wiring (172) and the substrate (150) together; At least a portion of the first wiring (170) within the channel (132) is substantially parallel to the substrate (150), and at least a portion of the second wiring (172) is substantially perpendicular to the substrate (150).

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the channel (132) is substantially parallel to the substrate (150).

10. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the channel (132) is at least partially defined by one or more channel boundary portions (136A, 136B) of the honeycomb core layer (130) and by a recessed inner surface (134) of the honeycomb core layer (130).

11. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein bonding the front portion (152) of the substrate (150) and the rear portion (154) of the substrate (150) together comprises bonding the front sheet layer (120) to the one or more channel boundary portions (136A, 136B) of the honeycomb core layer (130), and the first wiring (170) is at least partially disposed between the front sheet layer (120) and the recessed inner surface (134) of the honeycomb core layer (130).

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein a gap exists between the front sheet layer (120) and the first trace (170).

13. The method of any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein at least a portion of the second trace (172) is at least partially wrapped around the substrate (150).

14. 14. The method of any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein at least a portion of the second trace (172) extends through a hole drilled at least partially through the substrate (150).

15. The method of any one of claims 8 to 14, further comprising connecting the solar panel (100) to a vehicle (1700).

16. Manufacturing a tile (156), bonding the electrically insulating layer (110) and the front sheet layer (120) together to produce the front portion (152) of the substrate (150); bonding the electrically insulating layer (110) and the solar cell (160) together; and fabricating a tile (156), including bonding together the front portion (152) of the substrate (150) and the first wiring (170); and 16. The method of any one of claims 8 to 15, comprising positioning the tile (156) such that at least a portion of the first wiring (170) is at least partially disposed within the channel (132).

17. connecting a first end of the first wiring (170) to the solar cell (160); and 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising connecting a second end of the first wiring (170) to an object, the object comprising another tile (156B), another solar cell (160B), or a spacecraft (1700).

18. A method (800) for manufacturing a solar panel (100), comprising: Manufacturing a tile (156), bonding together the electrically insulating layer (110) and the front sheet layer (120) to produce a front portion (152) of the substrate (150); bonding the electrically insulating layer (110) and the solar cell (160) together; and manufacturing a tile (156), including bonding together the front portion (152) of the substrate (150) and a first trace (170); bonding the honeycomb core layer (130) and the rear face sheet layer (140) to produce a rear portion (154) of said substrate (150); forming a channel (132) in the honeycomb core layer (130), the channel (132) including a recess formed at least partially in an inner surface (133) of the honeycomb core layer (130) for at least partially routing a first wiring (170); positioning the tile (156) such that at least a portion of the first wiring (170) is at least partially disposed within the channel (132); bonding the front portion (152) of the substrate (150) and the rear portion (154) of the substrate (150) together while at least partially disposing the first wiring (170) within the channel (132) to bond the tile (156) and the rear portion (154) of the substrate (150) together to produce a solar panel, wherein an inner surface (133) of the honeycomb core layer (130) is bonded to the front portion (152) of the substrate (150) to bond the front portion (152) of the substrate (150) and the rear portion (154) of the substrate (150) together; connecting a first end of the first wiring (170) to the solar cell (160); and The method includes connecting a second end of the first wiring (170) to an object, the object including another tile (156B), another solar cell (160B), or a spacecraft (1700).

19. 19. The method of claim 17 or 18, further comprising bonding a second trace (172) to the front sheet layer (120).

20. testing the solar cells (160) after they have been bonded to the front portion (152) of the substrate (150) and before the tiles (156) and the rear portion (154) of the substrate (150) are bonded together; and 20. The method of any one of claims 16 to 19, further comprising repairing the solar cell (160) in response to the test indicating that the solar cell (160) is malfunctioning, the solar cell (160) being repaired before the tile (156) and the rear portion (154) of the substrate (150) are bonded together.

21. testing the solar cells (160) after they have been bonded to the front portion (152) of the substrate (150) and before the tiles (156) and the rear portion (154) of the substrate (150) are bonded together; and 21. The method of any one of claims 16 to 20, further comprising replacing the solar cell (160) with a replacement battery in response to the test indicating that the solar cell (160) is malfunctioning, the solar cell (160) being replaced with the replacement battery before the tile (156) and the rear portion (154) of the substrate (150) are joined together.

Images