| abstract |
Methods and devices are provided for improved large-scale solar installations. In one embodiment, a junction-box free photovoltaic module is used comprising of a plurality of photovoltaic cells and a module support layer providing a mounting surface for the cells. The module has a first electrical lead extending outward from one of the photovoltaic cells, the lead coupled to an adjacent module without passing the lead through a junction box. The module may have a second electrical lead extending outward from one of the photovoltaic cells, the lead coupled to another adjacent module without passing the lead through a junction box. Without junction boxes, the module may use connectors along the edges of the modules which can substantially reduce the amount of wire or connector ribbon used for such connections. |