Method and system for manufacturing solar panels using an integrated solar cell using a plurality of photovoltaic regions

Abstract

A solar panel apparatus and method. The apparatus has an optically transparent member comprising a predetermined thickness and an aperture surface region. The apparatus has a solar cell coupled to a portion of the optically transparent member. In a specific embodiment, the solar cell includes a transparent polymeric member and a plurality of photovoltaic regions provided within a portion of the transparent polymeric member. In a specific embodiment, the plurality of photovoltaic regions occupies at least about 10 percent of the aperture surface region of the transparent polymeric member and less than about 80% of the aperture surface region of the transparent polymeric member.

1 - 46 . (canceled) 
     
     
         47 . A method for manufacturing a solar panel, the method comprising:
 providing a plurality of solar cells, each of the solar cell comprising a transparent polymeric member, the transparent polymeric member comprising a plurality of photovoltaic regions, the plurality of photovoltaic regions occupying at least about 10% of an aperture surface region of the transparent polymeric member and up to about 80% of the aperture surface region of the transparent polymeric member;   aligning each of the solar cells in a spatial configuration on a surface of an optical transparent member; and   coupling the plurality of solar cells to the optically transparent member to form a solar panel, the optically transparent member having a predetermined thickness and surface region, the predetermined thickness providing a mechanical structure to support each of the solar cells thereon.   
     
     
         48 . The method of  claim 47  wherein the aligning and coupling are provided in a serial manner for each of the solar cells. 
     
     
         49 . The method of  claim 47  wherein the aligning and coupling are provided in a parallel manner for at least two of the solar cells. 
     
     
         50 - 78 . (canceled)