Apparatus and methods for connecting multiple photovoltaic modules

Abstract

In some embodiments, an apparatus for electrically connecting a plurality of photovoltaic modules in a solar panel includes a first electrically conductive line engageable with and capable of electrically connecting a plurality of first output contacts of the photovoltaic modules along a common axis.

1 . An apparatus for electrically connecting a plurality of photovoltaic modules disposed within a solar panel, the solar panel including a frame that includes first and second opposing side rails and first and second opposing end rails, the apparatus comprising:
 at least one of the photovoltaic modules including a plurality of solar cells that share a common substrate; and   a first electrically conductive line extending at least partially through, and electrically connecting together the plurality of photovoltaic modules within, at least one among the first and second opposing side rails and the first and second opposing end rails of the frame.   
     
     
         2 . An apparatus for electrically connecting a plurality of photovoltaic modules disposed within a solar panel, the solar panel including a frame that includes first and second opposing side rails and first and second opposing end rails, the apparatus comprising:
 the plurality of photovoltaic modules being disposed within the solar panel in a manner that prohibits rotational movement of the plurality of photovoltaic modules relative to the solar panel;   at least one of the photovoltaic modules including a plurality of solar cells that share a common substrate; and   a first electrically conductive line extending at least partially through, and electrically connecting together the plurality of photovoltaic modules within, at least one among the first and second opposing side rails and the first and second opposing end rails of the frame.   
     
     
         3 . An apparatus for electrically connecting a plurality of photovoltaic modules disposed within a solar panel, the solar panel including a frame that includes first and second opposing side rails and first and second opposing end rails, the apparatus comprising:
 at least one of the photovoltaic modules including a plurality of solar cells that share a common substrate;   the plurality of photovoltaic modules being configured to accept light from more than one planar direction and produce electric power from light received from more than one planar direction; and   a first electrically conductive line extending at least partially through, and electrically connecting together the plurality of photovoltaic modules within, at least one among the first and second opposing side rails and the first and second opposing end rails of the frame.