New series connection method for bulk-heterojunction polymer solar cell modules

We propose and demonstrate a new series connection method that employs alternating conventional and inverted bulk-heterojunction (BHJ) solar cells. The two adjacent cells in each submodule are connected through top or bottom 'continuous terminals' made of aluminum or indium tin oxide (ITO), which are shared by cells with different polarities in either a top-to-top or a bottom-to-bottom manner. In comparison with the conventional series-interconnection method, our new structure offers unique advantages in that both printing methods and efficient coating methods can be applied in the manufacturing of series-connected BHJ photovoltaic modules. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.