Lightweight solar module and method of fabrication

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention is directed to an improved solar cell module, comprising a substrate and a first solar cell supported by the substrate, with the first solar cell having a first top side and a first rear side.
A second solar cell is supported by the substrate and has a second top side and a second rear side, with the second solar cell being operatively adjacent the first solar cell.
A first tab is affixed to either the first or second top side and operatively interfaces either the first and rear bottom side.
A bonding element is disposed between the substrate and first and second rear sides.
The bonding element directly bonds (a) the substrate to one of the first and second rear sides and (b) the substrate to the tab.
A first metal trace element is disposed between the substrate and first and second solar cells, with the metal trace electrically connecting one of the first and second top sides to one of the first and second rear sides.
In another aspect of the invention, a method of making a solar cell module comprises positioning a first solar cell adjacent a second solar cell.
One plurality of conducting elements in a first pattern is applied on the first solar cell.
Another plurality of conducting elements in a second pattern is applied on the second solar cell.
A bonding element is adhered onto the first and second solar cells, with the bonding element having a plurality of openings arranged in the first and second patterns.
The conducting elements are aligned with the openings.
A plurality of metal trace elements is placed on a substrate and then the metal trace elements are contacted with the conducting elements.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description, and claims.