Patent Publication Number: US-2019189819-A1

Title: Shingled array solar cells and method of manufacturing solar modules including the same

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/935,926, filed Mar. 26, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/935,906, filed Mar. 26, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/794,699, filed Oct. 26, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,935,222, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/622,783, filed on Jun. 14, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,935,221, which is a continuation of PCT/CN17/76017, filed Mar. 9, 2017, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to solar modules, and more particularly, to solar cells incorporated into shingled array module (“SAM”), which deliver a much higher module efficiency than conventional ribbon interconnected modules. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Over the past few years, the use of fossil fuels as an energy source has been trending downward. Many factors have contributed to this trend. For example, it has long been recognized that the use of fossil fuel-based energy options, such as oil, coal, and natural gas, produces gases and pollution may not be easily removed from the atmosphere. Additionally, as more fossil fuel-based energy is consumed, the more pollution is discharged into the atmosphere causing harmful effects on life close by. Despite these effects, fossil-fuel based energy options still are being depleted at a rapid pace, and as a result, the costs of some of these fossil fuel resources, such as oil, have risen. Further, as many of the fossil fuel reserves are located in politically unstable areas, the supply and costs of fossil fuels have been unpredictable. 
     Due in part to the many challenges presented by these traditional energy sources, the demand for alternative, clean energy sources has increased dramatically. To further encourage solar energy and other clean energy usage, some governments have provided incentives, in the form of monetary rebates or tax relief, consumers willing to switch from traditional energy sources to clean energy sources. In other instances, consumers have found that the long-term savings benefits of changing to clean energy sources have outweighed the relatively high upfront cost of implementing clean energy sources. 
     One form of clean energy, solar energy, has risen in popularity over the past few years. Advancements in semiconductor technology have allowed the designs of solar modules and solar panels to be more efficient and capable of greater output. Further, the materials for manufacturing solar modules and solar panels have become relatively inexpensive, which has contributed to the decrease in costs of solar energy. As solar energy has increasingly become an affordable clean energy option for individual consumers, solar module and panel manufacturers have made available products with aesthetic and utilitarian appeal for implementation on residential structures. As a result of these benefits, solar energy has gained widespread global popularity. 
     SUMMARY 
     Although solar module designs have made many advancements over the past few years, they may be improved. For example, solar cells from which the solar modules are manufactured are still using the symmetrical metallization patterns on front and rear surfaces per ribbon soldering interconnection requirements. Additionally, the manufacturing processes themselves can be optimized further to reduce optical and resistive losses. 
     The present disclosure addresses the aforementioned shortcomings. In an aspect of the present disclosure, a solar cell is provided that includes a substrate having a front side and a back side, a metallization pattern deposited on the front side of the substrate, the metallization pattern including a plurality of front side bus bars, each front side bus bar including fingers extending therefrom, and a plurality of back side bus bars deposited on the back side of the substrate. On the front side of the substrate, one front side bus bar of the plurality of front side bus bars is formed along an edge of the front side of the substrate, and a remainder of the front side bus bars of the plurality of front side bus bars are unequally spaced across the substrate. On the back side of the substrate, only one back side bus bar of the plurality of back side bus bars is formed along an edge of the back side of the substrate, and a remainder of the back side bus bars of the plurality of back side bus bars are unequally spaced across the substrate. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, the remainder of the front side bus bars of the plurality of front side bus bars include two front side bus bars that are adjacent each other. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, each front side bus bar of the plurality of front side bus bars includes finger lines extending therefrom and two sets of the finger lines point towards each other. In still another aspect of the present disclosure, one of the two sets of finger lines extends from the one front side bus bar formed along the edge of the front side of the substrate. Alternatively, in an aspect of the present disclosure, neither of the two sets of finger lines extends from the one front side bus bar formed along the edge of the front side of the substrate. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, each front side bus bar of the plurality of front side bus bars includes finger lines extending therefrom, a first set of the finger lines point toward each other, and a second set of the finger lines point toward each other. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, the solar cell includes five discrete sections, each section including one front side bus bar and one back side bus bar. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, the solar cell includes six discrete sections, each section including one front side bus bar and one back side bus bar. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, the solar cell is dividable into a plurality of strips, each strip is of substantially equal width, and each strip has a front side bus bar on an edge opposite from an edge on which a back side bus bar is formed. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, the solar cell is dividable into a plurality of strips, each strip is of substantially equal area, and each strip has a front side bus bar on an edge opposite from an edge on which a back side bus bar is formed. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided of forming a solar cell. The method includes depositing a metallization pattern on a front side of a substrate, the metallization pattern including a plurality of front side bus bars, each front side bus bar including fingers extending therefrom, and depositing a plurality of back side bus bars on a back side of the substrate. On the front side of the substrate, one front side bus bar of the plurality of front side bus bars is formed along an edge of the front side of the substrate, and a remainder of the front side bus bars of the plurality of front side bus bars are unequally spaced across the substrate. On the back side of the substrate, only one back side bus bar of the plurality of back side bus bars is formed along an edge of the back side of the substrate, and a remainder of the back side bus bars of the plurality of back side bus bars are unequally spaced across the substrate. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, the remainder of the front side bus bars of the plurality of front side bus bars include two front side bus bars that are adjacent each other. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, each front side bus bar of the plurality of front side bus bars includes finger lines extending therefrom and two sets of the finger lines point towards each other. In still another aspect of the present disclosure, one of the two sets of finger lines extends from the one front side bus bar formed along the edge of the front side of the substrate. In still yet another aspect of the present disclosure, neither of the two sets of finger lines extends from the one front side bus bar formed along the edge of the front side of the substrate. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, each front side bus bar of the plurality of front side bus bars includes finger lines extending therefrom, a first set of the finger lines point toward each other, and a second set of the finger lines point toward each other. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, the method also includes forming scribe lines into the solar cell to define five discrete sections, each section including one front side bus bar and one back side bus bar. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, the method also includes forming scribe lines into the solar cell to define six discrete sections, each section including one front side bus bar and one back side bus bar. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, the solar cell is dividable into a plurality of strips, each strip is of substantially equal width, and each strip has a front side bus bar on an edge opposite from an edge on which a back side bus bar is formed. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, the solar cell is dividable into a plurality of strips, each strip is of substantially equal area, and each strip has a front side bus bar on an edge opposite from an edge on which a back side bus bar is formed. 
     According to still yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a solar cell is provided including a substrate having a front side and a back side, a metallization pattern deposited on the front side of the substrate, the metallization pattern including a plurality of front side bus bars, each front side bus bar including fingers extending therefrom, and a plurality of back side bus bars deposited on the back side of the substrate. On the front side of the substrate, no front side bus bar of the plurality of front side bus bars is formed along an edge of the front side of the substrate, and the plurality of front side bus bars are unequally spaced across the substrate. On the back side of the substrate, two back side bus bars of the plurality of back side bus bars are each formed along a corresponding edge of the back side of the substrate, and a remainder of the back side bus bars of the plurality of back side bus bars are unequally spaced across the substrate. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, the remainder of the front side bus bars of the plurality of front side bus bars include two front side bus bars that are adjacent each other. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, each front side bus bar of the plurality of front side bus bars includes finger lines extending therefrom and two sets of the finger lines point towards each other. In still another aspect of the present disclosure, one of the two sets of finger lines extends from the one front side bus bar formed along the edge of the front side of the substrate. In still another aspect of the present disclosure, neither of the two sets of finger lines extends from the one front side bus bar formed along the edge of the front side of the substrate. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, each front side bus bar of the plurality of front side bus bars includes finger lines extending therefrom, a first set of the finger lines point toward each other, and a second set of the finger lines point toward each other. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, the solar cell includes five discrete sections, each section including one front side bus bar and one back side bus bar. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, the solar cell includes six discrete sections, each section including one front side bus bar and one back side bus bar. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, the solar cell is dividable into a plurality of strips, each strip is of substantially equal width, and each strip has a front side bus bar on an edge opposite from an edge on which a back side bus bar is formed. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, the solar cell is dividable into a plurality of strips, each strip is of substantially equal area, and each strip has a front side bus bar on an edge opposite from an edge on which a back side bus bar is formed. 
     According to still yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of forming a solar cell is provided. The method includes depositing a metallization pattern on the front side of the substrate, the metallization pattern including a plurality of front side bus bars, each front side bus bar including fingers extending therefrom, and depositing a plurality of back side bus bars on the back side of the substrate. On the front side of the substrate, no front side bus bar of the plurality of front side bus bars is formed along an edge of the front side of the substrate, and the plurality of front side bus bars are unevenly spaced apart from each other across the substrate. On the back side of the substrate, two back side bus bars of the plurality of back side bus bars are each formed along a corresponding edge of the back side of the substrate, and a remainder of the back side bus bars of the plurality of back side bus bars are unequally spaced across the substrate. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, the remainder of the front side bus bars of the plurality of front side bus bars include two front side bus bars that are adjacent each other. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, each front side bus bar of the plurality of front side bus bars includes finger lines extending therefrom and two sets of the finger lines point towards each other. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, one of the two sets of finger lines extends from the one front side bus bar formed along the edge of the front side of the substrate. According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, neither of the two sets of finger lines extends from the one front side bus bar formed along the edge of the front side of the substrate. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, each front side bus bar of the plurality of front side bus bars includes finger lines extending therefrom, a first set of the finger lines point toward each other, and a second set of the finger lines point toward each other. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, the method also includes forming scribe lines into the solar cell to define five discrete sections, each section including one front side bus bar and one back side bus bar. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, the method also includes forming scribe lines into the solar cell to define six discrete sections, each section including one front side bus bar and one back side bus bar. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, upon cleaving the solar cell into a plurality of strips, each strip is of substantially equal width and each strip has a front side bus bar on an edge opposite from an edge on which a back side bus bar is formed. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, upon cleaving the solar cell into a plurality of strips, each strip is of substantially equal area and each strip has a front side bus bar on an edge opposite from an edge on which a back side bus bar is formed. 
     Further details and aspects of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described in more detail below with reference to the appended figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various aspects of the present disclosure are described hereinbelow with reference to the drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a front side plan view of a solar cell, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a back side plan view of the solar cell of  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a close-up view of a portion of the solar cell of  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment; 
         FIGS. 4-23  are simplified front side and back side views of five strip solar cells, according to various embodiments; 
         FIGS. 24-77  are simplified front side and back side views of six strip solar cells, according to various embodiments; 
         FIG. 78  is a flow diagram of a method of forming a string of solar cell strips, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 79  is a back side view of a solar cell including scribe lines, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 80  is a simplified schematic of a step of the method depicted in  FIG. 78  during which scribing of the solar cell is performed, in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 81  is a front side view of the solar cell of  FIG. 79  after singulation, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 82  is a simplified schematic of a step of the method depicted in  FIG. 78  during which strips of the solar cell are formed into a string, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 83  is a front side view of a string of solar cell strips having chamfered corners, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 84  is a front side view of a string of solar cell strips having non-chamfered corners including end connectors soldered or conductively connected to bus bars on the first and last strips of each string, according to an embodiment; 
         FIGS. 85A-85C  are front side views of a solar module, according to various embodiments; 
         FIG. 86A and 86B  are back side views of the solar modules of  FIGS. 85A-85C , according to various embodiments; 
         FIG. 87  is a close-up view of a portion of the solar module of  FIG. 85A  bounded by circle A; 
         FIG. 88  is a plan view of an isolation strip included in the solar module of  FIG. 85A , according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 89  is an electrical schematic for a solar module, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 90  is an electrical schematic for a solar module, according to another embodiment; 
         FIG. 91  is an electrical schematic for a solar module, according to still another embodiment; 
         FIG. 92  is a flow diagram of a method of manufacturing a solar module, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 93  is a cross-section view of a solar module, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 94  is a top view of a ribbon configuration of a bus bar, in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 95  is a close up view of a portion of the solar module in  FIG. 85B , illustrating an isolation strip and associated electrical connections, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 96  is a cross section view of the solar module illustrated in  FIG. 95  taken along line B-B; and 
         FIG. 97  is a cross section view of the solar module illustrated in  FIG. 95  taken along line C-C. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Unique solar cell designs are included that, when incorporated into solar modules, provide improved efficiency and energy output and reduce costs. The solar cell designs take advantage of special metallization patterns formed on the solar cells, which inherently allow lower leakage current to thereby boost cell performance and permit a manufacturer to set up solar cell testing equipment to measure the efficiency of shingled array solar cells more accurately. This testing setup can lead to reduced time and expense during manufacture. Additionally, methods are provided during which singulation of the solar cell into strips occurs substantially simultaneously to further reduce manufacturing times. Solar modules are provided that incorporate the strips of the solar cells. 
     As alluded to briefly above, solar cells are used as the building block of solar modules. With reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , various views of a solar cell  100  are provided, according to an embodiment. The solar cell  100  is made up of a substrate  101  configured to be capable of producing energy by converting light energy into electricity. Examples of suitable photovoltaic material include, but are not limited to, those made from multicrystalline or monocrystalline silicon wafers. These wafers may be processed through the major solar cell processing steps, which include wet or dry texturization, junction diffusion, silicate glass layer removal and edge isolation, silicon nitride anti-reflection layer coating, front and back metallization including screen printing, and firing. The wafers may be further processed through advanced solar processing steps, including adding rear passivation coating and selective patterning to thereby obtain a passivated emitter rear contact (PERC) solar cell, which has a higher efficiency than solar cells formed using the standard process flow mentioned above. The solar cell  100  is a p-type monocrystalline cell, in an embodiment, but may be a p-type multicrystalline or an n-type monocrystalline cell in other embodiments. Similar to the diffused junction solar cells described as above, other high efficiency solar cells, including heterojunction solar cells, can utilize the same metallization patterns in order to be used for the manufacture of a shingled array module. The solar cell  100  may have a substantially square shape with chamfered corners (a pseudo-square) or a full square shape. As illustrated in the figures, these options are depicted with dashed lines showing the alternative configurations. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the solar cell  100  has a metallization pattern  102  formed on a front side  104  of the substrate  101 . The metallization pattern  102  generally includes a plurality of discrete sections  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112 ,  114 , each of which has a front side bus bar  116 ,  118 ,  120 ,  122 ,  124  and lines  126 ,  128 ,  130 ,  132 ,  134 . The discrete sections  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112 ,  114  are patterned such that, as will be described later, each discrete section  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112 ,  114  can be separated from the solar cell  100  to form a strip. As such, the sections  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112 ,  114  may be separated by a gap, which serves as a portion of the solar cell  100  at which a break may be made. The width of the gap, if included, is in a range of about 0.2 mm to about 2.0 mm. Here, five discrete sections  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112 ,  114  are included to thereby form five strips total. The front side bus bars  116 ,  118 ,  120 ,  122 ,  124  are substantially parallel to each other, and each extends along a length of the solar cell  100  without intersecting the top and bottom edges  135 ,  137  of the solar cell  100 . With particular reference to  FIG. 3 , the lines  126 ,  128 ,  130 ,  132 ,  134  of each discrete section  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112 ,  114  include finger lines, for example, finger line  140 , each extending between the front side bus bars  116 ,  118 ,  120 ,  122 ,  124  and boundary lines, for example, boundary line  142 . Connection lines may be included to extend between adjacent finger lines  140  in an embodiment. 
     A back side  146  of the solar cell  100  likewise includes metallization, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . In an embodiment, the back side  146  includes a plurality of back side bus bars  148 ,  150 ,  152 ,  154 ,  156 , the total number of which is equal to the number of front side bus bars  116 ,  118 ,  120 ,  122 ,  124 . Each back side bus bar  148 ,  150 ,  152 ,  154 ,  156  corresponds to a discrete section  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112 ,  114 . In an embodiment, the location of each back side bus bar  148 ,  150 ,  152 ,  154 ,  156  depends on the location of a corresponding front side bus bar  116 ,  118 ,  120 ,  122 ,  124 . Specifically, upon cleaving the solar cell  100  into a plurality of strips, each strip has a front side bus bar  116 ,  118 ,  120 ,  122 ,  124  on an edge opposite from an edge on which a back side bus bar  148 ,  150 ,  152 ,  154 ,  156  is formed. Further, each back side bus bar  148 ,  150 ,  152 ,  154 ,  156  is formed at location on the solar cell  100  that is not directly below a corresponding boundary line  142 . 
     The particular locations of the front and back side bus bars are strategically selected. In particular, the front side bus bars are formed at locations that are away from one or both of the edges of the solar cell  100 , which thereby reduces side leakage and improves shunt resistance. As a result, high yield and improved low irradiation performance are achieved. Furthermore, by grouping two of the front side bus bars together so that they are adjacent each other, three sets of probes may be employed, rather than the typical five or six sets of probes, to contact bus bars during flash testing. The fewer number of probes used also reduces the shadow impact of the probes during the testing to thereby improve the accuracy and consistency of cell efficiency test. 
     In this regard, in an embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the left-most discrete section  106  includes boundary line  142  formed along the left edge  136  of the solar cell  100 , and hence, left edge  160  of discrete section  106 , while front side bus bar  116  is formed along a right edge  162  of discrete section  106  towards an interior portion of the solar cell  100 . At the right edge  138  of the solar cell  100 , a boundary line  178  is formed along the right edge  164 , and hence, front side bus bar  124  is formed towards the interior portion of the solar cell  100  along an opposite (or left) edge  176  of the right-most discrete section  114 . The remainder of the front side bus bars  118 ,  120 ,  122  are formed along a right edge of corresponding discrete sections  108 ,  110 ,  112 . As such, the front side bus bars  116 ,  118 ,  120 ,  122 ,  124  are unevenly spaced apart across the solar cell  100 . 
     Similarly, the back side bus bars  148 ,  150 ,  152 ,  154 ,  156  are also unevenly spaced apart across the solar cell  100 . Specifically, the back side bus bars  148 ,  150 ,  152 ,  154 ,  156  are formed at locations on the back side  146  of the solar cell  100  such that upon cleaving the solar cell  100  into a plurality of strips made up of each of the discrete sections  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112 ,  114 , the front side bus bar  116 ,  118 ,  120 ,  122 ,  124  of the strip is on an edge opposite from an edge on which a back side bus bar  148 ,  150 ,  152 ,  154 ,  156  is formed. For example, turning to  FIG. 2 , back side bus bar  148  is formed along the left edge  136  of the solar cell  100  (and hence, left edge  160  of discrete section  106 ), while back side bus bar  156  is formed along the right edge  138  of the solar cell  100 . Back side bus bars  150 ,  152 ,  154  are formed along a left edge of corresponding discrete sections  108 ,  110 ,  112 . 
       FIGS. 4 and 5  are simplified front and back side views of a solar cell  400 , according to another embodiment. The solar cell  400  has discrete sections  406 ,  408 ,  410 ,  412 ,  414  each patterned on the front side  404  of the solar cell  400  to include front side bus bars  416 ,  418 ,  420 ,  422 ,  424  and on the back side  446  of the solar cell  400  to include back side bus bar  448 ,  450 ,  452 ,  454 ,  456 . Similar to solar cell  100 , five discrete sections  406 ,  408 ,  410 ,  412 ,  414  are included to thereby form five strips total. Additionally, the front side bus bars  416 ,  418 ,  420 ,  422 ,  424  are substantially parallel to each other, and each extends along a length of the solar cell  400  without intersecting the edges  435 ,  437  of the solar cell  400 . Each front side bus bar  416 ,  418 ,  420 ,  422 ,  424  has finger lines extending away therefrom. Also similar to solar cell  100 , the left-most discrete section  406  includes a boundary line (not shown) formed along the left edge  436  of the solar cell  400  (left edge  460  of discrete section  406 ), while front side bus bar  416  is formed along the right edge  462  of discrete section  406 . Also similar to solar cell  100 , a boundary line  478  is formed along the right edge  438  of the solar cell  400 , and hence, front side bus bar  424  is formed towards the interior portion of the solar cell  400  along an opposite (or left) edge  476  of the right-most discrete section  414 . In contrast to solar cell  100 , the remainder of the front side bus bars  418 ,  420 ,  422  of solar cell  400  are spaced differently; for example, the remainder of the front side bus bars  418 ,  420 ,  422  are unevenly spaced between the other front side bus bars  416 ,  424 . In particular, front side bus bar  418  is formed along a left edge  464  of discrete section  408 , wherein the left edge  464  is adjacent the right edge  462  of discrete section  406 . Front side bus bar  420  is formed along a right edge  470  of discrete section  410 . Additionally, front side bus bar  422  is formed along a right edge  474  of discrete sections  412 , which is adjacent front side bus bar  424  at the left edge  476  of discrete section  414 . As such, the front side bus bars  416 ,  418 ,  420 ,  422 ,  424  are unevenly spaced apart across the solar cell  400 . Back side bus bars  448 ,  450 ,  452 ,  454 ,  456  are formed at corresponding opposite edge locations on the back side  446  of the solar cell  400 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . It will be appreciated that one or more of the edges (for example, those referred to in  FIGS. 4-76 ) may or may not be depicted as visible lines, in some embodiments. 
       FIGS. 6 and 7  are simplified front and back side views of a solar cell  600 , according to another embodiment. The solar cell  600  has discrete sections  606 ,  608 ,  610 ,  612 ,  614  each patterned on the front side  604  of the solar cell  600  to include front side bus bars  616 ,  618 ,  620 ,  622 ,  624  and on the back side  646  of the solar cell  600  to include back side bus bar  648 ,  650 ,  652 ,  654 ,  656 . Similar to solar cells  100  and  400 , five discrete  606 ,  608 ,  610 ,  612 ,  614  are included to thereby form five strips total. Additionally, the front side bus bars  616 ,  618 ,  620 ,  622 ,  624  are substantially parallel to each other, and each extends along a length of the solar cell  600  without intersecting the edges  635  of the solar cell  600 . Each front side bus bar  616 ,  618 ,  620 ,  622 ,  624  has finger lines extending away therefrom. Also similar to solar cells  100  and  400 , the left-most discrete section  606  includes a boundary line formed along the left edge  636  of the solar cell  600  (left edge  660  of discrete section  606 ), while front side bus bar  616  is formed along the right edge  662  of discrete section  606 . Also similar to solar cells  100  and  400 , a boundary line is formed along the right edge  638  of the solar cell  600 , and hence, front side bus bar  624  is formed towards the interior portion of the solar cell  600  along an opposite (or left) edge  676  of the right-most discrete section  614 . 
     The remainder of the front side bus bars  618 ,  620 ,  622  are unevenly spaced between the other front side bus bars  616 ,  624 . In particular, front side bus bar  618  is formed along a right edge  666  of discrete section  608 , and adjacent right edge  666  is formed front side bus bar  620  along a left edge  668  of discrete section  610 . Front side bus bar  622  is formed along a right edge  674  of discrete section  612 . Accordingly, the front side bus bars  616 ,  618 ,  620 ,  622 ,  624  are unevenly spaced apart across the solar cell  600 . Back side bus bars  648 ,  650 ,  652 ,  654 ,  656  are formed at corresponding opposite edge locations on the back side  646  of the solar cell  600 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  are simplified front and back side views of a solar cell  800 , according to yet another embodiment. The solar cell  800  has discrete sections  806 ,  808 ,  810 ,  812 ,  814  each patterned on the front side  804  of the solar cell  800  to include front side bus bars  816 ,  818 ,  820 ,  822 ,  824  and on the back side  846  of the solar cell  800  to include back side bus bars  848 ,  850 ,  852 ,  854 ,  856 . Similar to solar cells  100 ,  400 , and  600 , five discrete sections  806 ,  808 ,  810 ,  812 ,  814  are included to thereby form five strips total, and the front side bus bars  816 ,  818 ,  820 ,  822 ,  824  are substantially parallel to each other, and each extends along a length of the solar cell  800  without intersecting the edges  835  of the solar cell  800 . Each front side bus bar  816 ,  818 ,  820 ,  822 ,  824  has finger lines extending away therefrom. Also similar to solar cells  100 ,  400 , and  600 , a boundary line (not shown) formed on left edge  836  of the solar cell  800 , and front side bus bar  816  is formed also right edge  862  of discrete section  806 , respectively, and front side bus bar  824  and a boundary line are formed along left edge  876  of discrete section  814  and right edge  838  of the solar cell  800 , respectively. 
     The remainder of the front side bus bars  818 ,  820 ,  822  are also unevenly spaced between the other front side bus bars  816 ,  824 . In particular, front side bus bar  818  is formed along a right edge  866  of discrete section  808 , front side bus bar  820  is formed along a right edge  870  of discrete sections  810 , and front side bus bar  822  is formed along the left edge  872  of discrete section  812 . Back side bus bars  848 ,  850 ,  852 ,  854 ,  856  are formed at corresponding opposite edge locations on the back side  846  of the solar cell  800 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
     In another embodiment, rather than having no bus bars formed along the edges of a solar cell, one bus bar is included. For example, as illustrated in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , The solar cell  1000  has discrete sections  1006 ,  1008 ,  1010 ,  1012 ,  1014  each patterned on the front side  1004  of the solar cell  1000  to include front side bus bars  1016 ,  1018 ,  1020 ,  1022 ,  1024  and on the back side  1046  of the solar cell  1000  to include back side bus bars  1048 ,  1050 ,  1052 ,  1054 ,  1056 . Five discrete sections  1006 ,  1008 ,  1010 ,  1012 ,  1014  are included to thereby form five strips total, and the front side bus bars  1016 ,  1018 ,  1020 ,  1022 ,  1024  are substantially parallel to each other, and each extends along a length of the solar cell  1000  without intersecting the edges  1035 ,  1037 ,  1039  of the solar cell  1000 . Each front side bus bar  1016 ,  1018 ,  1020 ,  1022 ,  1024  has finger lines extending away therefrom. A boundary line and front side bus bar  1016  are formed on left edge  1036  of the solar cell  1000  and right edge  1062  of discrete section  1006 , respectively, while a boundary line and front side bus bar  1024  and are formed along left edge  1076  of discrete section  1014  and right edge  1038  of the solar cell  1000 , respectively. 
     The remainder of the front side bus bars  1018 ,  1020 ,  1022  here are unevenly spaced between the other front side bus bars  1016 ,  1024  in a manner similar to front side bus bars  816 ,  818 ,  820 ,  822 ,  824  of the solar cell  800  shown and described in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . Back side bus bars  1048 ,  1050 ,  1052 ,  1054 ,  1056  are formed at corresponding opposite edge locations on the back side  1046  of the solar cell  1000 , as shown in  FIG. 11 . 
     In another exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the solar cell  1200  here has discrete sections  1206 ,  1208 ,  1210 ,  1212 ,  1214  each patterned on the front side  1204  of the solar cell  1200  to include front side bus bars  1216 ,  1218 ,  1220 ,  1222 ,  1224  and on the back side  1246  of the solar cell  1200  to include back side bus bars  1248 ,  1250 ,  1252 ,  1254 ,  1256 . Front side bus bars  1216 ,  1224  are formed at locations on the solar cell  1200  similar to those of front side bus bars  1016 ,  1024 , and the remainder of the front side bus bars  1218 ,  1220 ,  1222  here are unevenly spaced between the other front side bus bars  1216 ,  1224  in a manner similar to front side bus bars  618 ,  620 ,  622  of solar cell  600 . Each front side bus bar  1216 ,  1218 ,  1220 ,  1222 ,  1224  has finger lines extending away therefrom. Back side bus bars  1248 ,  1250 ,  1252 ,  1254 ,  1256  are formed at corresponding opposite edge locations on the back side  1246  of the solar cell  1200 , as shown in  FIG. 13 . 
     According to still another exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the solar cell  1400  here has discrete sections  1406 ,  1408 ,  1410 ,  1412 ,  1414  each patterned on the front side  1404  of the solar cell  1400  to include front side bus bars  1416 ,  1418 ,  1420 ,  1422 ,  1424  and on the back side  1446  of the solar cell  1400  to include back side bus bars  1448 ,  1450 ,  1452 ,  1454 ,  1456 . Front side bus bars  1416 ,  1424  are formed at locations on the solar cell  1400  similar to those of front side bus bars  1016 ,  1024  of solar cell  1000 , and the remainder of the front side bus bars  1418 ,  1420 ,  1422  here are unevenly spaced between the other front side bus bars  1416 ,  1424  in a manner similar to front side bus bars  418 ,  420 ,  422  of solar cell  400 . Back side bus bars  1448 ,  1450 ,  1452 ,  1454 ,  1456  are formed at corresponding opposite edge locations on the back side  1446  of the solar cell  1400 , as shown in  FIG. 15 . Each front side bus bar  1416 ,  1418 ,  1420 ,  1422 ,  1424  has finger lines extending away therefrom. 
     According to still yet another exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , the solar cell  1600  here has discrete sections  1606 ,  1608 ,  1610 ,  1612 ,  1614  each patterned on the front side  1604  of the solar cell  1600  to include front side bus bars  1616 ,  1618 ,  1620 ,  1622 ,  1624  and on the back side  1646  of the solar cell  1600  to include back side bus bars  1648 ,  1650 ,  1652 ,  1654 ,  1656 . Front side bus bars  1616 ,  1624  are formed at locations on the solar cell  1600  similar to those of front side bus bars  1016 ,  1024  of solar cell  1000 . The remainder of the front side bus bars  1618 ,  1620 ,  1622  here are unevenly spaced between the other front side bus bars  1616 ,  1624 . Specifically, front side bus bar  1618  is formed along a right edge  1666  of discrete section  1608 , and front side bus bar  1620  extends along a left edge  1668  of discrete section  1610 . Front side bus bar  1622  is formed along left edge  1672  of discrete section  1612 . Each front side bus bar  1616 ,  1618 ,  1620 ,  1622 ,  1624  has finger lines extending away therefrom. Back side bus bars  1648 ,  1650 ,  1652 ,  1654 ,  1656  are formed at corresponding opposite edge locations on the back side  1646  of the solar cell  1600 , as shown in  FIG. 17 . 
     In still yet another exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 18 and 19 , the solar cell  1800  here has discrete sections  1806 ,  1808 ,  1810 ,  1812 ,  1814  each patterned on the front side  1804  of the solar cell  1800  to include front side bus bars  1816 ,  1818 ,  1820 ,  1822 ,  1824  and on the back side  1846  of the solar cell  1800  to include back side bus bars  1848 ,  1850 ,  1852 ,  1854 ,  1856 . Front side bus bars  1816 ,  1824  are formed at locations on the solar cell  1800  similar to those of front side bus bars  1016 ,  1024  of solar cell  1000 . The remainder of the front side bus bars  1818 ,  1820 ,  1822  here are unevenly spaced between the other front side bus bars  1816 ,  1824 . In particular, front side bus bar  1818  is formed along left edge  1864  of discrete section  1808 , front side bus bar  1820  is formed along right edge  1870  of discrete section  1810 , and front side bus bar  1822  is formed along left edge  1872  of discrete section  1812 . Each front side bus bar  1816 ,  1818 ,  1820 ,  1822 ,  1824  has finger lines extending away therefrom. Back side bus bars  1848 ,  1850 ,  1852 ,  1854 ,  1856  are formed at corresponding opposite edge locations on the back side  1846  of the solar cell  1800 , as shown in  FIG. 19 . 
     In another exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 20 and 21 , the solar cell  2000  here has discrete sections  2006 ,  2008 ,  2010 ,  2012 ,  2014  each patterned on the front side  2004  of the solar cell  2000  to include front side bus bars  2016 ,  2018 ,  2020 ,  2022 ,  2024  and on the back side  2046  of the solar cell  2000  to include back side bus bars  2048 ,  2050 ,  2052 ,  2054 ,  2056 . Front side bus bars  2016 ,  2024  are formed at locations on the solar cell  2000  similar to those of front side bus bars  1016 ,  1024  of solar cell  1000 . The remainder of the front side bus bars  2018 ,  2020 ,  2022  here are unevenly spaced between the other front side bus bars  2016 ,  2024 . In particular, front side bus bar  2018  is formed along left edge  2064  of discrete section  2008 , front side bus bar  2020  is formed along left edge  2068  of discrete section  2010 , and front side bus bar  2022  is formed along right edge  2074  of discrete section  2012 . Each front side bus bar  2016 ,  2018 ,  2020 ,  2022 ,  2024  has finger lines extending away therefrom. Back side bus bars  2048 ,  2050 ,  2052 ,  2054 ,  2056  are formed at corresponding opposite edge locations on the back side  2046  of the solar cell  2000 , as shown in  FIG. 21 . 
     In still another exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 22 and 23 , the solar cell  2200  here has discrete sections  2206 ,  2208 ,  2210 ,  2212 ,  2214  each patterned on the front side  2204  of the solar cell  2200  to include front side bus bars  2216 ,  2218 ,  2220 ,  2222 ,  2224  and on the back side  2246  of the solar cell  2200  to include back side bus bars  2248 ,  2250 ,  2252 ,  2254 ,  2256 . Front side bus bars  2216 ,  2224  are formed at locations on the solar cell  2200  similar to those of front side bus bars  1016 ,  1024  of solar cell  1000 . The remainder of the front side bus bars  2218 ,  2220 ,  2222  are evenly spaced between the other front side bus bars  2216 ,  2024 . Front side bus bar  2218  is formed along left edge  2264  of discrete section  2208 , front side bus bar  2220  is formed along left edge  2268  of discrete section  2210 , and front side bus bar  2222  is formed along left edge  2272  of discrete section  2212 . Each front side bus bar  2216 ,  2218 ,  2220 ,  2222 ,  2224  has finger lines extending away therefrom. Back side bus bars  2248 ,  2250 ,  2252 ,  2254 ,  2256  are formed at corresponding opposite edge locations on the back side  2246  of the solar cell  2200 , as shown in  FIG. 23 . 
     Although the embodiments of the solar cells described above include five discrete sections to be cleaved into five strips, other embodiments include solar cells having six discrete sections to be cleaved into six strips. Similar to the embodiments above, one or none of the front side bus bars is formed along an edge of the solar cell. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 24 and 25 , a solar cell  2400  having six discrete sections  2406 ,  2408 ,  2410 ,  2412 ,  2414 ,  2416  is illustrated. The discrete sections  2406 ,  2408 ,  2410 ,  2412 ,  2414 ,  2416  are each patterned on the front side  2402  of the solar cell  2400  to include front side bus bars  2418 ,  2420 ,  2422 ,  2424 ,  2426 ,  2428 , and on the back side  2404  of the solar cell  2400  to include back side bus bars  2430 ,  2432 ,  2434 ,  2436 ,  2438 ,  2440 . Front side bus bar  2418  is formed at a location on the solar cell  2400  that is away from its left edge  2442 , and in particular, along a right edge  2452  of discrete section  2406 . Front side bus bar  2428  is formed along the right edge  2444  of the solar cell  2400 , which is also along the right edge  2472  of discrete section  2416 . The remainder of the front side bus bars,  2420 ,  2422 ,  2424 ,  2426  are evenly spaced between the other front side bus bars  2416 ,  2424 . Specifically, front side bus bar  2420  is formed along right edge  2456  of discrete section  2408 , front side bus bar  2422  is formed along right edge  2460  of discrete section  2410 , front side bus bar  2424  is formed along right edge  2464  of discrete section  2412 , and front side bus bar  2426  is formed along right edge  2468  of discrete section  2414 . Each front side bus bar  2418 ,  2420 ,  2422 ,  2424 ,  2426 ,  2428  has finger lines extending away therefrom. Back side bus bars  2430 ,  2432 ,  2434 ,  2436 ,  2438 ,  2440  are formed at corresponding opposite edge locations on the back side  2404  of the solar cell  2400 , as shown in  FIG. 25 . 
       FIGS. 26 and 27  illustrate another embodiment of, a solar cell  2600  having six discrete sections  2606 ,  2608 ,  2610 ,  2612 ,  2614 ,  2616 . The discrete sections  2606 ,  2608 ,  2610 ,  2612 ,  2614 ,  2616  are each patterned on the front side  2602  of the solar cell  2600  to include front side bus bars  2618 ,  2620 ,  2622 ,  2624 ,  2626 ,  2628 , and on the back side  2604  of the solar cell  2600  to include back side bus bars  2630 ,  2632 ,  2634 ,  2636 ,  2638 ,  2640 . Front side bus bar  2618  is formed at a location on the solar cell  2600  that is away from its left edge  2642 , and in particular, along a right edge  2652  of discrete section  2606 . Front side bus bar  2628  is formed along the right edge  2644  of the solar cell  2600 , which is also along the right edge  2672  of discrete section  2616 . The remainder of the front side bus bars,  2620 ,  2622 ,  2624 ,  2626  are unevenly spaced between the other front side bus bars  2616 . Specifically, front side bus bar  2620  is formed along left edge  2654  of discrete section  2608 , front side bus bar  2622  is formed along right edge  2660  of discrete section  2610 , front side bus bar  2626  is formed along right edge  2664  of discrete section  2612 , and front side bus bar  2624  is formed along right edge  2668  of discrete section  2614 . Each front side bus bar  2618 ,  2620 ,  2622 ,  2624 ,  2626 ,  2628  has finger lines extending away therefrom. Back side bus bars  2630 ,  2632 ,  2634 ,  2636 ,  2638 ,  2640  are formed at corresponding opposite edge locations on the back side  2604  of the solar cell  2600 , as shown in  FIG. 27 . 
     In another embodiment, a solar cell  2800  having six discrete sections  2806 ,  2808 ,  2810 ,  2812 ,  2814 ,  2816  is illustrated in  FIGS. 28 and 29 . The discrete sections  2806 ,  2808 ,  2810 ,  2612 ,  2614 ,  2616  are each patterned on the front side  2802  of the solar cell  2800  to include front side bus bars  2818 ,  2820 ,  2822 ,  2824 ,  2826 ,  2828 , and on the back side  2804  of the solar cell  2800  to include back side bus bars  2830 ,  2832 ,  2834 ,  2836 ,  2838 ,  2840 . Front side bus bar  2818  is formed away from a left edge  2842 , and in particular, along a right edge  2852  of discrete section  2806 . Front side bus bar  2828  is formed along the right edge  2844  of the solar cell  2600 , which is also along the right edge  2872  of discrete section  2816 . The remainder of the front side bus bars  2820 ,  2822 ,  2824 ,  2826  are unevenly spaced between the other front side bus bars  2818 ,  2828 . Specifically, front side bus bar  2820  is formed along right edge  2856  of discrete section  2808 , front side bus bar  2822  is formed along left edge  2858  of discrete section  2810 , front side bus bar  2824  is formed along right edge  2864  of discrete section  2812 , and front side bus bar  2826  is formed along right edge  2868  of discrete section  2614 . Each front side bus bar  2818 ,  2820 ,  2822 ,  2824 ,  2826 ,  2828  has finger lines extending away therefrom. Back side bus bars  2830 ,  2832 ,  2834 ,  2836 ,  2838 ,  2840  are formed at corresponding opposite edge locations on the back side  2804  of the solar cell  2800 , as shown in  FIG. 29 . 
     In still another embodiment, a solar cell  3000  having six discrete sections  3006 ,  3008 ,  3010 ,  3012 ,  3014 ,  3016  is illustrated in  FIGS. 30 and 31 . The discrete sections  3006 ,  3008 ,  3010 ,  3012 ,  3014 ,  3016  are each patterned on the front side  3002  of the solar cell  3000  to include front side bus bars  3018 ,  3020 ,  3022 ,  3024 ,  3026 ,  3028 , and on the back side  3004  of the solar cell  3000  to include back side bus bars  3030 ,  3032 ,  3034 ,  3036 ,  3038 ,  3040 . Front side bus bar  3018  is formed at locations on the solar cell  3000  that is away from its left edge  3042 , and in particular, along a right edge  3052  of discrete section  3006 . Front side bus bar  3028  is formed along the right edge  3044  of the solar cell  3000 , which is also along the right edge  3072  of discrete section  3016 . The remainder of the front side bus bars  3020 ,  3022 ,  3024 , and  3026  are unevenly spaced between the other front side bus bars  3018 ,  3028 . Specifically, front side bus bar  3020  is formed along right edge  3056  of discrete section  3008 , front side bus bar  3022  is formed along right edge  3060  of discrete section  3010 , and front side bus bar  3024  is formed along left edge  3066  of discrete section  3014 . Each front side bus bars  3018 ,  3020 ,  3022 ,  3024 ,  3026 , and  3028  has finger lines extending away therefrom. Back side bus bars  3030 ,  3032 ,  3034 ,  3036 ,  3038 , and  3040  are formed correspondingly on the back side  3004  of the solar cell  3000 , as shown in  FIG. 31 . 
     In still yet another embodiment, a solar cell  3200  having six discrete sections  3206 ,  3208 ,  3210 ,  3212 ,  3214 ,  3216  is illustrated in  FIGS. 32 and 33 . The discrete sections  3206 ,  3208 ,  3210 ,  3212 ,  3214 ,  3216  are each patterned on the front side  3202  of the solar cell  3200  to include front side bus bars  3218 ,  3220 ,  3222 ,  3224 ,  3226 , and  3228 , and on the back side  3204  of the solar cell  3200  to include back side bus bars  3230 ,  3232 ,  3234 ,  3236 ,  3238 , and  3240 . Front side bus bar  3218  is formed at locations on the solar cell  3200  that is away from its left edge  3242 , and in particular, along a right edge  3252  of discrete section  3206 . Front side bus bar  3228  is formed along the right edge  3244  of the solar cell  3200 , which is also along the right edge  3272  of discrete section  3216 . The remainder of the front side bus bars  3220 ,  3222 ,  3234 , and  3236  are unevenly spaced between the other front side bus bars  3218 ,  3228 . Specifically, front side bus bar  3220  is formed along right edge  3256  of discrete section  3208 , front side bus bar  3222  is formed along left edge  3258  of discrete section  3210 , front side bus bar  3224  is formed along right edge  3268  of discrete section  3214 , and front side bus bar  3226  is formed along left edge  3266  of discrete section  3214 . Each front side bus bar  3218 ,  3220 ,  3222 ,  3224 ,  3226 , and  3228  has finger lines extending away therefrom. Back side bus bars  3230 ,  3232 ,  3234 ,  3236 ,  3238 , and  3240  are formed at corresponding opposite edge locations on the back side  3204  of the solar cell  3200 , as shown in  FIG. 33 . 
     Even still another embodiment, a solar cell  3400  having six discrete sections  3406 ,  3408 ,  3410 ,  3412 ,  3414 , and  3416  is illustrated in  FIGS. 34 and 35 . The discrete sections  3406 ,  3408 ,  3410 ,  3412 ,  3414 , and  3416  are each patterned on the front side  3402  of the solar cell  3400  to include front side bus bars  3418 ,  3420 ,  3422 ,  3424 ,  3426 , and  3428 , and on the back side  3404  of the solar cell  3400  to include back side bus bars  3430 ,  3432 ,  3434 ,  3436 ,  3438 , and  3440 . Front side bus bar  3418  is formed at locations on the solar cell  3400  that is away from its left edge  3442 , and in particular, along a right edge  3452  of discrete section  3406 . Front side bus bar  3428  is formed along the right edge  3444  of the solar cell  3400 , which is also along the right edge  3472  of discrete section  3416 . The remainder of the front side bus bars  3420 ,  3422 , and  3426  are unevenly spaced between the other front side bus bars  3418 ,  3428 . Specifically, front side bus bar  3420  is formed along left edge  3454  of discrete section  3408 , front side bus bar  3422  is formed along right edge  3460  of discrete section  3410 , front side bus bar  3424  is formed along right edge  3464  of discrete section  3412 , and front side bus bar  3426  is formed along left edge  3468  of discrete section  3414 . Each front side bus bar  3418 ,  3420 ,  3422 ,  3424 ,  3426 , and  3428  has finger lines extending away therefrom. Back side bus bars  3430 ,  3432 ,  3434 ,  3436 ,  3438 , and  3440  are formed at corresponding opposite edge locations on the back side  3404  of the solar cell  3400 , as shown in  FIG. 35 . 
     Another embodiment shown in  FIGS. 36 and 37  includes a solar cell  3600  having six discrete sections  3606 ,  3608 ,  3610 ,  3612 ,  3614 , and  3616 . The discrete sections  3606 ,  3608 ,  3610 ,  3612 ,  3614 , and  3616  are each patterned on the front side  3602  of the solar cell  3600  to include front side bus bars  3618 ,  3620 ,  3622 ,  3624 ,  3626 , and  3628 , and on the back side  3604  of the solar cell  3600  to include back side bus bars  3630 ,  3632 ,  3634 ,  3636 ,  3638 , and  3640 . Front side bus bar  3618  is formed at locations on the solar cell  3600  that is away from its left edge  3642 , and in particular, along a right edge  3652  of discrete section  3606 . Front side bus bar  3628  is formed along the right edge  3644  of the solar cell  3600 , which is also along the right edge  3672  of discrete section  3616 . The remainder of the front side bus bars  3620 ,  3622 , and  3626  are unevenly spaced between the other front side bus bars  3618 ,  3628 . Specifically, front side bus bar  3620  is formed along right edge  3656  of discrete section  3608 , front side bus bar  3622  is formed along left edge  3658  of discrete section  3610 , front side bus bar  3624  is formed along left edge  3662  of discrete section  3612 , and front side bus bar  3626  is formed along right edge  3668  of discrete section  3614 . Each front side bus bar  3618 ,  3620 ,  3622 ,  3624 ,  3626 , and  3628  has finger lines extending away therefrom. Back side bus bars  3630 ,  3632 ,  3634 ,  3636 ,  3638 , and  3640  are formed at corresponding opposite edge locations on the back side  3604  of the solar cell  3600 , as shown in  FIG. 37 . 
     Even still another embodiment, a solar cell  3800  having six discrete sections  3806 ,  3808 ,  3810 ,  3812 ,  3814 , and  3816  is illustrated in  FIGS. 38 and 39 . The discrete sections  3806 ,  3808 ,  3810 ,  3812 ,  3814 , and  3816  are each patterned on the front side  3802  of the solar cell  3800  to include front side bus bars  3818 ,  3820 ,  3822 ,  3824 ,  3826 , and  3828 , and on the back side  3804  of the solar cell  3800  to include back side bus bars  3830 ,  3832 ,  3834 ,  3836 ,  3838 , and  3840 . Front side bus bar  3818  is formed at locations on the solar cell  3800  that is away from its left edge  3842 , and in particular, along a right edge  3852  of discrete section  3806 . Front side bus bar  3828  is formed along the right edge  3844  of the solar cell  3800 , which is also along the right edge  3872  of discrete section  3816 . The remainder of the front side bus bars  3820 ,  3822 ,  3824 , and  3826  are unevenly spaced between the other front side bus bars  3818 ,  3828 . Specifically, front side bus bar  3820  is formed along left edge  3854  of discrete section  3808 , front side bus bar  3822  is formed along right edge  3864  of discrete section  3810 , front side bus bar  3824  is formed along left edge  3866  of discrete section  3812 , and front side bus bar  3826  is formed along right edge  3868  of discrete section  3814 . Each front side bus bar  3818 ,  3820 ,  3822 ,  3824 ,  3826 , and  3828  has finger lines extending away therefrom. Back side bus bars  3830 ,  3832 ,  3834 ,  3836 ,  3838 , and  3840  are formed at corresponding opposite edge locations on the back side  3804  of the solar cell  3800 , as shown in  FIG. 39 . 
     In another embodiment, a solar cell  4000  having six discrete sections  4006 ,  4008 ,  4010 ,  4012 ,  4014 ,  4016  is illustrated in  FIGS. 40 and 41 . The discrete sections  4006 ,  4008 ,  4010 ,  4012 ,  4014 ,  4016  are each patterned on the front side  4002  of the solar cell  4000  to include front side bus bars  4018 ,  4020 ,  4022 ,  4024 ,  4026 ,  4028 , and on the back side  4004  of the solar cell  4000  to include back side bus bars  4030 ,  4032 ,  4034 ,  4036 ,  4038 ,  4040 . Front side bus bar  4018  is formed at locations on the solar cell  4000  that is away from its left edge  4042 , and in particular, along a right edge  4052  of discrete section  4006 . Front side bus bar  4028  is formed along the right edge  4044  of the solar cell  4000 , which is also along the right edge  4072  of discrete section  4016 . The remainder of the front side bus bars  4018 ,  4020 ,  4022 , and  4026  are unevenly spaced between the other front side bus bars  4016 ,  4028 . Specifically, front side bus bar  4020  is formed along left edge  4054  of discrete section  4008 , front side bus bar  4022  is formed along left edge  4058  of discrete section  4010 , front side bus bar  4024  is formed along right edge  4064  of discrete section  4014 , and front side bus bar  4026  is formed along right edge  4068  of discrete section  4014 . Each front side bus bar  4020 ,  4022 ,  4024 , and  4026  has finger lines extending away therefrom. Back side bus bars  4030 ,  4032 ,  4034 ,  4036 ,  4038 ,  4040  are formed at corresponding opposite edge locations on the back side  4004  of the solar cell  4000 , as shown in  FIG. 41 . 
     In still another embodiment, a solar cell  4200  having six discrete sections  4206 ,  4208 ,  4210 ,  4212 ,  4214 , and  4216  is illustrated in  FIGS. 42 and 43 . The discrete sections  4206 ,  4208 ,  4210 ,  4212 ,  4214 , and  4216  are each patterned on the front side  4202  of the solar cell  4200  to include front side bus bars  4218 ,  4220 ,  4222 ,  4224 ,  4226 , and  4228 , and on the back side  4204  of the solar cell  4200  to include back side bus bars  4230 ,  4232 ,  4234 ,  4236 ,  4238 ,  4240 . Front side bus bar  4218  is formed at locations on the solar cell  4200  that is away from its left edge  4242 , and in particular, along a right edge  4252  of discrete section  4206 . Front side bus bar  4228  is formed along the right edge  4244  of the solar cell  4200 , which is also along the right edge  4272  of discrete section  4216 . The remainder of the front side bus bars  4220 ,  4222 ,  4224 , and  4226  are unevenly spaced between the other front side bus bars  4218 ,  4228 . Specifically, front side bus bar  4220  is formed along left edge  4254  of discrete section  4208 , front side bus bar  4222  is formed along right edge  4260  of discrete section  4210 , front side bus bar  4224  is formed along left edge  4262  of discrete section  4212 , and front side bus bar  4226  is formed along left edge  4266  of discrete section  4214 . Each front side bus bar  4218 ,  4220 ,  4222 ,  4224 ,  4226 , and  4228  has finger lines extending away therefrom. Back side bus bars  4230 ,  4232 ,  4234 ,  4236 ,  4238 ,  4240  are formed at corresponding opposite edge locations on the back side  4204  of the solar cell  4200 , as shown in  FIG. 43 . 
     According to another embodiment, a solar cell  4400  having six discrete sections  4406 ,  4408 ,  4410 ,  4412 ,  4414 , and  4416  is illustrated in  FIGS. 44 and 45 . The discrete sections  4406 ,  4408 ,  4410 ,  4412 ,  4414 , and  4416  are each patterned on the front side  4402  of the solar cell  4400  to include front side bus bars  4418 ,  4420 ,  4422 ,  4424 ,  4426 , and  4428 , and on the back side  4404  of the solar cell  4400  to include back side bus bars  4430 ,  4432 ,  4434 ,  4436 ,  4438 , and  4440 . Front side bus bar  4418  is formed at locations on the solar cell  4400  that is away from its left edge  4442 , and in particular, along a right edge  4452  of discrete section  4406 . Front side bus bar  4428  is formed along the right edge  4444  of the solar cell  4400 , which is also along the right edge  4472  of discrete section  4416 . The remainder of the front side bus bars  4420 ,  4422 ,  4424 , and  4426  are unevenly spaced between the other front side bus bars  4418 ,  4428 . Specifically, front side bus bar  4420  is formed along left edge  4454  of discrete section  4408 , front side bus bar  4422  is formed along left edge  4458  of discrete section  4410 , front side bus bar  4424  is formed along right edge  4464  of discrete section  4412 , and front side bus bar  4426  is formed along left edge  4466  of discrete section  4414 . Each front side bus bar  4418 ,  4420 ,  4422 ,  4424 ,  4426 , and  4428  has finger lines extending away therefrom. Back side bus bars  4430 ,  4432 ,  4434 ,  4436 ,  4438 ,  4440  are formed at corresponding opposite edge locations on the back side  4404  of the solar cell  4400 , as shown in  FIG. 45 . 
     In still another embodiment, a solar cell  4600  having six discrete sections  4606 ,  4608 ,  4610 ,  4612 ,  4614 , and  4616  is illustrated in  FIGS. 46 and 47 . The discrete sections  4606 ,  4608 ,  4610 ,  4412 ,  4414 , and  4416  are each patterned on the front side  4602  of the solar cell  4600  to include front side bus bars  4618 ,  4620 ,  4622 ,  4624 ,  4626 ,  4628 , and on the back side  4604  of the solar cell  4600  to include back side bus bars  4630 ,  4632 ,  4634 ,  4636 ,  4638 ,  4640 . Front side bus bar  4618  is formed at locations on the solar cell  4600  that is away from its left edge  4642 , and in particular, along a right edge  4652  of discrete section  4606 . Front side bus bar  4628  is formed along the right edge  4644  of the solar cell  4600 , which is also along the right edge  4672  of discrete section  4616 . The remainder of the front side bus bars  4620 ,  4622 ,  4624 , and  4626  are unevenly spaced between the other front side bus bars  4618 ,  4628 . Specifically, front side bus bar  4620  is formed along right edge  4656  of discrete section  4608 , front side bus bar  4622  is formed along right edge  4660  of discrete section  4610 , front side bus bar  4624  is formed along right edge  4664  of discrete section  4612 , and front side bus bar  4626  is formed along left edge  4666  of discrete section  4614 . Each front side bus bar  4618 ,  4620 ,  4622 ,  4624 ,  4626 , and  4628  has finger lines extending away therefrom. Back side bus bars  4630 ,  4632 ,  4634 ,  4636 ,  4638 , and  4640  are formed at corresponding opposite edge locations on the back side  4604  of the solar cell  4600 , as shown in  FIG. 47 . 
     In still yet another embodiment, a solar cell  4800  having six discrete sections  4806 ,  4808 ,  4810 ,  4812 ,  4814 , and  4816  is illustrated in  FIGS. 48 and 49 . The discrete sections  4806 ,  4808 ,  4810 ,  4812 ,  4814 , and  4816  are each patterned on the front side  4802  of the solar cell  4800  to include front side bus bars  4818 ,  4820 ,  4822 ,  4824 ,  4826 ,  4828 , and on the back side  4804  of the solar cell  4800  to include back side bus bars  4830 ,  4832 ,  4834 ,  4836 ,  4838 , and  4840 . Front side bus bar  4818  is formed at locations on the solar cell  4800  that is away from its left edge  4842 , and in particular, along a right edge  4852  of discrete section  4806 . Front side bus bar  4828  is formed along the right edge  4844  of the solar cell  4800 , which is also along the right edge  4872  of discrete section  4816 . The remainder of the front side bus bars  4820 ,  4822 ,  4824 , and  4826  are unevenly spaced between the other front side bus bars  4818 ,  4828 . Specifically, front side bus bar  4820  is formed along left edge  4854  of discrete section  4808 , front side bus bar  4822  is formed along right edge  4860  of discrete section  4810 , front side bus bar  4824  is formed along left edge  4862  of discrete section  4812 , and front side bus bar  4826  is formed along right edge  4868  of discrete section  4814 . Each front side bus bar  4818 ,  4820 ,  4822 ,  4824 ,  4826 , and  4828  has finger lines extending away therefrom. Back side bus  4830 ,  4832 ,  4834 ,  4836 ,  4838 , and  4840  are formed at corresponding opposite edge locations on the back side bars  4804  of the solar cell  4800 , as shown in  FIG. 49 . 
     A solar cell  5000  having six discrete sections  5006 ,  5008 ,  5010 ,  5012 ,  5014 , and  5016  is illustrated in  FIGS. 50 and 51 . The discrete sections  5006 ,  5008 ,  5010 ,  5012 ,  5014 , and  5016  are each patterned on the front side  5002  of the solar cell  5000  to include front side bus bars  5018 ,  5020 ,  5022 ,  5024 ,  5026 , and  5028 , and on the back side  5004  of the solar cell  5000  to include back side bus bars  5030 ,  5032 ,  5034 ,  5036 ,  5038 , and  5040 . Front side bus bar  5018  is formed at locations on the solar cell  5000  that is away from its left edge  5042 , and in particular, along a left edge  5042  of discrete section  5006 . Front side bus bar  5028  is formed along the left edge  5044  of the solar cell  5000 , which is also along the left edge  5070  of discrete section  5016 . The remainder of the front side bus bars  5020 ,  5022 ,  5024  and  5026  are unevenly spaced between the other front side bus bars  5018 ,  5028 . Specifically, front side bus bar  5020  is formed along right edge  5056  of discrete section  5008 , front side bus bar  5022  is formed along right edge  5060  of discrete section  5010 , front side bus bar  5024  is formed along right edge  5064  of discrete section  5012 , and front side bus bar  5026  is formed along right edge  5068  of discrete section  5014 . Each front side bus bar  5018 ,  5020 ,  5022 ,  5024 ,  5050 , and  5028  has finger lines extending away therefrom. Back side bus bars  5030 ,  5032 ,  5034 ,  5036 ,  5038 , and  5040  are formed at corresponding opposite edge locations on the back side  5004  of the solar cell  5000 , as shown in  FIG. 51 . 
     In another embodiment, a solar cell  5200  having six discrete sections  5206 ,  5208 ,  5210 ,  5212 ,  5214 ,  5216  is illustrated. Generally in these solar cells  5200  having six discrete sections, the front side bus bars are not both formed along an edge so as to avoid edge leakage and improve the shunt resistance, resulting in higher yield and better low irradiation performance (for example, in cells having a p-n junction thickness of about 0.4 um, and a base thickness of about 190 um). Further, in some embodiments of the solar cell in which a symmetrical pattern design is included on both the front and back sides of the solar cell, such a pattern may provide a consistent conductive distance between a front side pole and back side pole. In particular, the symmetrical pattern has been found to improve the consistency and accuracy in cell efficiency testing due to the uniform resistance loss between strips. Further, for those solar cells having symmetrical pattern designs, better finger and bus-bar resolution result, which allows the screen print to last longer due to the uniform mechanical pressure used in their formation. 
     Returning to  FIG. 52 , the discrete sections  5206 ,  5208 ,  5210 ,  5212 ,  5214 , and  5216  are each patterned on the front side  5202  of the solar cell  5200  to include front side bus bars  5218 ,  5220 ,  5222 ,  5224 ,  5226 , and  5228 , and on the back side  5204  of the solar cell  5200  to include back side bus bars  5230 ,  5232 ,  5234 ,  5236 ,  5238 ,  5240 . Front side bus bar  5218  is formed at locations on the solar cell  5200  that is along its left edge  5242 , and in particular, along a left edge  5050  of discrete section  5206 . Front side bus bar  5228  is formed away the left edge  5244  of the solar cell  5200 , which is also along the left edge  5270  of discrete section  5216 . The remainder of the front side bus bars  5220 ,  5222 ,  5224 , and  5226  are evenly spaced between the other front side bus bars  5218 ,  5228 . Specifically, front side bus bar  5220  is formed along right edge  5256  of discrete section  5208 , front side bus bar  5222  is formed along right edge  5260  of discrete section  5210 , front side bus bar  5224  is formed along right edge  5264  of discrete section  5212 , and front side bus bar  5226  is formed along left edge  5266  of discrete section  5214 . Each front side bus bar  5218 ,  5220 ,  5222 ,  5224 ,  5226 , and  5228  has finger lines extending away therefrom. Back side bus bars  5230 ,  5232 ,  5234 ,  5236 ,  5238 , and  5240  are formed at corresponding opposite edge locations on the back side  5204  of the solar cell  5200 , as shown in  FIG. 53 . 
     In another embodiment, a solar cell  5400  having six discrete sections  5406 ,  5408 ,  5410 ,  5412 ,  5414 , and  5416  is illustrated in  FIGS. 54 and 55 . The discrete sections  5406 ,  5408 ,  5410 ,  5412 ,  5414 , and  5416  are each patterned on the front side  5402  of the solar cell  5400  to include front side bus bars  5418 ,  5420 ,  5422 ,  5424 ,  5426 , and  5428 , and on the back side  5404  of the solar cell  5400  to include back side bus bars  5430 ,  5432 ,  5434 ,  5436 ,  5438 , and  5440 . Front side bus bar  5418  is formed at locations on the solar cell  5400  that is along its left edge  5442 , and in particular, along a left edge  5450  of discrete section  5406 . Front side bus bar  5428  is formed away from the edge  5472  of the solar cell  5400 , which is also along the left edge  5470  of discrete section  5416 . The remainder of the front side bus bars  5420 ,  5422 ,  5424 , and  5426  are unevenly spaced between the other front side bus bars  5418 ,  5428 . Specifically, front side bus bar  5420  is formed along right edge  5456  of discrete section  5408 , front side bus bar  5422  is formed along left edge  5458  of discrete section  5410 , front side bus bar  5424  is formed along right edge  5464  of discrete section  5412 , and front side bus bar  5426  is formed along right edge  5468  of discrete section  5414 . Each front side bus bar  5418 ,  5420 ,  5422 ,  5424 ,  5426 , and  5428  has finger lines extending away therefrom. Back side bus bars  5430 ,  5432 ,  5434 ,  5436 ,  5438 , and  5440  are formed at corresponding opposite edge locations on the back side  5404  of the solar cell  5400 , as shown in  FIG. 55 . 
     In still another embodiment, a solar cell  5600  having six discrete sections  5606 ,  5608 ,  5610 ,  5612 ,  5614 , and  5616  is illustrated in  FIGS. 56 and 57 . The discrete sections  5606 ,  5608 ,  5610 ,  5612 ,  5614 , and  5616  are each patterned on the front side  5602  of the solar cell  5600  to include front side bus bars  5618 ,  5620 ,  5622 ,  5624 ,  5626 , and  5628 , and on the back side  5604  of the solar cell  5600  to include back side bus bars  5630 ,  5632 ,  5634 ,  5636 ,  5638 , and  5640 . Front side bus bar  5618  is formed at locations on the solar cell  5600  that is along its left edge  5642 , and in particular, along a left edge  5650  of discrete section  5606 . Front side bus bar  5628  is formed along the away from edge  5644  of the solar cell  5600 , which is also along the left edge  5670  of discrete section  5616 . The remainder of the front side bus bars  5620 ,  5622 ,  5624 , and  5626  are unevenly spaced between the other front side bus bars  5618 ,  5628 . Specifically, front side bus bar  5620  is formed along left edge  5654  of discrete section  5608 , front side bus bar  5622  is formed along right edge  5660  of discrete section  5610 , front side bus bar  5624  is formed along right edge  5664  of discrete section  5612 , and front side bus bar  5626  is formed along right edge  5668  of discrete section  5614 . Each front side bus bar  5618 ,  5620 ,  5622 ,  5624 ,  5626 , and  5628  has finger lines extending away therefrom. Back side bus bars  5630 ,  5632 ,  5634 ,  5636 ,  5638 , and  5640  are formed at corresponding opposite edge locations on the back side  5604  of the solar cell  5600 , as shown in  FIG. 57 . 
     In yet another embodiment, a solar cell  5800  having six discrete sections  5806 ,  5808 ,  5810 ,  5812 ,  5814 , and  5816  is illustrated in  FIGS. 58 and 59 . The discrete sections  5806 ,  5808 ,  5810 ,  5812 ,  5814 , and  5816  are each patterned on the front side  5802  of the solar cell  5800  to include front side bus bars  5818 ,  5820 ,  5822 ,  5824 ,  5826 , and  5858 , and on the back side  5804  of the solar cell  5800  to include back side bus bars  5830 ,  5832 ,  5834 ,  5836 ,  5838 , and  5840 . Front side bus bar  5818  is formed at locations on the solar cell  5800  that are away from its left edge  5842 , and in particular, along a right edge  5852  of discrete section  5806 . Front side bus bar  5828  is formed away from the right edge  5844  of the solar cell  5800 , which is also along the left edge  5870  of discrete section  5816 . The remainder of the front side bus bars  5820 ,  5822 ,  5824 , and  5826  are unevenly spaced between the other front side bus bars  5818 ,  5828 . Specifically, front side bus bar  5820  is formed along right edge  5856  of discrete section  5808 , front side bus bar  5822  is formed along right edge  5860  of discrete section  5810 , front side bus bar  5824  is formed along right edge  5864  of discrete section  5812 , and front side bus bar  5826  is formed along right edge  5868  of discrete section  5814 . Each front side bus bar  5818 ,  5820 ,  5822 ,  5824 ,  5826 , and  5828  has finger lines extending away therefrom. Back side bus bars  5830 ,  5832 ,  5834 ,  5836 ,  5838 , and  5840  are formed at corresponding opposite edge locations on the back side  5804  of the solar cell  5800 , as shown in  FIG. 59 . 
     In another embodiment, a solar cell  6000  having six discrete sections  6006 ,  6008 ,  6010 ,  6012 ,  6014 , and  6016  is illustrated in  FIGS. 60 and 61 . The discrete sections  6006 ,  6008 ,  6010 ,  6012 ,  6014 , and  6016  are each patterned on the front side  6002  of the solar cell  6000  to include front side bus bars  6018 ,  6020 ,  6022 ,  6024 ,  6026 ,  6028 , and on the back side  6004  of the solar cell  6000  to include back side bus bars  6030 ,  6032 ,  6034 ,  6036 ,  6038 ,  6040 . Front side bus bar  6018  is formed at locations on the solar cell  6000  that is away from its left edge  6042 , and in particular, along a right edge  6052  of discrete section  6006 . Front side bus bar  6028  is formed away from the right edge  6044  of the solar cell  6000 , which is also along the left edge  6070  of discrete section  6016 . The remainder of the front side bus bars  6020 ,  6022 ,  6024 , and  6026  are unevenly spaced between the other front side bus bars  6018 ,  6028 . Specifically, front side bus bar  6020  is formed along right edge  6056  of discrete section  6008 , front side bus bar  6022  is formed along right edge  6060  of discrete section  6010 , front side bus bar  6024  is formed along right edge  6064  of discrete section  6012 , and front side bus bar  6026  is formed along left edge  6066  of discrete section  6014 . Each front side bus bar  6018 ,  6020 ,  6022 ,  6024 ,  6026 , and  6028  has finger lines extending away therefrom. Back side bus bars  6030 ,  6032 ,  6034 ,  6036 ,  6038 , and  6040  are formed at corresponding opposite edge locations on the back side  6004  of the solar cell  6000 , as shown in  FIG. 61 . 
     In yet another embodiment, a solar cell  6200  having six discrete sections  6206 ,  6208 ,  6210 ,  6212 ,  6214 , and  6216  is illustrated in  FIGS. 62 and 63 . The discrete sections  6206 ,  6208 ,  6210 ,  6212 ,  6214 , and  6216  are each patterned on the front side  6202  of the solar cell  6200  to include front side bus bars  6218 ,  6220 ,  6222 ,  6224 ,  6226 , and  6228 , and on the back side  6204  of the solar cell  6200  to include back side bus bars  6230 ,  6232 ,  6234 ,  6236 ,  6238 , and  6240 . Front side bus bar  6220  is formed at locations on the solar cell  6200  that is away from its left edge  6242 , and in particular, along a right edge  6252  of discrete section  6206 . Front side bus bar  6228  is formed away from the right edge  6244  of the solar cell  6200 , which is also along the left edge  6270  of discrete section  6216 . The remainder of the front side bus bars  6220 ,  6222 ,  6224 , and  6226  are unevenly spaced between the other front side bus bars  6218 ,  6228 . Specifically, front side bus bar  6220  is formed along right edge  6256  of discrete section  6208 , front side bus bar  6222  is formed along right edge  6260  of discrete section  6210 , front side bus bar  6224  is formed along left edge  6262  of discrete section  6212 , and front side bus bar  6226  is formed along right edge  6268  of discrete section  6214 . Each front side bus bar  6218 ,  6220 ,  6222 ,  6224 ,  6226 , and  6228  has finger lines extending away therefrom. Back side bus bars  6230 ,  6232 ,  6234 ,  6236 ,  6238 , and  6240  are formed at corresponding opposite edge locations on the back side  6204  of the solar cell  6200 , as shown in  FIG. 63 . 
     In yet another embodiment, a solar cell  6400  having six discrete sections  6406 ,  6408 ,  6410 ,  6412 ,  6414 , and  6416  is illustrated in  FIGS. 64 and 65 . The discrete sections  6406 ,  6408 ,  6410 ,  6412 ,  6414 , and  6416  are each patterned on the front side  6402  of the solar cell  6400  to include front side bus bars  6418 ,  6420 ,  6422 ,  6424 ,  6426 , and  6428 , and on the back side  6404  of the solar cell  6400  to include back side bus bars  6430 ,  6432 ,  6434 ,  6436 ,  6438 , and  6440 . Front side bus bar  6418  is formed at locations on the solar cell  6400  that is away from its left edge  6442 , and in particular, along a right edge  6452  of discrete section  6406 . Front side bus bar  6428  is formed away from the right edge  6444  of the solar cell  6400 , which is also along the left edge  6470  of discrete section  6416 . The remainder of the front side bus bars  6420 ,  6422 ,  6424 , and  6426  are unevenly spaced between the other front side bus bars  6418 ,  6426 . Specifically, front side bus bar  6420  is formed along right edge  6456  of discrete section  6408 , front side bus bar  6422  is formed along left edge  6458  of discrete section  6410 , front side bus bar  6424  is formed along right edge  6464  of discrete section  6412 , and front side bus bar  6426  is formed along right edge  6468  of discrete section  6414 . Each front side bus bar  6418 ,  6420 ,  6422 ,  6424 ,  6426 , and  6428  has finger lines extending away therefrom. Back side bus bars  6430 ,  6432 ,  6434 ,  6436 ,  6438 , and  6440  are formed at corresponding opposite edge locations on the back side  6404  of the solar cell  6400 , as shown in  FIG. 65 . 
     In still another embodiment, a solar cell  6600  having six discrete sections  6606 ,  6608 ,  6610 ,  6612 ,  6614 , and  6616  is illustrated in  FIGS. 66 and 67 . The discrete sections  6606 ,  6608 ,  6610 ,  6612 ,  6614 , and  6616  are each patterned on the front side  6602  of the solar cell  6600  to include front side bus bars  6618 ,  6620 ,  6622 ,  6624 ,  6626 , and  6628 , and on the back side  6604  of the solar cell  6600  to include back side bus bars  6630 ,  6632 ,  6634 ,  6636 , and  6638 , and  6640 . Front side bus bar  6618  is formed at locations on the solar cell  6600  that is away from its left edge  6642 , and in particular, along a right edge  6652  of discrete section  6606 . Front side bus bar  6628  is formed away from the right edge  6644  of the solar cell  6600 , which is also along the left edge  6670  of discrete section  6616 . The remainder of the front side bus bars  6620 ,  6622 ,  6624 , and  6628  are unevenly spaced between the other front side bus bars  6618 ,  6628 . Specifically, front side bus bar  6620  is formed along left edge  6654  of discrete section  6608 , front side bus bar  6622  is formed along right edge  6660  of discrete section  6610 , front side bus bar  6624  is formed along right edge  6664  of discrete section  6612 , and front side bus bar  6626  is formed along right edge  6668  of discrete section  6614 . Each front side bus bar  6618 ,  6620 ,  6622 ,  6624 ,  6626 , and  6628  has finger lines extending away therefrom. Back side bus bars  6630 ,  6632 ,  6634 ,  6636 ,  6638 , and  6640  are formed at corresponding opposite edge locations on the back side  6604  of the solar cell  6600 , as shown in  FIG. 67 . 
     In yet another embodiment, a solar cell  6800  having six discrete sections  6806 ,  6808 ,  6810 ,  6812 ,  6814 , and  6816  is illustrated in  FIGS. 68 and 69 . The discrete sections  6806 ,  6808 ,  6810 ,  6812 ,  6814 , and  6816  are each patterned on the front side  6802  of the solar cell  6800  to include front side bus bars  6818 ,  6820 ,  6822 ,  6824 ,  6826 , and  6828 , and on the back side  6804  of the solar cell  6800  to include back side bus bars  6830 ,  6832 ,  6834 ,  6836 ,  6838 , and  6840 . Front side bus bar  6818  is formed at locations on the solar cell  6800  that is away from its left edge  6842 , and in particular, along a right edge  6852  of discrete section  6806 . Front side bus bar  6828  is formed away from right edge  6844  of the solar cell  6800 , which is also along the left edge  6870  of discrete section  6816 . The remainder of the front side bus bars  6820 ,  6822 ,  6824 , and  6826  are unevenly spaced between the other front side bus bars  6818 ,  6828 . Specifically, front side bus bar  6820  is formed along right edge  6856  of discrete section  6808 , front side bus bar  6822  is formed along right edge  6860  of discrete section  6810 , front side bus bar  6824  is formed along left edge  6862  of discrete section  6812 , and front side bus bar  6826  is formed along right edge  6866  of discrete section  6814 . Each front side bus bar  6818 ,  6820 ,  6822 ,  6824 ,  6826 , and  6828  has finger lines extending away therefrom. Back side bus bars  6830 ,  6832 ,  6834 ,  6836 ,  6838 , and  6840  are formed at corresponding opposite edge locations on the back side  6804  of the solar cell  6800 , as shown in  FIG. 69 . 
       FIGS. 70 and 71  illustrate a solar cell  7000  having six discrete sections  7006 ,  7008 ,  7010 ,  7012 ,  7014 , and  7016  in accordance with an embodiment. The discrete sections  7006 ,  7008 ,  7010 ,  7012 ,  7014 , and  7016  are each patterned on the front side  7002  of the solar cell  7000  to include front side bus bars  7018 ,  7020 ,  7022 ,  7024 ,  7026 , and  7028 , and on the back side  7004  of the solar cell  7000  to include back side bus bars  7030 ,  7032 ,  7034 ,  7036 ,  7038 , and  7040 . Front side bus bar  7018  is formed at locations on the solar cell  7000  that is away from its left edge  7042 , and in particular, along a right edge  7052  of discrete section  7006 . Front side bus bar  7028  is formed away from right edge  7044  of the solar cell  7000 , which is also along the left edge  7070  of discrete section  7016 . The remainder of the front side bus bars  7020 ,  7022 ,  7024 , and  7026  are unevenly spaced between the other front side bus bars  7018 ,  7028 . Specifically, front side bus bar  7020  is formed along right edge  7056  of discrete section  7008 , front side bus bar  7022  is formed along left edge  7058  of discrete section  7010 , front side bus bar  7024  is formed along right edge  7060  of discrete section  7012 , and front side bus bar  7024  is formed along left edge  7062  of discrete section  7014 . Each front side bus bar  7018 ,  7020 ,  7022 ,  7024 ,  7026 , and  7028  has finger lines extending away therefrom. Back side bus bars  7030 ,  7032 ,  7034 ,  7036 ,  7038 , and  7040  are formed at corresponding opposite edge locations on the back side  7004  of the solar cell  7000 , as shown in  FIG. 71 . 
     In another embodiment,  FIGS. 72 and 73  illustrate a solar cell  7200  having six discrete sections  7206 ,  7208 ,  7210 ,  7212 ,  7214 , and  7216 . The discrete sections  7206 ,  7208 ,  7210 ,  7212 ,  7214 , and  7216  are each patterned on the front side  7202  of the solar cell  7200  to include front side bus bars  7218 ,  7220 ,  7222 ,  7224 ,  7226 , and  7228 , and on the back side  7204  of the solar cell  7200  to include back side bus bars  7230 ,  7232 ,  7234 ,  7236 ,  7238 , and  7240 . Front side bus bar  7218  is formed at locations on the solar cell  7200  that is away from its left edge  7242 , and in particular, along a right edge  7252  of discrete section  7206 . Front side bus bar  7228  is formed away from the right edge  7244  of the solar cell  7200 , which is also along the left edge  7270  of discrete section  7216 . The remainder of the front side bus bars  7220 ,  7222 ,  7224 , and  7226  are unevenly spaced between the other front side bus bars  7218 ,  7228 . Specifically, front side bus bar  7220  is formed along left edge  7254  of discrete section  7208 , front side bus bar  7222  is formed along right edge  7260  of discrete section  7210 , front side bus bar  7224  is formed along right edge  7264  of discrete section  7212 , and front side bus bar  7226  is formed along left edge  7266  of discrete section  7214 . Each front side bus bar  7218 ,  7220 ,  7222 ,  7224 ,  7226 , and  7228  has finger lines extending away therefrom. Back side bus bars  7230 ,  7232 ,  7234 ,  7236 ,  7238 , and  7240  are formed at corresponding opposite edge locations on the back side  7204  of the solar cell  7200 , as shown in  FIG. 73 . 
     In accordance with another embodiment,  FIGS. 74 and 75  illustrate a solar cell  7400  having six discrete sections  7406 ,  7408 ,  7410 ,  7412 ,  7414 ,  7416 . The discrete sections  7406 ,  7408 ,  7410 ,  7412 ,  7414 , and  7416  are each patterned on the front side  7402  of the solar cell  7400  to include front side bus bars  7418 ,  7420 ,  7422 ,  7424 ,  7426 , and  7428 , and on the back side  7404  of the solar cell  7400  to include back side bus bars  7430 ,  7432 ,  7434 ,  7436 ,  7438 , and  7440 . Front side bus bar  7418  is formed at locations on the solar cell  7400  that is away from its left edge  7442 , and in particular, along a right edge  7452  of discrete section  7406 . Front side bus bar  7428  is formed away from the right edge  7444  of the solar cell  7400 , which is also along the left edge  7470  of discrete section  7416 . The remainder of the front side bus bars  7420 ,  7422 ,  7424 , and  7426  are unevenly spaced between the other front side bus bars  7418 ,  7428 . Specifically, front side bus bar  7420  is formed along right edge  7454  of discrete section  7408 , front side bus bar  7422  is formed along right edge  7460  of discrete section  7410 , front side bus bar  7424  is formed along left edge  7462  of discrete section  7412 , and front side bus bar  7426  is formed along right edge  7468  of discrete section  7414 . Each front side bus bar  7418 ,  7420 ,  7422 ,  7424 ,  7426 ,  7428  and has finger lines extending away therefrom. Back side bus bars  7430 ,  7432 ,  7434 ,  7436 ,  7438 , and  7440  are formed at corresponding opposite edge locations on the back side  7404  of the solar cell  7400 , as shown in  FIG. 75 . 
     According to another embodiment,  FIGS. 76 and 77  illustrate a solar cell  7000  having six discrete sections  7606 ,  7608 ,  7610 ,  7612 ,  7614 , and  7616 . The discrete sections  7606 ,  7608 ,  7610 ,  7612 ,  7614 , and  7616  are each patterned on the front side  7602  of the solar cell  7600  to include front side bus bars  7618 ,  7620 ,  7622 ,  7624 ,  7626 , and  7628 , and on the back side  7604  of the solar cell  7600  to include back side bus bars  7630 ,  7632 ,  7634 ,  7636 ,  7638 , and  7640 . Front side bus bar  7618  is formed at locations on the solar cell  7600  that is away from its left edge  7642 , and in particular, along a right edge  7652  of discrete section  7606 . Front side bus bar  7628  is formed away from the right edge  7644  of the solar cell  7600 , which is also along the left edge  7670  of discrete section  7616 . The remainder of the front side bus bars  7620 ,  7622 ,  7624 , and  7626  are unevenly spaced between the other front side bus bars  7618 ,  7628 . Specifically, front side bus bar  7618  is formed along left edge  7654  of discrete section  7608 , front side bus bar  7622  is formed along left edge  7658  of discrete section  7610 , front side bus bar  7624  is formed along right edge  7664  of discrete section  7612 , and front side bus bar  7626  is formed along right edge  7668  of discrete section  7614 . Each front side bus bar  7618 ,  7620 ,  7622 ,  7624 ,  7626 , and  7628  has finger lines extending away therefrom. Back side bus bars  7630 ,  7632 ,  7634 ,  7636 ,  7638 , and  7640  are formed at corresponding opposite edge locations on the back side  7604  of the solar cell  7600 , as shown in  FIG. 77 . 
     No matter the particular configuration, the solar cell is ultimately used to form a solar module. In this regard, with reference to  FIG. 78 , a solar cell is obtained at step  7802  of method  7800 . In an embodiment, the solar cell is tested, for example, using flash testing. In embodiments of solar cells including 5 strips, by grouping two bus-bars adjacent each other on the front side of the solar cell, three sets of probes can be used to contact bus-bars in flash testing, which may reduce the impact of shadow produced by the probes when a light is shined on the solar cell. Similarly, in embodiments in which 6 strips are included, by grouping two bus-bars adjacent each other, only five sets of probes may be used in flash testing instead of six probes; alternatively, by grouping two sets of bus-bars adjacent each other, only four sets of probes (rather than six probes) may be used in flash testing. 
     The solar cell is cut at step  7804 . Specifically, scribe lines are formed into the back surface of the solar cell so that when the solar cell is broken, the split occurs in the gap on the front surface of the solar cell between the discrete cells. Each scribe line has a depth of between about 10% and about 90% of wafer thickness. In an embodiment, the scribe lines extend across the solar cell from edge to edge. In another embodiment, one or both of the scribe lines extends from one edge to just short of an opposite edge of the solar cell. An exemplary embodiment of a scribed solar cell  7900  is illustrated in  FIG. 79 . As shown, the scribed solar cell  7900  has a back side  7902  having five discrete sections  7904 ,  7906 ,  7908 ,  7910 ,  7912 , with back side bus bars  7914 ,  7916 ,  7918 ,  7920 ,  7922 ,  7924 . Scribe lines  7926 ,  7928 ,  7930 ,  7932  are formed between corresponding discrete sections  7904 ,  7906 ,  7908 ,  7910 ,  7912 . Although five discrete sections are included, more or fewer are included in other embodiments of the solar cell. The scribe lines may be formed using a laser, a dicing saw and the like. In an embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 80 , a solar cell  8000  is placed on a platform  8002  back side  8004  facing up so that scribe lines  8006 ,  8008 ,  8010  of the solar cell  8000  may be formed. One or more lasers  8012 ,  8014 ,  8016  are aligned at locations on the solar sell to form the scribe lines  8006 ,  8008 ,  8010  to thereby allow the solar cell  8000  to be singulated into strips. A front side view of the solar cell  8000  singulated into strips  8018 ,  8020 ,  8022 ,  8024 ,  8026  is illustrated in  FIG. 81 . 
     Next, the cut solar cell is split at step  7806 . In an embodiment in which the solar cell may be singulated, the solar cell is placed on a vacuum chuck including a plurality of fixtures which are aligned adjacent each other to form a base. The vacuum chuck is selected so that the number of fixtures matches the number of discrete sections of the solar cell to be singulated into strips. Each fixture has apertures or slits, which provide openings communicating with a vacuum. The vacuum, when desired, may be applied to provide suction for mechanically temporarily coupling the solar cell to the top of the base. To singulate the solar cell, the solar cell is placed on the base such that the each discrete section is positioned on top of a corresponding one of the fixtures. The vacuum is powered on and suction is provided to maintain the solar cell in position on the base. Next, all of the fixtures move relative to each other. In an embodiment, multiple ones of the fixtures move a certain distance away from neighboring fixtures thereby causing the discrete sections of the solar cell to likewise move from each other and form resulting strips. In another embodiment, multiple ones of the fixtures are rotated or twisted relative to their longitudinal axes thereby causing the discrete sections of the solar cell to likewise move and form resulting strips. The rotation or twisting of the fixtures may be effected in a predetermined sequence, in an embodiment, so that no strip is twisted in two directions at once. In still another embodiment, mechanical pressure is applied to the back surface of the solar cell to substantially simultaneously break the solar cell into the strips. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, other processes by which the solar cell is singulated alternatively may be implemented. 
     After the solar cell is singulated, the strips are sorted in step  7808 . In particular, as shown in  FIG. 81 , the left-most and right-most strips  8018 ,  8026  have chamfered corners and, as a result, have dimensions that are different from strips  8020 ,  8022 ,  8024 , which have non-chamfered corners and substantially identical dimensions. In an embodiment, sorting strips is achieved using an auto-optical sorting process. In another embodiment, the strips are sorted according to their position relative to the full solar cell. After sorting, strips  8018 ,  8026  having chamfered corners are segregated from those strips  8020 ,  8022 ,  8024  having non-chamfered corners. During sorting, strips can be arranged to align the bus bars into desired positions. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 78 , similarly dimensioned strips are then overlapped to form a string in step  7810 . In an embodiment, an electrically-conductive adhesive  8202  is applied to a front surface of the strip  8204  along an edge of that is opposite the edge along which its back side bus bar is formed, as depicted in  FIG. 82 . In another embodiment, the electrically-conductive adhesive is applied to a back surface of the strip on the back side bus bar. The adhesive may be applied as a single continuous line, as a plurality of dots, dash lines, for example, by using a deposition-type machine configured to dispense adhesive material to a bus bar surface. In an embodiment, the adhesive is deposited such that it is shorter than the length of a corresponding bus bar and has a width and thickness to render sufficient adhesion and conductivity. After the adhesive is deposited onto the strip  8204 , the strip  8204  and a second, similarly dimensioned strip  8206  are aligned such that the back side bus bar of one strip  8206  overlaps with the front side bus bar of the other strip  8204 , or alternatively, the front side bus bar of one strip overlaps with the back side bus bar of another. The steps of applying adhesive and aligning and overlapping the strips are repeated until a desired number of strips are adhered to form the string. In an embodiment, the string includes 15 to 100 strips. Although step  7810  is described as being performed on two strips, one or both of the strips may be pre-adhered to one or more other strips. 
       FIG. 83  illustrates a string  8300  of chamfered corner strips  8302 ,  8304 ,  8306  where the back side bus bar of each strip  8302 ,  8304 ,  8306  overlaps and is disposed over the front side bus bar of an adjacent strip. Here, 15 to 100 strips make up the string  8300 . An end of the string  8300  includes a metal foil soldered or electrically connected to the bus bar of each end strip which will be further connected to a module interconnect bus bar so that two or more strings together form the circuit of a solar module, as will be discussed in detail in subsequent paragraphs below. In another embodiment, the module interconnect busbar can be directly soldered or electrically connected to the bus bar of the end strip to form the circuit. In another embodiment as illustrated in  FIG. 84 , non-chamfered strips  8402 ,  8404 ,  8406  are adhered to each other to form a string  8400 . Similar to the string  8300  shown in  FIG. 83 , the string  8400  in FIG.  84  includes 15 to 100 strips and each strip is overlapped such that the back side bus bar of each strip overlaps and is disposed over the front side bus bar of an adjacent strip. The string  8400  of  FIG. 84  also includes electrical connections for coupling to another similarly configured string. No matter the particular configuration, the strings  400 ,  8300 ,  8400  may include more or fewer strips. 
       FIGS. 85A and 86A  are front and back views, respectively, of a solar module  8500 A in accordance with an embodiment. As noted briefly above, the solar module  8500 A includes a back sheet  8502 A and a frame  8503 A surrounding all four edges of the back sheet  8502 A. The back sheet  8502 A is formed from polymer material, and the frame  8503 A is formed from anodized aluminum or another lightweight rigid material. 
     Strings  8504 A,  8506 A,  8508 A,  8510 A,  8512 A,  8514 A,  8516 A,  8518 A,  8520 A,  8522 A of strips, ten of which are shown here, are disposed over the back sheet  8502 A. Although not specifically depicted, it will be appreciated that a glass layer is disposed over the strips and electrical connections associated therewith for protective purposes. Here, the strips are non-chamfered and have squared-off corners. The strings  8504 A,  8506 A,  8508 A,  8510 A,  8512 A,  8514 A,  8516 A,  8518 A,  8520 A,  8522 A are disposed side-by-side lengthwise, and as a result, each strip in each string extends along the back sheet  8502 A lengthwise so that the strips extend end-to-end. 
     In an embodiment, the edges of two adjacent strings  8504 A,  8506 A,  8508 A,  8510 A,  8512 A,  8514 A,  8516 A,  8518 A,  8520 A,  8522 A may be spaced apart providing a gap therebetween. As illustrated in  FIG. 87 , which is a close up view of a portion of the solar module  8500 A encircled by “A”, a gap  8702 A has a uniform width between the two adjacent strings  8504 A,  8506 A in a range of between about 1 mm and about 5 mm. In another embodiment, the edges of two or more of the strings  8504 A,  8506 A,  8508 A,  8510 A,  8512 A,  8514 A,  8516 A,  8518 A,  8520 A,  8522 A are immediately adjacent each other. 
     The strings  8504 A,  8506 A,  8508 A,  8510 A,  8512 A,  8514 A,  8516 A,  8518 A,  8520 A,  8522 A are electrically coupled to the top bus bar  8524 A and the bottom bus bars  8528 A,  8530 A each extending a length of the back sheet  8502 A on opposite edges. In an embodiment, a first string set  8525 A of five strings  8504 A,  8506 A,  8508 A,  8510 A,  8512 A is connected via the top bus bar  8524 A and bottom bus bar  8528 A, while a second string set  8527 A making up the other five strings  8514 A,  8516 A,  8518 A,  8520 A,  8522 A is connected via top bus bar and bottom bus bar  8530 A. Each connection includes a conductive ribbon material adhered at one end to a corresponding strip and at another end to a corresponding bus bar. In this way, the strings  8504 A,  8506 A,  8508 A,  8510 A,  8512 A of the first string set  8525 A are connected in parallel, the strings  8514 A,  8516 A,  8518 A,  8520 A,  8522 A of the second string set  8527 A are connected in parallel, while the string sets  8525 A,  8527 A themselves are connected in series. An isolation strip  8532 A (shown in  FIG. 88 ) is disposed between the two string sets  8525 A,  8527 A to provide support between the string sets  8525 A,  8527 A. The isolation strip  8532 A is greater in length than the strings and is sufficiently wide to permit the adjacent strings  8512 A,  8514 A of the two string sets  8525 A,  8527 A, respectively, to overlap a portion of the isolation strip  8532 A. As detailed in  FIG. 88 , in an embodiment, the isolation strip  8532 A has a squared off end  8534 A and a tabbed end  8536 A being wider than the squared off end  8534 A. The squared off end extends past the strings  8512 A,  8514 A, in an embodiment, and a portion of the top bus bar  8524 A is disposed across its width. An electrically conductive ribbon  8538 A extends substantially perpendicularly from the top bus bar  8524 A along almost an entire length of the isolation strip down a middle of the tabbed end  8536 A terminating just beyond where the tabbed end  8536 A begins. Two additional electrically conductive ribbons  8540 A,  8542 A are disposed over the tabbed end  8536 A on either side of the electrically conductive ribbon  8538 A. The additional electrically conductive ribbons  8540 A,  8542 A serve as hidden interconnects to connect the strings  8525 A,  8527 A to a junction box  8550 . Fix tape  8544 A is used to maintain the isolation strip  8532 A and the conductive ribbons  8538 A,  8540 A,  8542 A in position relative to the strings  8512 A,  8514 A. In accordance with one embodiment, the series connection of the first string set  8525 A to the second string set  8527 A can be made by attaching the negative side of the first string set  8525 A and the positive side of the second string set  8527 A to a common bus bar. Alternatively, positive sides of both the first and second string sets  8525 A and  8527 A may be placed on the same side of the solar module and a cable, wire, or other connector may be used to electrically connect the negative side of the first string set  8525 A to the positive side of the second string set  8527 A. This second configuration promotes efficiency in manufacturing by allowing all string sets to be placed in the solar module without reorientation of one of them, and reduces the size of the bus bars, as well as making all bus bars of similar length rather than having one side be long and the other side formed of two short bus bars, thus reducing the number of components of the entire module. 
     As shown in  FIG. 86A , a back side  8546 A of the solar module  8500 A includes the back sheet  8502 A to which a junction box  8550 A is attached. In an embodiment, the junction box  8550 A does not include a bypass diode. In another embodiment, the junction box  8550 A includes one or more bypass diodes disposed therein. 
       FIGS. 85B and 86B  are front and back views, respectively, of a solar module  8500 B in accordance with another embodiment. Here, the solar module  8500 B includes a back sheet  8502 B and a frame  8503 B surrounding all four edges of the back sheet  8502 B. The back sheet  8502 B is formed from polymer material, and the frame  8503 B is formed from anodized aluminum. 
     Strings  8504 B,  8506 B,  8508 B,  8510 B,  8512 B,  8514 B,  8516 B,  8518 B,  8520 B,  8522 B of strips, ten of which are shown here, are disposed over the back sheet  8502 B, and configured in a manner similar to those of solar module  8500 A. The strips are rectangular in shape and are typically covered by a glass layer  8505 B and an adhesive layer  8507 B (both shown in  FIGS. 95 and 96 ). 
     The strings  8504 B,  8506 B,  8508 B,  8510 B,  8512 B,  8514 B,  8516 B,  8518 B,  8520 B,  8522 B are electrically coupled to top bus bars  8523 B,  8524 B ( FIG. 95 ) along one edge and bottom bus bars  8528 B,  8530 B along an opposite edge. Specifically, strings  8504 B,  8506 B,  8508 B,  8510 B,  8512 B are coupled to one top bus bar  8523 B along one edge, and bus bar  8528 B along an opposite edge to form a first string set  8525 B, and strings  8514 B,  8516 B,  8518 B,  8520 B,  8522 B are coupled to a separate bus bar  8524 B along one edge, and bus bar  8530 B along an opposite edge to form a second string set  8527 B. The bus bars  8523 B,  8524 B,  8528 B,  8530 B are each in the form of a ribbon, in an embodiment. In another embodiment, each connection includes a conductive ribbon material adhered at one end to a corresponding strip and at another end to a corresponding bus bar.  FIG. 94  is a top view of a ribbon configuration of a bus bar  9400 , in accordance with an embodiment. The ribbon bus bar  9400  is in the form of a thin metallized tape having a solid edge  9402  disposed substantially parallel with a long edge of the module  8500 B and a notched edge  9404  that is disposed closest to the strings (for example, strings  8504 B,  8506 B,  8508 B,  8510 B,  8512 B or strings  8514 B,  8516 B,  8518 B,  8520 B,  8522 B). Notches  9406  formed along the notched edge  9404  are substantially equally spaced along the length of the ribbon bus bar  9400 , in an embodiment so that when the corresponding strips of the strings are soldered to the ribbon bus bar  9400 , soldering stresses are reduced. Otherwise, high soldering stresses could cause unwanted microcracks in one or more of the strips, which could affect product yield and reliability. In another embodiment, the notches  9406  are unequally spaced. Openings formed in two substantially parallel rows  9408 ,  9410  are included in the ribbon bus bar  9400 , where the openings of one row  9408  are located between adjacent notches  9406 , and each opening of the other row  9410  is located over a corresponding notch  9406 . 
     When formed as ribbon bus bar  9400 , the bus bars  8524 B,  8525 B,  8528 B,  8530 B, if exposed, may be covered with an electrically insulative tape. The tape may have a color that matches the color of the backsheet  8502 B so that the bus bars  8524 B,  8525 B,  8528 B,  8530 B are not visible to the human eye. 
     Similar to module  8500 A, the strings  8504 B,  8506 B,  8508 B,  8510 B,  8512 B of the first string set  8525 B in module  8500 B are connected in parallel, the strings  8514 B,  8516 B,  8518 B,  8520 B,  8522 B of the second string set  8527 B in module  8500 B are connected in parallel, while the string sets  8525 B,  8527 B themselves are connected in series.  FIG. 95  is a close up view of a portion of a back side of the module  8500 B with the back sheet  8502 B removed, illustrating an isolation strip  8532 B and associated electrical connections configured to be disposed between the two string sets  8525 B,  8527 B shown in phantom to electrically connect and structurally support the string sets  8525 B,  8527 B. As will be appreciated, the isolation strip  8532 B and associated electrical connections are disposed underneath adjacent strings  8514 B,  8516 B. In an embodiment, the isolation strip  8532 B is a cut portion of the back sheet  8502 B and disposed between an adhesive layer  8533 B and a remainder of the back sheet  8502 B. The adhesive layer  8533 B may be formed from ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) or another hot melt type of adhesive. The isolation strip  8532 B may be greater in length than the strings. In another embodiment, the isolation strip  8532 B is sufficiently wide to permit the adjacent strings  8512 B,  8514 B of the two string sets  8525 B,  8527 B, respectively, to overlap a portion of the isolation strip  8532 B. As detailed in  FIG. 95 , in an embodiment, the isolation strip  8532 B is rectangular. One end extends past the strings  8512 B,  8514 B, in an embodiment so that a portion of each of two of the top bus bars  8523 B,  8524 B is disposed across a portion of its width. The other end is covered by the strings  8512 B,  8514 B. 
     With additional reference to  FIG. 96 , which is a cross section, exploded view of module  8500 B illustrated in  FIG. 95  taken along line B-B except including back sheet  8502 B, an electrically conductive ribbon  8538 B extends substantially perpendicularly from top bus bar  8523 B behind string  8512 B and about half down the length of the isolation strip and makes a turn to extend behind string  8514 B to connect to bottom bus bar  8530 B. In this way, a terminal of string  8512 B having a polarity may be connected directly to a terminal of string  8514 B having an opposite polarity. Two additional electrically conductive ribbons  8540 B,  8542 B are included to provide connection to junction boxes  8550 B,  8551 B ( FIG. 86B ), each serving as terminals having opposite polarity. In this regard, ribbon  8540 B extends from top bus bar  8524 B and ribbon  8542 B extends from bottom bus bar  8528 B so that each conductive ribbon  8540 B,  8542 B serves as hidden interconnects to connect the strings  8525 B,  8527 B to a junction boxes  8550 B,  8551 B. Fix tape (not shown) is included to maintain the conductive ribbons  8538 B,  8540 B,  8542 B in position on the isolation strip  8532 B relative to the strings  8512 B,  8514 B. 
     Along other areas of module  8500 B away from the electrically conductive ribbon  8538 B, for example as shown in  FIG. 97 , which is a cross section, exploded view of module  8500 B illustrated in  FIG. 95  taken along line C-C, the solar module  8500 B includes the glass layer  8505 , the adhesive layer  8533 B, a top bus bar  8523 B at one end of string set  8512 B, and a bottom bus bar  8530 B at an opposite end of string set  8512 B, another adhesive layer  8533 B, and back sheet  8502 B. 
     As shown in  FIG. 86B , a back side  8546 B of the solar module  8500 B includes the backsheet  8502 B to which two junction boxes  8550 B,  8551 B are attached. In an embodiment, the junction boxes  8550 B,  8551 B do not include a bypass diode. In another embodiment, one or both of the junction boxes  8550 B,  8551 B includes one or more bypass diodes disposed therein. 
       FIG. 85C  is a front views of a solar module  8500 C in accordance with another embodiment. Here, the solar module  8500 C includes a back sheet  8502 C and a frame  8503 C surrounding all four edges of the back sheet  8502 C, and includes strings  8504 C,  8506 C,  8508 C,  8510 C,  8512 C,  8514 C,  8516 C,  8518 C,  8520 C,  8522 C of strips. Module  8500 C is formed substantially identical manner as module  8500 A, except that the strips included in the strings are chamfered. The back view of solar module  8500 C is identical to that of solar module  8500 B. 
     As alluded to above, the solar module  8500  may incorporate any one of numerous electrical configurations. For example, turning to  FIG. 89 , an electrical schematic for solar module  8500  is provided, where ten strings  8900 A- 8900 J are grouped into two sets of strings. The strings of the first set of strings  8902 A are connected in parallel with each other and includes a bypass diode  8904 A. Similarly, the strings of the second set of strings  8902 B are connected in parallel with each other and includes a bypass diode  8904 B. The two sets of strings  8902 A,  8902 B are connected in series with each other. 
     In another embodiment as illustrated in  FIG. 90 , an electrical schematic for solar module  8500  is provided that is identical to the electrical schematic provided in  FIG. 89 , except no bypass diodes are included. 
       FIG. 91  is another embodiment of an electrical schematic for solar module  8500 . Here, each of the ten strings  9100 A- 9100 J are grouped into two sets of strings  9102 A,  9102 B are made up of an upper section  9110 A,  9110 B and a lower section  9112 A,  9112 B. The upper section  9110 A of the first set of strings  9102 A are arranged in parallel, and the lower section  9112 A of the first set of strings  9102 A are arranged in parallel. Each of the sections  9110 A,  9112 A are further arranged with a bypass diode  9114 A,  9114 B. The upper section  9110 B of the second set of strings  9102 B are arranged in parallel, and the lower section  9112 B of the first set of strings  9102 B are arranged in parallel. Each of the sections  9110 B,  9112 B are further arranged with a bypass diode  9114 C,  9114 D. The sets of strings  9102 A,  9102 B are connected in series. 
       FIG. 92  is a flow diagram of a method  9200  of manufacturing a solar module, such as the solar module  8500  described above, if provided. In an embodiment, a glass plate, serving as a front plate for the solar module, is loaded as the substrate at step  9202 , then an encapsulation layer, such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) or poly olefin (POE) film, is laid on top of glass at step  9204 . Next, string sets are disposed over the encapsulation layer at step  9206 . In an embodiment, a desired number of string sets can be appropriately positioned and electrically connected by module interconnect busbar to form a desired circuitry. For example, the solar module to be manufactured may be made up of 10 sets of strings and hence, may have a length of between about 1600 mm to about 1700 mm, a width of between about 980 mm to about 1100 mm, and a thickness of between about 2 mm to about 60 mm. In another embodiment, the solar module may be made up of 1 to 18 sets of strings and the glass plate can have a length of between about 500 mm to about 2500 mm, a width of between about 900 mm to about 1200 mm, and a thickness of between about 2 mm to about 60 mm. 
     In an embodiment, the string sets are positioned over an EVA layer and glass in a configuration as described above with respect to the solar module  8500 . The string sets may be placed one at a time over the EVA layer, in an embodiment. Alternatively, the desired number of string sets may be substantially simultaneously placed over the EVA layer. Suitable machinery for automated laying up of the string sets commonly used in mass production of solar modules may be employed. 
     To form connections between the string sets, the strings are interconnected at step  9208 . For example, bus bars are electrically connected to corresponding portions of the string sets via conductive ribbon material. An isolation strip including suitably positioned electrically conductive ribbon adhered thereto, is positioned to extend between two adjacent string sets in a manner as described above. Electrical wires to be hidden in a junction box are either protected or otherwise isolated in order to permit the wires to be placed in the junction box at later stages of manufacture. 
     Next, another encapsulation layer is laid on top of the string sets at step  9210 . Then, a backsheet is positioned over the encapsulation layer at step  9212  to form one or more lamination stacks. The backsheet material protects the solar module circuitry from environmental impact. In an embodiment, the back sheet is dimensioned slightly larger than the glass plate to improve the manufacturing yield. In another embodiment, the backsheet material can be replaced with glass to offer even better protection from environment. 
     After the back sheet layup, the lamination stacks are loaded into a vacuum lamination chamber in which the stacks are adhered to each other under a high temperature profile in vacuum. The particular details of the lamination process are dependent on the specific properties of the encapsulation material used. 
     After lamination, the module is framed at step  9214 . Framing is employed to provide mechanical strength that is sufficient to withstand wind and snow conditions after the solar module is installed. In an embodiment, the framing is made up of anodized aluminum material. In another embodiment, the framing is disposed on an outer edge of the module. In still another embodiment, the framing extends over a portion of the glass and/or the back sheet. Additionally, silicone is used to seal the gap between glass and framing so that the edges of the solar module are protected from unwanted materials that may unintentionally become trapped within the module which can interfere with the operation of the solar module. 
     After framing, a junction box is installed on the backsheet, and the interconnect ribbon bus bars are soldered or clamped to contact pads in the junction box at step  9216 . Silicone potting material is used to seal the edge of junction box to prevent moisture and or contaminants getting into module. In addition, the junction box itself may be potted to prevent the component from corrosion. 
     The module is tested at step  9218 . Examples of tests include, but are not limited to flash testing to measure the module power output, electroluminescence testing for crack and micro-crack detection, grounding testing and high pot testing for safety, and the like. 
       FIG. 93  is a simplified cross-sectional view of a solar module  9300  after being processed according to method  9200 . As shown, solar module  9300  has a glass layer  9302 , which serves as a front of the solar module  9300 , an EVA layer  9304 , a ribbon layer  9306 , a cell  9308 , an isolation strip  9310 , a rear EVA layer  9312 , and a back sheet  9314 . 
     While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shown in the drawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Any combination of the above embodiments is also envisioned and is within the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope of the claims appended hereto.