Patent ID: 8101039

Claim:
A method for manufacturing a photovoltaic subassembly, the method comprising: loading a continuous roll of flexible and non-electrically conductive film into a work station such that a first terminal edge of the film, which defines a width thereof, is pulled away from the roll and extends between a first elevation and a second elevation at a first position, the film having an adhesive backing; moving a first edge of a photovoltaic coating into proximity with the first position, such that the first terminal edge is approximately aligned with the first edge of the coating, for contact therewith, the photovoltaic coating being adhered to a central region of a major surface of a first substrate, the first substrate extending from the first elevation to the second elevation, and the first edge of the coating extending between the first and second elevations; moving, in a generally horizontal direction, the first edge of the photovoltaic coating, from the first position to a second position, in order to draw a first portion of the film into adhesive contact with the coating, the first portion extending from the first terminal edge of the film toward the roll; cutting an opening through a second portion of the film, when the first portion is in adhesive contact with the coating, the second portion extending from the second portion of the film toward the roll; moving, in the generally horizontal direction, the first edge of the photovoltaic coating, from the second position to a third position, in order to draw the second portion of the film into adhesive contact with the coating, such that the opening in the second portion is approximately aligned with lead wires of the photovoltaic coating; cutting along the width of the film, to separate a third portion of the film from a remainder of the film on the roll, the third portion extending from the second portion of the film to a second terminal edge of the film; and moving, in the generally horizontal direction, a second edge of the photovoltaic coating, which is opposite the first edge, into proximity with the first position, in order to draw the third portion of the film into adhesive contact with the coating, such that the second terminal edge of the film is approximately aligned with the second edge of the coating.