The present invention provides a method of forming interconnects in a
photovoltaic module. According to one aspect, a method according to the
invention includes processing steps that are similar to those performed
in conventional integrated circuit fabrication. For example, the method
can include masks and etches to form isolation grooves between cells, and
additional etches to form a conductive step adjacent to the grooves that
can be used to form interconnects between cells. According to another
aspect the method for forming the conductive step can be self-aligned,
such as by positioning a mirror above the module and exposing photoresist
from underneath the substrate at an angle one or more times, and etching
to expose the conductive step. According to another aspect, the process
can include steps to form grid lines in the module to improve current
transport in the structure.