DE102020108847A1 - Arrangement of cells in a photovoltaic element - Google Patents

Abstract

Photovoltaic element (1) with at least two cells (5) arranged on a substrate (3), the cells (5) being separated from one another in an electrically insulating manner by separating regions (7), cells (5 ) are interconnected in series, cells (5) and / or rows of cells (5) interconnected in series being connected in parallel in a longitudinal direction (L), and the cells (5) each have a certain width (9) and have a certain length (11), at least two cells (5) having a different width (9), and the serially connected cells (5) and / or rows of serially connected cells (5) have the same area as one another.

Description

The invention relates to a photovoltaic element with at least two cells arranged on a substrate, cells arranged in series in a transverse direction being interconnected in series, cells arranged next to one another in a longitudinal direction and / or rows of cells interconnected in series being interconnected in parallel, and wherein the cells each have a certain width and a certain length, with at least two cells having a different width, and the serially connected cells and / or rows of cells interconnected in series have the same area as one another.

Optoelectronics is made up of the fields of optics and semiconductor electronics. In particular, it includes systems and methods that enable the conversion of electronically generated energy into light emission or convert light emissions into energy. Optoelectronic components, in particular photovoltaic elements, for example organic photovoltaic elements (OPVs) and organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), generate electrical energy or convert electrical energy into light emissions, which for further use are led out or into the optoelectronic component must become. The electrical current is usually diverted via two busbars, so-called busbars, which are attached to the edge of an electrode. Busbars represent a point in an optoelectronic component at which the converted energy is bundled and passed on in the form of electrical current. To make contact, junction boxes are arranged on the photovoltaic element in the area of the busbars. Junction boxes arranged on the layer system lead to partial shading or partial inactivity of the areas of the cells located under the junction box. When connected in series, the cells with the lowest current limit the total current of the cells connected in series, which leads to a loss of the total current of the photovoltaic element.

Photovoltaic elements, in particular thin-film photovoltaic elements, have a layer structure with layers. The layer structure usually comprises electrode layers, in particular made of an electrically conductive transparent material, a transparent conductive metal oxide (TCO - transparent conductive oxide), one or more photoactive layers, and a non-metallic electrode layer. A possible structure of the layer system of a photovoltaic element is shown in WO2004083958A2 and WO2011138021A2 described.

Organic photovoltaic elements can be produced, for example, by evaporating the materials, by printing polymers or by processing liquids. The basic structure of organic photovoltaic elements is in WO2004083958 or WO2011138021 described. Organic photovoltaic elements are structured using laser processes. These methods are used in particular for interconnecting individual photovoltaic cells on an optoelectronic component, as well as for electrically isolating photovoltaic cells. Due to the limited conductivity of the layer systems and to adapt the output voltages and currents of photovoltaic elements, the photovoltaic element, that is to say the layer system of the photovoltaic element, is usually divided into cells arranged next to one another and interconnected in series. The width of such cells is usually in the range from about a few millimeters to centimeters.

Photovoltaic elements are applied to roofs or facades. The photovoltaic elements can usually be applied to the roofs or facades in strips or larger areas. In some areas of the roofs or facades, however, there are components that restrict the planar laying of the photovoltaic element, for example antennas, windows or chimneys, so that the photovoltaic element cannot be completely arranged here. At the same time, however, an area should be used as completely as possible for a photovoltaic element. Furthermore, junction boxes are arranged on the front of many photovoltaic elements, in particular in the case of flexible photovoltaic elements that are either applied directly to photoactive layers or are applied next to photoactive layers, that is to say cells of the photovoltaic element.

Cells are not always shaded to the same degree, but are still partially exposed to sunlight. Shading is understood to mean, in particular, an at least partial reduction in the light irradiation on a photovoltaic element, with in particular an at least essentially light-impermeable object casting its sun shadow on components of a photovoltaic element. In this case, shaded cells that are connected in series with other cells generate a voltage that is opposite to that of non-shaded cells, which increases the flow of current from the other photovoltaic cells through this photovoltaic cell restrict or block through it. If a cell of the photovoltaic element is at least partially shaded, this cell does not generate any voltage and the current generated by the cells connected in series cannot be passed through and damages this cell. A problem of serially connected photovoltaic cells with at least partial shading is that the shaded cells represent diodes connected in the reverse direction with respect to the serially connected, not shaded or less shaded cells. They thus hinder the outflow of the photogenerated current, which has a negative effect on the efficiency of the photovoltaic element and / or damages the cell.

DE 20 2007 010 590 U1 discloses a solar module with a plurality of individual interconnected solar cells with the same area, with transparent or translucent areas being provided between the solar cells, and with at least two different formats of solar cells being provided.

DE 37 14920 C1 discloses a method for subdividing a thin-film photovoltaic module into individual cells and for connecting these individual cells in series. During the application of the layer structure of the thin-film photovoltaic module, individual layers or layer arrangements of the layer structure are divided into a plurality of strip-shaped segments by separating lines.

EP 2 466 640 A2 discloses a thin-film photovoltaic module that is divided into a plurality of photovoltaic cells that are arranged on a substrate and integrated electrically in series by dividing lines that cut through at least one layer of a layer structure of the thin-film photovoltaic module, at least two of the dividing lines not running parallel to one another, at least one Part of the dividing lines is part of a series connection strip which holds two adjacent photovoltaic cells in series, and at least one of the dividing lines cuts through all layers of the thin-film photovoltaic module and insulates two adjacent photovoltaic cells from one another.

While the area of the photoactive area in silicon-based solar cells is limited by the size of the wafer, in thin-film solar cells the size can be adapted to requirements within certain limits.

In order to minimize the dead area of photovoltaic elements, junction boxes are arranged directly on the layer system, in particular in the area of a photoactive layer of the layer system, so that no area outside the aperture is lost. However, this leads to partial shading of the cells covered by it. Since the current obtained in a cell is proportional to the area of the cell, a partially covered cell supplies a lower current, with the cell with the lowest current, in particular the smallest area, determining the current of the photovoltaic element in the case of cells connected in series.

The disadvantage of the prior art is that a flexible design of the dimensions of a photovoltaic element and / or the cells arranged on a photovoltaic element is not known.

The object of the present invention is to provide a photovoltaic element with at least two cells arranged on a substrate, the disadvantages described in the prior art not occurring, and in particular an arrangement of cells on a photovoltaic element being able to be designed according to requirements, in particular the Creation of free and / or inactive areas on the photovoltaic element on which no layer system, in particular no photoactive layer, is arranged is made possible, so that junction boxes of the photovoltaic element can be arranged on such free and / or inactive areas and / or certain dimensions of the photovoltaic element are made possible, whereby the area of a photovoltaic element can be adapted to the conditions of a roof and a facade.

The object is achieved by the subjects of the independent claims. Advantageous refinements result from the subclaims.

The object is achieved in particular by providing a photovoltaic element with at least two cells arranged on a substrate, preferably with a plurality of cells arranged on a substrate, the cells being separated from one another in an electrically insulating manner by separating areas, with cells arranged in series in a transverse direction Cells are interconnected in series with one another, cells and / or rows of cells interconnected in series in a longitudinal direction being interconnected in parallel, and the cells each having a certain width and a certain length.

At least two cells, preferably at least two cells connected in series, have a different width, and the cells connected in series and / or rows of cells connected in series with one another have the same area as one another.

A photovoltaic element is understood to mean, in particular, a photovoltaic cell, especially a solar cell. The photovoltaic element is preferably made up of several photovoltaic cells which can be connected in series or in parallel. The plurality of photovoltaic cells can be arranged and / or connected in different ways in the photovoltaic element.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the photovoltaic element has at least one cell with at least one photoactive layer, in particular a CIS, CIGS, GaAs, or Si cell, a perovskite cell or an organic photovoltaic element (OPV), a so-called organic solar cell.

An organic photovoltaic element is understood to mean, in particular, a photovoltaic element with at least one organic photoactive layer, in particular a polymeric organic photovoltaic element or an organic photovoltaic element based on small molecules. In particular, the photoactive layers form acceptor-donor systems and can consist of several individual layers or mixed layers, as planar heterojunction, and preferably as bulk heterojunction.

Small molecules are understood to mean, in particular, non-polymeric organic molecules with monodisperse molar masses between 100 and 2000 g / mol, which are present in the solid phase under normal pressure (air pressure of the surrounding atmosphere) and at room temperature. In particular, the small molecules are photoactive, photoactive being understood to mean that the molecules change their state of charge and / or their state of polarization when light is introduced. The advantages of these absorber materials based on small molecules are that they can be evaporated in a vacuum.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one photoactive layer of the layer system comprises small molecules which can be evaporated in a vacuum. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one photoactive layer of the layer system is vapor-deposited in a vacuum.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, all layers of a layer system of the photovoltaic element are cut through by the separating region. The layer system of the photovoltaic element is subdivided into a multiplicity of layer systems arranged next to one another, in particular a multiplicity of cells, by the separating regions.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the photovoltaic element has a layer system with at least two photoactive layers, the photovoltaic element being a tandem cell, preferably a layer system with at least three photoactive layers, the photovoltaic element being a triple cell.

A transverse direction Q is understood to mean, in particular, a direction of an electrical current flow in a photovoltaic element, with in particular a plurality of cells arranged next to one another on a substrate of a photovoltaic element being interconnected in series in the transverse direction Q.

A longitudinal direction L is understood to mean, in particular, a direction transverse to the transverse direction Q, with in particular a plurality of cells arranged next to one another and / or rows of cells connected in series and arranged on a substrate of a photovoltaic element being interconnected in parallel in the longitudinal direction L.

The photovoltaic element according to the invention has advantages compared to the prior art. Advantageously, the area of a substrate or an aperture is better utilized; in particular, previously unused areas on a substrate can be used and the area used is thus increased. The ratio of the aperture to the area of the photovoltaic element is advantageously smaller, as a result of which the price per area differs less between the aperture and the area of the photovoltaic element. The efficiency of a photovoltaic element can advantageously be improved. Mismatch losses between a number of cells, in particular cells connected in series, are advantageously minimized. The service life of photovoltaic elements is advantageously increased. Damage to the photovoltaic element or individual cells thereof by other components attached to it, for example junction boxes, in particular from hot sport, is advantageously prevented, since the photoactive layer of the cells is not partially darkened by components arranged on it, for example junction boxes. Advantageously, due to the flexible design of the cells, components, in particular junction boxes, can be attached variably to a photovoltaic element, for example on the edge or in the middle of a photovoltaic element, without darkening a photoactive layer of a cell.

According to a further development of the invention, it is provided that the area of the cells connected in series and / or in parallel is equal to one another. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the area of at least one cell of the cells connected in parallel with one another is different in size.

According to a development of the invention it is provided that the cells have a rectangular area.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the length of the cells is at least twice as large as the width of the cells, preferably at least five times as large, preferably at least 10 times as large, preferably at least 20 times as large, preferably at least 50 times as large, preferably at least 100 times as big, or preferably at least 1000 times as big.

According to a development of the invention it is provided that at least two cells have a different ratio of width to length, the ratio of width to length of a cell preferably being 1: 1000 to 1: 300, preferably 1: 500 to 1: 300.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the ratio of width to length of a cell is 1: 10 to 1: 1000, preferably 1: 10 to 1: 500, preferably 1: 10 to 1: 300, preferably 1: 10 to 1: 100, preferably 1 in 100 to 1 in 1000, preferably 1 in 100 to 1 in 500, or preferably 1 in 100 to 1 in 300.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least three cells, preferably at least four cells, have different ratios of width to length.

According to a further development of the invention, it is provided that the cells on the substrate are arranged at least largely parallel to one another.

According to a further development of the invention it is provided that at least two cells connected in series are formed at least largely over the entire length of the photovoltaic element, or all rows of cells connected in series are formed at least largely over the entire width of the photovoltaic element.

According to a development of the invention it is provided that a width of a cell is 1 cm to 200 cm, preferably 2 cm to 100 cm, and / or a length of a cell is 10 cm to 1000 cm, preferably 10 cm to 1000 cm, or preferably 50 cm to 100 cm, and / or the separation areas between the cells have a width of at least 0.1 mm, preferably of at least 0.5 mm.

According to a development of the invention it is provided that at least one cell is formed at least largely over the entire length of the photovoltaic element, and / or the length of a cell or the length of a row of cells connected in parallel is shorter than the length of another cell or the Length of another row of cells connected in parallel to one another.

According to a further development of the invention, it is provided that the separating areas between the cells are formed by means of laser structuring. The individual cells are preferably interconnected by means of laser structuring. By adapting the layout of the laser structuring, the size of the cells, i.e. the width and length of the cells, can be adapted so that the active area of all cells in a serial connection is the same; the total area of the cells in a parallel connection is also preferred same. In particular, this minimizes the loss due to unevenly distributed electrical conductivity.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the length of a cell is designed in such a way that no layer system, in particular no photoactive layer, is present in areas of a junction box or a junction box provided. As a result, a junction box does not have to be arranged on an area with a layer system, in particular a photoactive layer.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one area on the substrate of the photovoltaic element is not coated with a layer system, in particular an active layer, that is, has no cell, with at least one free area being formed on the substrate. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one junction box for contacting the photovoltaic element is arranged on the at least one free area.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the photovoltaic element has at least one inactive area, that is to say an area in which a layer system, in particular a photoactive layer, is present, but this is switched inactive, in particular by means of corresponding laser structuring. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one junction box for contacting the photovoltaic element is arranged on the at least one inactive area.

According to a further development of the invention it is provided that the photovoltaic element is an organic photovoltaic element, preferably a flexible organic photovoltaic element, with at least one photoactive layer of the organic photovoltaic element preferably having small molecules as absorber material.

A flexible photovoltaic element is understood to mean, in particular, a photovoltaic element that can be bent and / or stretched in a specific area.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Aufbaus eines Schichtsystems eines photovoltaischen Elements in einer Seitenansicht;
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines photovoltaischen Elements mit mehreren seriell geschalteten Zellen in einer Draufsicht;
• 3 eine schematische Darstellung weiterer Ausführungsbeispiele photovoltaischer Elemente mit mehreren seriell geschalteten Zellen in einer Draufsicht.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. Show:

• 1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a structure of a layer system of a photovoltaic element in a side view;
• 2 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a photovoltaic element with a plurality of cells connected in series in a plan view;
• 3 a schematic representation of further embodiments of photovoltaic elements with several cells connected in series in a plan view.

Embodiments

1 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a structure of a layer system 24 a photovoltaic element 1 in a side view.

The photovoltaic element 1 , especially the organic photovoltaic element 1 , consists of cells in this exemplary embodiment 5 from a sequence of thin layers with a photoactive layer 25th , which are preferably evaporated in a vacuum or processed from a solution. The electrical connection, that is, a contact, takes place through metal layers, transparent conductive oxides and / or transparent conductive polymers. A structure of such a cell 5 with a shift system 24 is in 1 shown.

In this embodiment, the cells 5 of the photovoltaic element 1 one on a substrate 3 , for example made of glass, arranged base electrode 22nd , in particular a transparent base electrode, for example made of ITO. The shift system is on top of it 24 , with a charge transport layer 26th with fullerene C60, a photoactive layer 25th with at least one absorber material and fullerene C60, and a charge transport layer 27 from Di-NPB and NDP9. There is a cover electrode on it 23 arranged from gold. The shift system 24 and / or the electrodes 22nd , 23 are laser structured. The shift system 24 can have further hole injection layers, hole transport layers, photoactive layers and / or electron transport layers. The proportions of the layers of the layer system 24 are not shown to scale.

The structuring of the individual layers and the electrodes can take place, for example, by means of laser ablation, electron or ion beam ablation, or shadow masks.

2 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a photovoltaic element 1 with several cells connected in series 5 in a top view. Identical and functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols, so that in this respect reference is made to the preceding description.

The photovoltaic element 1 in this embodiment is a photovoltaic element 1 with thin-film technology.

The photovoltaic element 1 has at least two on a substrate 3 arranged cells 5 on, preferably a plurality on one substrate 3 arranged cells 5 , with the cells 5 through separation areas 7th are separated from one another in an electrically insulating manner, with cells arranged in series in a transverse direction Q 5 are connected to one another in series, with cells arranged next to one another in a longitudinal direction L 5 and / or rows of cells connected in series with one another 5 are connected in parallel, and where the cells 5 each a certain width 9 and a certain length 11 exhibit. It has at least two cells 5 , preferably at least two serially connected cells 5 , a different width 9 and show the cells connected in series 5 and / or rows of cells connected in series with one another 5 each other on an equal area.

In this exemplary embodiment, the right and left each point in the transverse direction Q of the photovoltaic element 1 arranged cells 5 a greater width 9 and a shorter length 11 compared to the cells in between 5 on. As a result, there are free areas without cells 5 in front of which the junction boxes 13th are arranged. The area of the cells connected in series in the transverse direction Q 5 is equal to.

This becomes the area of a substrate 3 or an aperture, in particular, previously unused areas on a substrate are used 3 usable and thus the area used increases. The ratio of the aperture to the area of the photovoltaic element 1 becomes smaller, which increases the price per area between the aperture and the area of the photovoltaic element 1 less different. The life of the photovoltaic element 1 will be raised.

Damage to the photovoltaic element is advantageous 1 or single cells 5 of which by others attached to it Components, for example a junction box 13th , because the photoactive layer prevents 25th of cells 5 not through components such as a junction box 13th that are applied thereon is covered. This will damage the photovoltaic element 1 , especially by a hot sport.

In one embodiment of the invention, the cells have 5 a rectangular area.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the area is the cells connected in series and / or in parallel 5 equal to each other.

In a further embodiment of the invention, at least two cells have 5 a different ratio of width 9 too length 11 on, wherein the ratio of width to length of a cell is preferably 1: 1000 to 1: 300, preferably 1: 500 to 1: 300.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the cells are 5 on the substrate 3 arranged at least largely parallel to one another.

In a further embodiment of the invention, there are at least two cells connected in series with one another 5 at least largely over the entire length of the photovoltaic element 1 formed, or are all rows of cells connected in series with one another 5 at least largely over the entire width of the photovoltaic element 1 educated.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a width is 9 of a cell is 1 cm to 200 cm, preferably 2 cm to 100 cm, and / or is a length 11 a cell 5 10 cm to 500 cm, preferably 50 cm to 100 cm, and / or the separation areas 7th between cells 5 have a width of at least 0.1 mm, preferably of at least 0.5 mm.

In a further embodiment of the invention there is at least one cell 5 at least largely over the entire length of the photovoltaic element 1 formed, and / or is the length of a cell 5 or the length of a row of cells connected in parallel to one another 5 shorter than the length of another cell 5 or the length of another row of cells connected in parallel to one another 5 .

In a further embodiment of the invention, the separation areas are 7th between cells 5 formed by means of laser structuring.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the photovoltaic element is 1 an organic photovoltaic element 1 , preferably a flexible organic photovoltaic element 1 , wherein preferably at least one photoactive layer of the organic photovoltaic element 1 has small molecules as absorber material.

3 shows a schematic representation of further exemplary embodiments of photovoltaic elements 1 with several cells connected in series 5 in a top view. Identical and functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols, so that in this respect reference is made to the preceding description.

The photovoltaic elements 1 ( 3a - 3c ) in these exemplary embodiments are photovoltaic elements 1 with thin-film technology. The photovoltaic elements 1 show a multitude of cells 5 on.

In 3a is in one embodiment in the transverse direction Q, the left side of the photovoltaic element 1 with the cells arranged on it 5 in the longitudinal direction L of the photovoltaic element 1 seen longer than the right side of the photovoltaic element 1 . Furthermore, the two right and left each point in the transverse direction Q of the photovoltaic element 1 arranged cells 5 a greater width 9 and a shorter length 11 compared to the cells in between 5 on. This causes them to lie on the substrate 3 free areas without cells 5 in front of which the junction boxes 13th are arranged. The area of the cells connected in series in the transverse direction Q 5 is equal to.

In 3b is in one embodiment in the transverse direction Q, the left side of the photovoltaic element 1 with the cells arranged on it 5 in the longitudinal direction L of the photovoltaic element 1 seen the same length as the central area of the photovoltaic element 1 and made longer than the right side of the photovoltaic element 1 . The two on the right in the transverse direction Q of the photovoltaic element 1 arranged cells 5 have a greater width 9 and a shorter length 11 compared to the cells next to it 5 on, and the two left in the transverse direction Q of the photovoltaic element 1 arranged cells 5 have a greater width 9 and a shorter length 11 compared to the cells next to it 5 on. This causes them to lie on the substrate 3 free areas without cells 5 in front of which the junction boxes 13th are arranged. Furthermore, the right and in the middle area point in the transverse direction Q of the photovoltaic element 1 arranged cells 5 a smaller width 9 and greater length 11 compared to the cells on the right 5 on. The area of the cells connected in series in the transverse direction Q 5 is equal to.

In 3c is in one embodiment in the transverse direction Q, the left side of the photovoltaic element 1 with the cells arranged on it 5 corresponding to the right side of the photovoltaic element 1 formed, the cells having a corresponding width 9 and length 11 have, and the cells 5 in the middle area of the photovoltaic element 1 in comparison, a greater width 9 and a shorter length 11 exhibit. Furthermore, the two right and left each point in the transverse direction Q of the photovoltaic element 1 arranged cells 5 a greater width 9 and a shorter length 11 compared to the cells in between 5 on. This causes them to lie on the substrate 3 free areas without cells 5 in front of which the junction boxes 13th are arranged. The area of the cells connected in series in the transverse direction Q 5 is equal to.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• WO 2004083958 A2 [0003]
• WO 2011138021 A2 [0003]
• WO 2004083958 [0004]
• WO 2011138021 [0004]
• DE 202007010590 U1 [0007]
• DE 3714920 C1 [0008]
• EP 2466640 A2 [0009]

Claims (10)

Photovoltaic element (1) with at least two cells (5) arranged on a substrate (3), preferably with a plurality of cells (5) arranged on a substrate (3), the cells (5) electrically insulating from one another by separating areas (7) are separated, cells (5) arranged in series in a transverse direction (Q) being interconnected in series, cells (5) arranged next to one another in a longitudinal direction (L) and / or rows of cells (5) interconnected in series being interconnected in parallel , and wherein the cells (5) each have a certain width (9) and a certain length (11), characterized in that at least two cells (5), preferably at least two cells (5) connected in series, have a different width (9 ), and the cells (5) connected in series and / or rows of cells (5) connected in series with one another have the same area. Photovoltaic element (1) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the cells (5) have a rectangular area. Photovoltaic element (1) according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the area of the cells (5) connected in series and / or in parallel is equal to one another. Photovoltaic element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two cells (5) have a different ratio of width (9) to length (11), the ratio of width (9) to length of a cell ( 11) is 1 in 1000 to 1 in 300, preferably 1 in 500 to 1 in 300. Photovoltaic element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cells (5) on the substrate (3) are arranged at least largely parallel to one another. Photovoltaic element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two cells (5) connected in series are formed at least largely over the entire length of the photovoltaic element (1), or at least all rows of cells (5) connected in series with one another are formed largely over the entire width of the photovoltaic element (1). Photovoltaic element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a width (9) of a cell (5) is 1 cm to 200 cm, preferably 2 cm to 100 cm, and / or a length (11) of a cell ( 5) is 10 cm to 500 cm, preferably 50 cm to 100 cm, and / or the separation areas (7) between the cells (5) have a width of at least 0.1 mm, preferably of at least 0.5 mm. Photovoltaic element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one cell (5) is formed at least largely over the entire length of the photovoltaic element (1), and / or the length of a cell (5) or at least the length a row of cells (5) interconnected in parallel with one another is shorter than the length of another cell (5) or the length of another row of cells (5) interconnected in parallel with one another. Photovoltaic element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating areas (7) between the cells (5) are formed by means of laser structuring. Photovoltaic element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the photovoltaic element (1) is an organic photovoltaic element (1), preferably a flexible organic photovoltaic element (1), preferably at least one photoactive layer (25) of the organic photovoltaic element (1) has small molecules as absorber material.

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