(JP2001044466-A)   NOVELTY - A module (1) includes a photovoltaic semiconductor layer sandwiched between two electrode layers. Grooves formed by laser scribing separate a power generating region from peripheral regions. Also the power generating region is divided into individual photovoltaic cells by laser scribed grooves. During manufacture, cleaning apparatus (11A) is used to remove debris left after laser scribing. The apparatus comprises a tank (12) containing cleaning fluid (W) fed from below from a fluid source (16a) and a conveyer (15) for moving the module while it is submerged. An ultrasonic vibrator (17) and pressurized air (18,18a) are used to assist in the physical removal or debris which falls to the bottom of the tank or is carried away as the cleaning fluid overflows.    USE - Provides improved apparatus and method for cleaning photovoltaic modules during manufacture.    ADVANTAGE - Enables removal of particles generated while laser scribing during manufacture and to obviate the necessity of installing or removing temporary short circuit conductor used while cleaning.    (JP2001044467-A)   NOVELTY - A module (1) includes a photovoltaic semiconductor layer sandwiched between two electrode layers. Grooves formed by laser scribing separate a power generating region from peripheral regions. Also the power generating region is divided into individual photovoltaic cells by laser scribed grooves. During manufacture, cleaning apparatus (11A) is used to remove debris left after laser scribing. The apparatus comprises a tank (12) containing cleaning fluid (W) fed from below from a fluid source (16a) and a conveyer (15) for moving the module while it is submerged. An ultrasonic vibrator (17) and pressurized air (18,18a) are used to assist in the physical removal or debris which falls to the bottom of the tank or is carried away as the cleaning fluid overflows.    USE - Provides improved apparatus and method for cleaning photovoltaic modules during manufacture.    ADVANTAGE - Enables removal of particles generated while laser scribing during manufacture and to obviate the necessity of installing or removing temporary short circuit conductor used while cleaning.