Module 120 includes solar cells 102 physically arranged in a matrix of rows (R1, R2, R3, R4) and columns (C1, C2). While a matrix of four rows and two columns is shown, it should be appreciated that any size matrix may be provided and the description below is not limited to a particular matrix size. In module 120, individual cells 102 are electrically connected in parallel by electrical connections 122 to create a crisscross electrical matrix. Optionally, a plurality of cells connected in series and herein referred to as a serial unit 102, may be electrically connected in parallel to another serial unit. The crisscross electrical matrix may therefore include individual cells 102 or serial units 124. As above, it is noted that the module 120 may include any number of rows and columns.

In normal operation, current I may flow along a variety of paths due to the crisscross electrical matrix. In FIG. 2C current I is shown as flowing through cells M, L, K, and J as well as M, L, K, and A. In case of a failure of a single cell 102 in module 120, the current will not be disrupted as there are alternative paths. Failure of other cells 102 will also minimally disrupt functioning of the module as long as an alternative path for current flow can be found. However, as illustrated in FIG. 2D, shading of an entire physical row R4, such as caused by the situation described above with reference to FIG. 1, will lead to a loss of power in the entire module as all current flow I in the module will be disrupted.