Methods and systems for forming and packaging a roll of photovoltaic cells are provided. A string of photovoltaic cells is incrementally formed such that the photovoltaic cells in the string extend from a leading edge of the string, where incrementally forming the string comprises sequentially connecting successive photovoltaic cells, and where sequentially connecting successive photovoltaic cells comprises connecting each successive photovoltaic cell to a respective, previously-connected photovoltaic cell that is farthest from the leading edge. Bypass diodes are electrically connected to successive portions of the string as the string is being formed. The string is wound with the bypass diodes connected thereto into a roll by rotating the leading edge of the string about a take-up roller as the string is being formed. In response to the string reaching a second predetermined number of photovoltaic cells, the roll is completed and packaged.
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