a process and apparatus for continuously producing a relatively large - area , lightweight array of amorphous semiconductor alloy photovoltaic cells having no substrate includes depositing a semiconductor alloy film , such as amorphous silicon , on a travelling surrogate substrate , applying a support material to the traveling film to give it mechanical strength and separating the film and support material from the traveling surrogate substrate by exposing them to a thermal shock . the surrogate substrate is preferably an endless stainless steel band from which the deposited alloy film is repeatedly stripped and on which deposits are repeatedly made . the apparatus may include a cleaning station for cleaning the surrogate substrate after an alloy film is removed from the substrate and before another alloy film is deposited . the apparatus may provide for the deposition and patterning of a back electrode on the substrate before deposition of the alloy film to form one set of electrical interconnections for the array . the apparatus may also provide for the deposition and patterning of a transparent , electrically conducting layer on the alloy film , before application of the support material , in order to form a second set of electrical interconnections for the array . the apparatus may also apply a protective , support material to the rear of the alloy film .