Methods include providing an expanded metal article configured as a mesh. The expanded metal article has a plurality of cuts in the mesh and has a surface comprising a plurality of solder pads. A semiconductor material is provided, having a back surface comprising a plurality of silver pads. A front surface of the semiconductor material serves as a light-incident surface of the photovoltaic cell. A front metallic article is provided, the front metallic article comprising a plurality of electroformed elements interconnected to form a unitary, free-standing piece comprising a continuous grid. The continuous grid of the front metallic article is electrically coupled with the front surface of the semiconductor material. The plurality of cuts of the expanded metal article is arranged to relieve stresses induced by the front metallic article on the front surface of the semiconductor material.