Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090283137 | SOLAR-CELL MODULE WITH IN-LAMINATE DIODES AND EXTERNAL-CONNECTION MECHANISMS MOUNTED TO RESPECTIVE EDGE REGIONS - A solar-cell module. The solar-cell module includes a plurality of solar cells that are electrically coupled together. The solar-cell module further includes an in-laminate-diode assembly electrically coupled with the plurality of solar cells. The in-laminate-diode assembly is configured to prevent power loss. The solar-cell module also includes a protective structure at least partially encapsulating the plurality of solar cells. In addition, the solar-cell module includes a plurality of external-connection mechanisms mounted to a respective plurality of edge regions of the protective structure. An external-connection mechanism of the plurality of external-connection mechanisms is configured to enable collection of current from the plurality of solar cells and to allow interconnection with at least one other external device. | 11-19-2009 |
20100071756 | ISOLATED METALLIC FLEXIBLE BACK SHEET FOR SOLAR MODULE ENCAPSULATION - Provided are novel back sheets for solar module encapsulation. According to various embodiments, the back sheets are ungrounded and flexible. In certain embodiments, the back sheets include an integrated flexible and electrically isolated moisture barrier and a seal around the edge of the moisture barrier. The electrically isolated moisture barrier may be a thin metallic sheet, e.g., an aluminum foil. The electrically isolated, flexible moisture barrier eliminates the need for grounding. | 03-25-2010 |
20100071757 | ISOLATED METALLIC FLEXIBLE BACK SHEET FOR SOLAR MODULE ENCAPSULATION - Provided are novel back sheets for solar module encapsulation. According to various embodiments, the back sheets are ungrounded and flexible. In certain embodiments, the back sheets include an integrated flexible and electrically isolated moisture barrier. The electrically isolated moisture barrier may be a thin metallic sheet, e.g., an aluminum foil. The electrically isolated, flexible moisture barrier eliminates the need for grounding. | 03-25-2010 |
20110139224 | ORIENTED REINFORCEMENT FOR FRAMELESS SOLAR MODULES - A frameless photovoltaic module retains the required load rating by incorporation of an oriented fibrous reinforcement (e.g., fibers, scrim or mesh) in the back side encapsulant, in the back sheet, or as a separate sheet between the encapsulant and the back sheet to increase the overall stiffness of the module. The reinforcement is compatible with the materials around it, in particular having good wet out, and may be freestanding or anchored to outer edges of the module, for example to the front glass, by means of an adhesive in order to further enhance the stiffness conferred to the module. | 06-16-2011 |
20110192448 | SOLAR-CELL MODULE WITH IN-LAMINATE DIODES AND EXTERNAL-CONNECTION MECHANISMS MOUNTED TO RESPECTIVE EDGE REGIONS - A solar-cell module. The solar-cell module includes a plurality of solar cells that are electrically coupled together. The solar-cell module further includes an in-laminate-diode assembly electrically coupled with the plurality of solar cells. The in-laminate-diode assembly is configured to prevent power loss. The solar-cell module also includes a protective structure at least partially encapsulating the plurality of solar cells. In addition, the solar-cell module includes a plurality of external-connection mechanisms mounted to a respective plurality of edge regions of the protective structure. An external-connection mechanism of the plurality of external-connection mechanisms is configured to enable collection of current from the plurality of solar cells and to allow interconnection with at least one other external device. | 08-11-2011 |
20110214716 | ISOLATED METALLIC FLEXIBLE BACK SHEET FOR SOLAR MODULE ENCAPSULATION - Provided are novel solar modules including electrically isolated moisture barriers. According to various embodiments, the solar modules include two distinct seals: one to electrically isolate the moisture barrier and one to protect photovoltaic cells of the module. Also provided are novel back sheets for solar module encapsulation, and novel solar modules including such back sheets. According to various embodiments, the back sheets are ungrounded and flexible. In certain embodiments, the back sheets include an integrated flexible and electrically isolated moisture barrier. The electrically isolated moisture barrier may be a thin metallic sheet, e.g., an aluminum foil. The electrically isolated, flexible moisture barrier eliminates the need for grounding. | 09-08-2011 |
20110315206 | Protective Layers for a Glass Barrier in a Photovoltaic Device - A photovoltaic device includes at least one photovoltaic cell, a flexible glass layer formed over the at least one photovoltaic cell, and a transparent planarizing hardcoat formed on the glass layer. The planarizing hardcoat may be in compressive stress and the glass layer may be in tension. | 12-29-2011 |
20110315207 | PROTECTIVE LAYERS FOR A GLASS BARRIER IN A PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICE - A photovoltaic device includes at least one photovoltaic cell and a flexible glass layer formed over the at least one photovoltaic cell. The flexible glass layer having a first major surface facing the at least one photovoltaic cell and a second major surface facing away from the at least one photovoltaic cell. A first encapsulant layer is formed over the first major surface of the flexible glass layer, the first encapsulant layer having a modulus of less than 100 MPa at room temperature. A second encapsulant layer is formed over the second major surface of the flexible glass layer, the second encapsulant layer includes a composite material including a polymer matrix containing a filler material. | 12-29-2011 |
20110315208 | Protective Layers for a Glass Barrier in a Photovoltaic Device - A photovoltaic device includes at least one photovoltaic cell, a flexible glass layer formed over the at least one photovoltaic cell and a transparent and abrasion resistant film which includes an organic-inorganic hybrid material formed over the glass layer. | 12-29-2011 |
20110315222 | ENERGY ABSORBING LAYER FOR A PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICE - A photovoltaic device, including at least one photovoltaic cell, a flexible transparent layer formed over the at least one photovoltaic cell, a first encapsulant layer formed over a first major surface of the flexible transparent layer facing the at least one photovoltaic cell and a second encapsulant layer formed over a second major surface of the flexible transparent layer facing away from the at least one photovoltaic cell. The second encapsulant layer is made of a shear thickening polymer. | 12-29-2011 |
20120080065 | Thin Film Photovoltaic Modules with Structural Bonds - Provided are novel photovoltaic module structures and related fabrication techniques. According to various embodiments, the structures include a structural bond related between two sealing sheets of the photovoltaic module configured to support one sealing sheet with respect to the other and, in certain embodiments, to support photovoltaic cells with respect to both sealing sheets. In certain embodiments, a photovoltaic module is fabricated without a back encapsulant layer, and the back sealing sheet is supported by the structural bond. The structural bond may also be used as a moisture barrier in addition or instead of an edge seal. The structural bond material can include a silicone-based polymer, which provides good adhesive and UV resistance properties. The structural bond may be formed by a structural bonding material that is dispensed around the photovoltaic cells. | 04-05-2012 |
20120097207 | RETAINERS FOR ATTACHING PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES TO MOUNTING STRUCTURES - Provided are photovoltaic module assemblies configured for improved installation. The assemblies include frameless photovoltaic modules and retainers for supporting the modules on mounting structures. The retainers support the modules at least during cure of adhesive materials provided between the modules and the mounting structures. Once cured, the adhesive materials provide permanent support to the modules. The retainers may interlock with the mounting structures during installation or be integral components of the structures. In certain embodiments, retainers are used to control a gap between the modules and mounting structures. Retainers may be removable and collected after installation is completed. Alternatively, retainers may remain as parts of assemblies at least during some initial period. Retainers may be made from various degradable materials, such as biodegradable plastics, UV degradable plastics, and/or water soluble materials. Provided also are methods for installing frameless photovoltaic modules on mounting structures. | 04-26-2012 |
20120138117 | THERMOPLASTIC WIRE NETWORK SUPPORT FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS - Provided are novel methods of fabricating photovoltaic modules using thermoplastic materials to support wire networks to surfaces of photovoltaic cells. A thermoplastic material goes through a molten state during module fabrication to distribute the material near the wire-cell surface interface. In certain embodiments, a thermoplastic material is provided as a melt and coated over a cell surface, with a wire network positioned over this surface. In other embodiments, a thermoplastic material is provided as a part of an interconnect assembly together with a wire network and is melted during one of the later operations. In certain embodiments, a thermoplastic material is provided as a shell over individual wires of the wire network. A thermoplastic material is then solidified, at which point it may be relied on to support the interconnect assembly with respect to the cell. Also provided are novel photovoltaic module structures that include thermoplastic materials used for support. | 06-07-2012 |
20140305495 | FLEXIBLE PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES HAVING JUNCTION BOX SUPPORTING FLAPS - Provided are flexible photovoltaic modules having flaps for supporting junction boxes. Junction boxes are used for making electrical connections to photovoltaic cells sealed inside the modules. A flap may be formed by one or two flexible sealing sheets extending beyond the boundary of the photovoltaic cells. A junction box is attached to the front surface of the flap. In certain embodiments, a flap is formed by one sealing sheet, such as a back side sheet. Materials of the back side sheet may be different from materials of the front side sheet and be selected to ensure support to the junction box. Additional support to the junction box may be provided by extending one of its edges in between the two sealing sheets. This edge extension or other features may be used for mechanical protection of electrical leads extending between the junction box and photovoltaic cells. | 10-16-2014 |