Photovoltaic device with a polymeric mat and method of making the same
AssigneeBP Corporation North America Inc.
InventorsZHIYONG XIA, Daniel W. Cunningham, John H. Wohlgemuth
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Abstract
This invention relates to a photovoltaic device with a polymeric mat and a method of making a photovoltaic device with a polymeric mat. The photovoltaic device includes a transparent layer for receiving solar energy, and at least one photovoltaic cell disposed below the transparent layer. The photovoltaic device also includes a polymeric mat disposed below the at least one photovoltaic cell, and a backsheet disposed below the polymeric mat. The photovoltaic device also includes an encapsulant bonding the transparent layer, the at least one photovoltaic cell, the polymeric mat, and the backsheet.
Claims20
A photovoltaic device for converting solar energy into electricity, the photovoltaic device comprising:
- a transparent layer for receiving solar energy;
- at least one photovoltaic cell disposed below the transparent layer;
- a polymeric mat disposed below the at least one photovoltaic cell;
- a backsheet disposed below the polymeric mat;
- and
- an encapsulant bonding the transparent layer, the at least one photovoltaic cell, the polymeric mat, and the backsheet.
A process for making a photovoltaic device, the process comprising:
- providing a transparent layer;
- placing a first sheet of encapsulant over at least a portion of the transparent layer;
- placing at least one photovoltaic cell over the first sheet of encapsulant material;
- placing a polymeric mat over the at least one photovoltaic cell;
- placing a second sheet of encapsulant over the at least one photovoltaic cell;
- placing a backsheet over the second sheet of encapsulant material;
- and
- laminating the photovoltaic device for a sufficient time and a sufficient temperature for sufficient bonding of the first sheet and the second sheet.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.